Portobello and More

As I type, I am sitting at Chiltern’s bar, drinking a glass of free sparkling rose (Thank you, Sandra!) and eating a number of delicious small plates (my favorite type of meal). So you could say it’s been a good start to the night. But, what I am really here to talk about is the day.

After an easy flight from JFK, I arrived to Chiltern Firehouse - quickly checked in - and began what I thought would be a leisurely start to my time in London.

Well, 10 miles of walking - and one spontaneous rainstorm later - here I am finally eating my first meal.

In all of my many trips to London, I have never stepped foot in Notting Hill. It has always been a goal of mine to experience the craziness of Portobello Road on a Saturday and this morning I decided today would be the day. However, as I began my walk from Marylebone, I realized I would be on the edge of Hyde Park (one of my favorite places when I studied abroad) and Kensington Palace. “It might be nice to stop by,” I thought to myself - and then I quickly remembered that today was the 22nd anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, so I made it a priority.

I walked through Hyde Park, rented a bike to ride to Kensington Palace, observed the many people paying tribute to this exceptional woman, had a moment of reflection in the gardens and then headed on to Portobello Road.

Portobello was quaint, colorful and - of course - spoke to my antique loving heart. Though, don’t get me wrong, it was quite crowded. I browsed a lot, bought a pair of 1930’s earrings and took it all in. All of this, admittedly, a little bit hurried because I had a facial scheduled at 3PM (priorities!).

And now, here I am - shiny face and all, getting ready to start an exciting Saturday night. It is either going to be tons of fun or an epic fail - which means it should make for a good story.

Espresso time!