I’ve returned from London after an enjoyable weekend up there. You can view the photos from my trip over at the english-blogs.com photo album.
The flats pictured there are part of the building I stayed in. They are a group of flats in Chelsea, which is a part of London known for ‘high-society’ living.
The area is expensive and I could not afford to visit any of the restaurants there! The streets surrounding the flats are littered with all manner of small boutique-like shops, selling expensive fashion items such as dress and formal wear or jewellery.
Fortunately the underground system in London (a system of trains that connect parts of the city under the ground) is very easy to use and efficient enough so that getting from one place to another is both inexpensive and hassle free.
There are terrace areas owned by a local pub that allow you a great view of the goings on beneath you in the square. Most days, happy punters watch a man balance a bucket of water over his person or walk over some unsuspecting innocents, or somesuch similar spectacle.
If you don’t enjoy being accosted by strangers then Covent Garden Market is not the place for you.
As soon as you step off the tube (the underground tube is the best way of getting there from afar) you will be surrounded by performers and public.
Many people use the area as a go-between for travelling from one street to another, so the area gets additional foot traffic. It’s also a popular place to stop for a quick lunch as you can listen to opera or perhaps a string quartet while munching happily on a sandwhich before returning to work.
For a modest sum you can even have a skilled artist paint your portrait, or even a comedy version such as a charicature. If you enjoy the talent of a performer the option is always there to throw some spare coins into their hat – a way of keeping street performance alive and showing your appreciation for the effort.
Covent Garden Market is a must-see for any first time visit to London.