The suburb of Greenwich is among the most fascinating spots we visited. It was quite the sentimental touch to walk through the park and up the hill as a group. Even more sentimental and mesmerizing was the view from the top. The city that we had all so instantaneously fell in love with was presented in a panoramic picture before us. Everything from the cell tower near the hotel, to a sculpture in arms reach was pristine, and right in front of us. Back down the hill towards Greenwich Market is where the fun really started. Instead of purchasing things immediately I preferred to get a drink first. Almost directly in the center stood an all-wooden pub, the shops and shoppers themselves acted as a barrier around it. This was my favorite place to people watch, people hear, and relax.
Camden may have actually done it, but if it weren't for that, the market that we experienced on Portobello Road was my favorite. I had genuinely never experienced anything like it. Sure, I have been to the occasional street fair or subtle antique setup, but not one that stretched for miles. Food was the obvious first step, but being that the selection ranged from South Korea to Spain, it was difficult to make a decision. Nevertheless, I was in heaven, and ultimately decided on a gourmet grilled cheese, three times the size of the ones I'd been used to eating. After that my small group and I ventured into the vintage clothing section, that persisted for what seemed like an infinity. On the walls of nearly every building were the most intricate portraits and murals, once again, nothing like I had ever seen. One of them even replaced The Usual Suspects movie cover with famous pop culture icons (see gallery). I bought two photographs from an award-winning, and London Times attributed photographer. I thought I'd save one as a gift, but they were so unique, I needed them both for myself. So much was contained in such little space and it blew my mind. The best part: the food stands, shops, and all that was the market, closed up shop, and moved to a different location the very next day.
On my first day in London I had been sleep-deprived and jetlagged beyond belief. Yet, nothing stopped me from craving a pint/beer at the nearest pub/bar. I got my first taste of the pub culture in London at College Arms, no more than two blocks away from the hotel. The friends I had invited to accompany me decided to go rest, but that didn't stop me from making new ones. Within minutes (as I've been proven to), I was immersed in full on sports chatter with the staff. The manager, Danny, was particularly interesting to talk to. I'd actually end up going back to visit her several times just to say hi and have a smoke. Anyway, after discussing who would win the Premier League for at least a half hour with some locals, six girls from school meandered in. And then we got to talking...each with different drinks, from apple juice to whiskey. It fascinated me that I was in full acceptance of a trip for a drink alone, and then ended up around so many people, so quickly. "When one door closes...another door opens." I thought about these couple hours many times as winter-term commenced, and doing so aloud me to respect and accept people more than ever before.
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