Since we last wrote we have entertained ourselves in London on the weekends. We have visited the Borough Markets, which is a sort of farmer’s market right in the heart of London, quite near London Bridge actually. They are very busy but worth it as the food is delicious. That same weekend we visited Kensington High Street to shop a little for some much warmer winter coats – but alas despite the abundance of ski and outdoor shops we didn’t get any.
One Sunday we paid a visit to the much touted Madame Tussauds that was we must say definitely not worth the 1 hour wait in the queue (or the £25 entry fee each). Sure the wax models were interesting, but the place was jam packed with people, and the wax works being only a small part was supplemented by a lousy ride, a very average planetarium show and a massive touristy shop. That same afternoon we went to the National Portrait Gallery, which was definitely worth the visit – and its free entry.
The following weekend we finally made it down to Notting Hill’s famous Portobello road street market. It was really good, lots to see and buy for sure. The market is about 8km long – and takes about 4 hours to dawdle the length of it, which we did. It starts with lots of antiques, then moves to food, clothes, bits & pieces, more food, then vintage then bric-a-brac. I picked up a great pair of real vintage leather boots too.
Last weekend it was bright and sunny so we went for a wander up to Hampstead Heath, which is quite large. It’s a bit grey as most of the trees are still lacking leaves, but we will visit again in the summer. We also visited the London Transport museums annual depot opening and miniature show, but after much drama in trying to get there (both tube lines going that way were down and we had to catch a very slow bus) it really was quite dull.
We visited a comedy club and watched a very funny group of hopefuls in the final judging for the Montreal Comedy Festival (Just for laughs) – well worth seeing. Also Mark went down and picked up some cheaper tickets to see The Producers musical at the Theatre Royal. We actually got great seats, 2 rows from the front, so a bird’s eye view. The show was brilliant – really funny and lively.
This weekend we don’t plan on doing much, as yesterday I didn’t go to work as have an awful cold. Though this weekend it is Crufts (the famous dog show) in Birmingham, so very much tossing up if I could make it that far, but not likely. But on the job front, it is good news for Mark who has a job starting on Monday for City and Guilds (like TAFE), so no more sleeping in for him.
