Covent Garden

Last Saturday we explored Covent Garden.  When Allie and I came to London last year on vacation, Felipe (one of my co-workers) brought us here at night after everything had closed up.  We then came back the following day and explored the market.  Covent Garden, the area underneath the Apple Market, is now a very touristy shopping area where you can pick up random trinkets like old phones, photos of London and many other random keep sakes.

I say it is now a touristy shopping area, because Covent Garden has been known as the Flower Market or Fruit and Vegetable Market for hundreds of years. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covent_Garden).  We particularly love this area because this is where Audrey Hepburn filmed My Fair Lady.  If you remember, she was the flower girl trying to sell her flowers to those passing by the market.  Knowing Audrey Hepburn was here was especially fun for little Audrey.

First, where is Covent Garden in comparison to home?

 

Covent Garden is definitely on the edge of the West End nearing the hipster East Side of London.  Due to the unique location, the crowds of people that converge here were all over the place.  Mostly, though, you'll find tourists just like us trying to experience a piece of London.

The narrow alleys that lead to the market are part of the fun.  You find yourself walking down little cobblestone roads with major retail brands on either side of you.  If you're really cool, you might shop at London's very own Ted Baker. (Not that this was meant for anybody... *cough Jeff cough*)

This blog is dedicated to you Jeff

 Next, was lunch.  Since we were here last year, they've managed to squeeze a Jamie Oliver restaurant into the middle of the Apple Market.  What's more British when it comes to British Food than Jamie Oliver?  Of course we had to go... (£29 for the two of us)

When in London, drink a pint.  It's a general rule of thumb.

Salmon for the gentleman. Pizza for the lady.  Per the norm.

Allie showing Audrey where daddy and mommy were last year for vacation. 

From there, it was time to walk around and explore the surroundings.  Also, we read somewhere there was a rad coffee shop nearby that we had to go to.  I do love me a good latte after a salmon filet.

Directly outside the Apple Market

We found this place from our tourist walking cards my sister bought me.  It is a quaint confectionery... Allie came out empty handed. :-(

The Royal Opera House aka Covent Garden.  At the moment they're doing Don Quixote. 

It's not the coolest photo as I forgot to get a picture inside the coffee shop.  It definitely was a rad coffee shop for the extremely hip.  They welcomed me with open arms and provided me with an amazing latte.

 We also got some amazing gelato from a place that was also recommended on our little tourist cards.  Unfortunately no pictures as I was extremely busy consuming my frozen dessert as quickly as possible.

So how does one end their day out and about?  Over sized Italian food.

Lastly, I do want to note we did most of our exploring with our new friends Justin and Dayna.  Justin works on the development team for CAKE and has recently moved to London to expand his team in Europe just like I am.  We've got a lot of traveling and exploring planned out and we're very excited to have fellow Americans with us in London.