Wandering Columbia Road Flower Market

I was in Shoreditch last weekend catching up with family from Canada and I just had to take them to Columbia Road. It is one of my favourite places to spend Sunday mornings in London. You can find the market by following the trail of people leaving with huge flower bunches in brown paper bags and by the lovely scents that can be smelt from a fair distance. The market opens at about 8 AM and goes on it nearly 3PM. I found that some of the best bargains were found after 1PM when sellers are getting ready to pack up. Saying that, the flowers are very reasonably priced and there is so much to choose from. It is a sheer visual and olfactory delight and if you haven't already been, I'd thoroughly recommend a visit. Ann x

London Town: Go Exotic

London, though a 100 miles away, is less than an hour on the train from us. Its a fantastic place and we travel there often to catch a show, try out a new restaurant or just shop away. I also love its many markets. There is an awful lot to do in London and today I'll cover a few random things under the 'exotic' banner.

 

 1. Billingsgate Fish Market: Believe it or not, I feel very close to home and Mangalore when I'm at this place. The sheer variety and quantity of fish and the energy of the place is fascinating. You need to get here early as by 7AM all business gets wrapped up. Check out the website for more details.
 

 2. Archipelago: My friend Millie suggested this place for my birthday a few years ago and the experience was mind-blowing. The menu includes kangaroo, gnu, crocodile, wildebeest, scorpion, cricket and other insects. The food isn't cheap but the taster menu is good value.

 3. Mosob: If you fancy something East African, Mosob is your place. This quaint Eritrean restaurant at Westbourne Park introduces diners to the authentic Eritrean dining experience. The flood was good value and absolutely delicious. The highlight for us was the coffee ritual, Bunne, which may seem a bit pricey at £10 but is well worth it.
  

4. Chinese New Year: The celebrations in London for the Chinese New Year are apparently the largest outside Asia. It usually falls round January/February in accordance with the Chinese calendar. You will find lots of markets stalls selling chinese food, snacks, decoratuons and there is always plenty of music and dance. Its an experinece well worth it but wrap up warm!

5. Notting Hill Carnival: This carnival which takes place in West London during the August Bank Holiday is the largest festival of its kind in Europe. According to the organisers 'The Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe and originated in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions.' My friend Hina and I joined in the party a few years ago and boy was it fun! However, I do not recommed it if you can't stand crowds!