Weekend...you go by so quickly.

We had a very busy and fun weekend!  Started off meeting at the local pub across the street, Shaw's Booksellers.  ALWAYS hopping during the week.  Because we live in the Financial District, Monday through Friday are the happening days/nights!  Just about everything is closed on the weekends except maybe a few coffee shops. We had a couple glasses of wine and headed out for a lovely dinner at Barbecoa Restaurant.  (Jamie Oliver and Adam Perry Lang's) I was hoping to get a glimpse of Jamie as he frequently comes in to cook....NO GO!

~Although we did meet John the butcher in the meat room.  Proof:

~Kevin with the wall of wines...  Oh!  Good God..

Then back in the hood!!!  Ahhh...and I really mean Good God!

~Saturday morning we ventured to West London to Portobello Road, as promised!  It was everything and MORE!  We arrived at about 10:00am and for the first hour we were in utter amazement!  The number of people roaming the streets was unreal!  First few stops were some swanky boutiques with some of the cutest dresses in the world!  I was definitely in "girly heaven!"  Did not purchase anything because I could not choose between the 9, actually 19 that I loved!  Not to mention Kevin was already looking antsy waiting outside on the street.  I thought it might be a good idea at that point to duck into the Duke Of Wellington Pub for a pint to calm his nerves.  Yup, mission accomplished!  We found a little table outside by a bunch of Christmas trees (smelled and looked delicious) and a street performer playing some nice soft jazz...THAT WAS THE TICKET!  Just bought me another couple of hours!

BUT, Sometimes I know EVERYTHING~

We continued along our merry way...indeed merry after a pint on an empty stomach so thought it would be best to grab a bite to eat.  SO many choices!!!  We decided to stop where some of the most delicious food was being prepared in giant paella pans on an open flame!  YUMMY!!!  The cute little guy from Ghana convinced us to try his native dish consisting of spicy peanut butter chicken, rice and a bunch of mix of greens, mushrooms and bean concoction!  OH, SO GOOD!  We ate and walked and were in our glory! 

Lush food.

More fun was yet to come!  The fur coats, hats and leather EVERYTHING was unbelievable!  The people watching was also quite entertaining!  People from every walk of life.  Saw a rather punk~hip looking young gal all dressed in leather with GIANT red patten leather stilettos sewn to her shoulders!  New style, I guess!?!?If you ask me, it looked like it could be a little painful. What some people do for fashion, or maybe attention!   It was also safe to say there was ALOT of money being thrown around the market as I saw many women with giant diamonds and furs.  And clearly had "some work done!"   OH!  Almost forgot the very cool Sewing Machine Shop:

                               ~Literally floor to ceiling sewing machines!

*Enter the vintage section of the market!!!  WOW!  Saw some of the coolest clothes ever!  Lots reminding me of my beloved Auntie Millie, who definitely invented the word "fashionista".  I purchased a few really cool vintage bow ties for my father and I know he's going to love them!  I believe one of them is hand~painted!  There were also some new, young designers sampling their stuff in the market with hopes of becoming discovered and be the "next big thing".  Another unique item, yet a bit cheep-o looking, Lego cuff links!  Guys were buying them like crazy.  As you can imagine, Kevin was not interested. Probably would not fly in the "Financial District"! 
I purchased some vintage silver jewelry for short money! Score!!!

Fast forward to about 3:00pm (Yes, my man was EXTREMELY patient) we got to the end of the Road (approx. 2 miles) and started working our way back.  We hit the food and veg vendors and bought TONS!!!  They were unloading their produce and we got GIANT bowls of green beans, brussel sprouts, peppers, onions, etc...for a pound!  We also got some of the best feta I've ever had (correction, THE BEST), tiny red and green peppers stuffed with feta soaked in evoo, baby calamata olives. Beautiful.  In retrospect, I think I enjoy GOOD food shopping best!!!

Breads~

Veg~

What a way to finish the day on Portobello Road!  It was indeed a great day!
Headed back home, too tired to cook and grabbed a bun less burger at a local place and went to bed at 8:00pm!
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~Sunday we had a nice breakfast at home (duck eggs and onion, pepper, spinach and feta omelets, courtesy of Port. Rd)  We then decided to walk to Covent Garden.  It is very similar to Quincy Market with lots of shops and food and entertainers in the square.  We walked around and window shopped and took in the sights. 






Oh so many places...so little time...

We went to the theatre district to check out the shows we might want to take in when the kids arrive.  SO many to choose from and SO very reasonable!  We'll let them decide!

We walked through Leicester Square, Soho, and Trafalgar Square.  We also went to the National Gallery.  One of the exhibitions had exceptionally beautiful paintings of Venice.  We certainly hope to make it there in the near future. 
Next week an artist will be delivering an unfinished painting of Trafalgar Square and when the display opens he will complete it in public, giving viewers an insight into the artist's working methods...interesting. 

  I plan on returning  to the Gallery for a special guided tour highlighting the story of the original Christmas.  The story of the Nativity has inspired artists to create some of the Gallery's most intimate images.  They promise to be very touching.
I am attending a "Talk and Create" workshop to make white wire angel decorations to display on the Gallery ceiling.  Kevin will not be in attendance as he "Talks and Creates" enough at work!

Took the River Thames route home and watched the sunset~  Quite the sight for sore eyes (AND feet)~


The London Eye and Big Ben

BREATHTAKING........

    * Today is what memories are made of.......

       * Tomorrow is another day............