Today we set
out to see some of East London as we previously hadn’t got in amongst it there
a whole lot. Tube to Whitechapel where we exited to blue sky, sunshine and a
commanding view of The Royal London Hospital before wandering the street
markets marvelling at the fabulous saris and materials for sale, extensive
range of fruit and vegetables (some of which we hadn’t even seen in SE Asia),
alongside stalls selling anything you could ever need or want + some things you
probably wouldn’t!
We were on
the hunt for new carry-on luggage as our backpacks both have ongoing zip issues
and did not seem large enough to cram in all we would need to on the way home.
After wandering for some time along Whitechapel we happened upon the
Whitechapel Church Bell Foundry which was established in 1570! All this before
diverting down Brick Lane to soak up some history and culture, as well as
grabbing a bite to eat..HOT chilli sauce included. Carrying on past mosque and
graf we emerged at Spitafields Market which though being well above our price
range definitely had some interesting history and was still adorned with lights
and looking festive.
Carrying on
back down Whitechapel we discovered a street covered in stencil, graf and sketches. Very cool – many photos
later we carried on in our search for new bags...
Eventually
in Petticoat Lane Market we found Rose
Luggage who fit our bill. It took us an age comparing styles, wheels/no
wheels, size and all the other factors but we left there with a new carry on
each – success!
With our
task of the day accomplished we ‘followed our noses’ past Aldgate tube station,
nearing the Gherkin yet again, past Fenchurch Street Station (echoes of
Monopoly) and towards Tate Modern. Time had passed by this stage and once again
we left the Tate for tomorrow in order to really give it the time it deserved.
Instead we
headed for The Monument. Passed many times on our London wanderings we didn’t
know what it was in memory of or really what it was for. Arriving as the light
was starting to fade we missioned it up the 311 steps to a view over London
that was beautiful! Still enough light to see landmarks, locations and
buildings but the lights of the city had begun to turn on too. Lovely.
The Monument
itself is in memory of the fire of London, all those who died and all the
landmarks, public institutions, businesses and homes that were destroyed. While
up at the top (in the biting wind) we met two fellow Kiwis (Dale & Nicky)
and ended up chatting with them until well after dark! After descending the 311
steps to be presented with a certificate at the bottom – a surprise – we then
headed out in search of a nearby pub to share a beverage with the Kiwis. The Banker is a pub by the Thames we spotted on earlier
ramblings and have been keen to visit, unfortunately it was closed when we
arrived. We parted ways at the bus stop before us two caught the tube home to
Maida Vale, stopping briefly at the supermarket to grab a few supplies for
dinner. Weary after our walking East London we relaxed on the couch until sleep
called us.
