London Street Style

My favorite all time activity in a new city is to walk...  to walk and discover the shops and parks, explore side streets and hidden alleys. I love to walk to find her secrets. Eventually, they are always revealed...

I love the bright doors, the old brick, the red telephone booths. Some of my favorite discoveries here in London are in the neighborhood of Marylebone, in particular, a shop called 'La Fromagerie'. You can imagine the delicatessens within... a separate cold room for cheeses, shelves of delicious jams and spreads, wonderful crackers and breads, fresh fruits and vegetables... and even some long tables to sit with a friend or a book and enjoy some savory foods and wine. This represents what I love about Europe... a boutique shop that encourages eating well, mingling with friends, and slowing down... what do you think, could Vancouverites handle it??

London Tube

First opening in 1863, the London Underground is quite a remarkable system, now having over 260 stations and 402km of track. Although I found it a bit disconcerting being so deep underground, I was also quite taken by the mazes of tunnels and stairs, many decorated in unique tile patterns. Originally, tile was used to help reflect the light from the gas burning lamps, and in some stations, the original tile work is mimicked. In other stations, and of course the newer ones, modern conveniences of escalators and elevators have replaced the winding staircases, the walls instead decorated with Hollywood movie and Theatre posters. I was more partial to the older style stations... the novelty of it all.