Let’s take a detour from me droning on about Central Europe as I’ve just got back from a whirlwind trip to the capital city.
Me and the bestest gal pal have been talking about a girly trip to Camden and its associated markets for years but never quite made it, until now.
So, men free, wine bottles in hand, cash cards at the ready and all thoughts of financial solvency cast to the four winds, we trundled off for a couple of nights in the big smoke.
Dropping the bags off at our base for the trip – the Tower Hill Travelodge – we first headed to the bastion of cheap consumerism (Oxford Street Primark) before enjoying a tasty meal at The Minories
But the main event was the quirky destination of Camden Town, with its tacky London souvenirs, Cannibis themed clothing / lighters / tea towels / bongs etc, goths, bovver boots and antiques.
Not to mention the moped seats, bunting, food from every corner of the globe, feather boas, carpets, wood carvings and nail art.
Basically it’s a tourist mecca crammed full of things to buy, stuff to eat and people to goggle at.
In the Stables market, antique mirrors and suitcases are cheek to jowl with retro record players, vintage clothing and boxes of old book pages. Naturally I have to check out the wares!
Colourful incense sticks, hippy tie dye and endless food stalls assail the senses and tempt the wallet. Head spinning neon and cyber punk sit side by side with Mexican tacos and Banksy wall art.
It’s all a little too much! We have to stop for a bite to eat and a rest from the relentless pace of Camden.
With a mind boggling array of cuisine to choose from though it’s not a straight forward process! There’s Mexican, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Lebanese, Italian and more.
Once we’ve scoured the Stables market we pop over to Camden Lock for a look at the moped seats and the canal.
I think they could make better use of the waters edge personally as it’s a bit run down and rather a lot of dodgy looking characters hanging about (not including us naturally).
Next on the tour we’re off for a posh meal at The Dickens Inn on St Katherine’s Dock, yet more markets on Portabello Lane and a sobering reminder of war at the Tower of London.