Tuesday, July 23rd: Yesterday was a low key day with a couple short strolls in new neighborhoods to us. The day started out cool and cloudy but eventually cleared.
We ventured out for breakfast toward Islington, finding the quaint Chapel Market Street, full of small little shops, fruit stands, a Turkish barber, and a "locals" cafe. I enjoyed a "set breakfast" that took about 3 minutes to prepare and included one egg, one sausage, 2 strips of bacon, chips (what we know as French fries), beans and toast. Betsy described the operation as a tight ship. Lots of construction workers came in for their mid-morning break and several old guys were served "their usual." It was not a place many tourists would find.
While it was a street, vehicles were mostly restricted.
After breakfast, we went into the Finsbury area, specially to the Sadler's Wells Theatre and the Spa Green Garden. The theatre is about the fifth or more incarnation, dating back to the 17th century, and is now specializing in modern dance. And they are starting a new season of shows on August 1st with A Chorus Line. Across the street and down from the theatre is Spa Green Garden, a strip of park with a memorial to the Finbury Borough War Memorial (WWI flying corps and others).
Sadler's Wells Theater.
After a break, we ventured out in search of the Shoreditch Murals (aka Street Art). We took the Underground to near Spitalfields and its famous market. It was once a meat market and we had visited it many years ago when it was full of dead animals and blood on the floor. It has been completely redeveloped as an upscale market selling typical but attractive fare (clothing, jewelry, leather goods, and assorted crafted tchotchkes) surrounded by trendy cafes, coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants.
On the way from the Underground Station to the market, we passed by this unusual building, seemingly braced for earthquakes.
A view of the Gerkin building.
We found some street art, after a short break for pastries and a coffee. Here is the art we saw:
Entrance to Spitalfields Market.
An example of the many elephant statues around the market commemorating orphan elephants.
The first of maybe the official Shoreditch Murals (i.e., we had left the Spitalfields area and crossed north into Shoreditch).
Outside the Bull in a China Shop shop.
Another unusual access cover, that Betsy spotted.
The art'otel which reminds me of the twisted cables.
An optical illusion building on our way back to a subway station west of Shoreditch. It's hard to tell in the photo but none of the windows are normal right-angles.
We supped at Lucas Arms Pub and retired.
Fun! cg
ReplyDeletein 2017, I was in London for 2 weeks with my 17 year old granddaughter Ellie and her other grandmother Jody (the trip was Ellie's idea and she payed her own way). We saw a lot, but not some of the areas you are now describing. It is fun to see the London we didn't see and see and read your pictures and commentary.
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