Another weekend of exploring
This past weekend was full of new experiences, but then again, every weekend is full of something new. One adventure that I started with early on Saturday morning was trying to find a particular family friend in Acton. I had an address and knew to take the bus, but I took the bus too far. After getting off and finding my way, I was on the right track. We had a nice lunch and caught up. Then I found my way to Primark, which is the Wal-Mart of London: cheap clothes, shoes and accessories draw the entire population of London to the store on a Saturday. It was a less than desirable shopping experience, but I was able to get a couple of inexpensive tops.
Sunday was fairly low-key and extremely fun. We explored the Shoreditch area, which is an up and coming area that is very popular with a young crowd (has been compared to the Meatpacking District of New York). After getting off the tube stop, we checked out some Banksy graffiti. He is a graffiti artist that is really popular around the London, but very few people know his identity. However, many of his works have been covered up because it’s graffiti…even though it’s really cool, if the population allows some graffiti to stay, then it will give other graffiti “artists” ideas and permission to tag buildings.
After walking past art galleries, down brick lane and through some vintage stores, we hit up the Sunday Up market. I could smell the market from a block away and when I got in there, I saw all types of international cuisine. Since I had already eaten a salt beef sandwich, I will have to go back when I am hungry. There were all types of artists showing handmade jewelry, printed shirts and other types of creative works. It was well worth the trip, even in the rain.