We managed to stay awake until 9pm last night, and then fell asleep soundly. We awoke a good 12 hours later. 9 am might be lated for the locals, but that is 4 am Montreal time. However, we felt well rested, fresh, and most importantly almost in sync with London time.
Our first task for the day, was to discover the local grocery store, and get some basic groceries for the week. A short walk through a small neighborhood path, led us to the corner store. Small but well stocked for our basic supplies, and sl close by.
In our apartment was a good foldout map of the bus routes for Central London, but our place was just off the map. We were told that 7, 70 and 316 buses were very close by, but I was not sure exactly where. The morning walk to the grocery store was fortuitous, as we found the bus stop for the 7 and 70 buses.
My original plan for the day was to head towards Westminster, the heart of typical London. However I came across a section talking about the East End and the Sunday Markets. The 23 bus, which I knew stopped at the nearby Underground station meandered through town and ended its route at Liverpool Street, in the East End.
One should be flexible in planning, and this change was well worth it.
The 23 bus is a double decker bus, so we headed up top and grabbed a seat. While the day had started off partly cloudly with a low chance of rain, it started to rain as we entered the bus. Soon it poured, and I made a note to myself to consider multiple plans, with options in case of rain.
We will no doubt take the tube, and underground travel is usually the quickest here, or in any other city, but if you can, always try and use the bus. What sights are to be seen in tunnels?
While it rained, we watched the changing vistas that unfolded before us. We got to the corner of Hyde Park, went along the shopping streets that Hera used to tour when she was in the fashion industry, to Piccadilly Circus, the equivalent of New York's time Square, with Theatres, flashing adds, and high end shopping. The bus the continues it way along the picturesque streets of London, passing by Trafalgar Square with Lord Nelson's Column, spying the Mullenium Bridge down a street, as the bus made its way to St.Paul's Cathedral, and then finally terminated at Liverpool Street.
Liverpool Station is a bustling station, but one of the unfortunate ones that was bombed during the London Bombings a few years ago.
This neighborhood has a surprisingly old history that dates back to Roman times when it was the burial site for the Roman city of Londinium. In 1197 it became the site of the priory "The New Hospital of St. Mary without Bishopgate." Later it was know as St. Mary Spital, and it became one of the largest medieval hospitals in England. At one point, they leased land to the longbow, crossbow and gunners (artillery), hence the names of some streets like Artillary Lane.
Henry the Eight dissolved the priory and hospital, but soon the Huguenots (French Protestants) who were expelled from France sought refuge here, bringing their silk talents making this the center for silk in England. King Charles II granted a silk thrower, John Balch a Royal Charter to hold a market on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Later Jews sought refuge from the pograms of Eastern Europe, bringing with them their culture and cuisine. Reading a historical note on the street, it mentioned how they brought their Jewish method of battering and frying fish, and married it with the local chips, to make.... Fish and Chips!
The Spitalfields Market here is defintely worth a visit, especially on Sundays when the market is in full gear filled with stalls and eateries. This is also the area of Jack the Ripper. The Ten Bells Pub, the hangout of one of Jack's ladies is here along with Christ Church.
This is also the neighborhood of London's Bangladeshi community. This is a place to eat! While wonderful restaurants line the streets, on Sundays, food stalls also abound. And near the end of the day, they drop their prices even further. We entered a food court filled with food stalls, each with thier own unique foods. From Ethiopian to Mexican, Chinese and Japanese, even a Turkish-Indian fusion stall.
For 2 and a 1/2 pounds we selected two different and delicious Ethiopian plates that were loaded with a variety of foods. Filled, we meandered a bit, and a girl at a Thai stalled enticed us to sample her food. It was delicious, so we split another coconut-Thai chicken plate for another 3 pounds.
Just a bit further, the area opens up to an eclectic street scene. A great place to people watch. One girl walking arm in arm with another girl sported a delicate tatoo on her legs that looked like fine laced stockings. And the contrast with the Muslim neighboorhood just steps away, with women fully clothed is a sight to behold. We also sampled a delicious honey covered treat.
We meandered about the narrow lanes and streets, and thought of the Industrial Revolution. Oliver Twist and jack the Ripper.
Getting late, we got back onto our bus 23 to make our way back home. We went up top, and grabbed two front seats. While I had considered getting off at Piccadilly Circus for a pint of beer, Hera was having a blast shooting photo after photo trhough the smeared glass window of the bus.
Home, we relaxed. Me with a beer, and Hera with a glass of wine.
Cheers,
Hera & Anthony
