Camden anytime

I do not care that it’s raining. In London you get used to the rain as in Romania you get used to the sound of horns in traffic. I try to avoid the crowds while making my way towards the exit of the subway. Before starting to climb the stairs I hear the omnipresent “Doors closing. Mind the closing doors! ” behind me. You hear it in every station, all the time. Either into the metro speakers or from the employees of the TFL, these words are automatically repeated. Oh, and “Mind the gap! ” as well.  After a while they will sound obsessively in your head 🙁 . But hey, if you’re just passing through London and do not get to be bombarded daily by these words, you can always buy a T-shirt imprinted Mind the gap! There are everywhere for sale in the souvenir shops, including Camden.

On the street, people pass in a rush. Some are going to work, some to the covered markets crowded with shops and pubs. Just like me. Camden, with its colourful buildings, lively nightlife and some of the inhabitants bizarre fashion outfits is perfect when you want a break from the monotony of the day.

I try my best not to stare. Cyborgs, witches, Mad Max fans and more people whose hair varies from bright pink to blue and green are passing by.  I would really like to photograph some of them but I restrain myself. For them nothing in this coloured universe differs from normal. It is only me that is still adjusting to London. There have been only 30 days since I arrived in the city. I have yet to catch up with all the aspects of everyday life.

I turn left to Camden Lock. At the entrance I am greeted by the food stalls. It smells so good that I already feeling dizzy. Behind the steaming pots sellers are calling me to taste.  They are all talking in the same time, gesticulating, alluring you to sample bits of spicy chicken or pork, Thai noodles, sweets. So I retire two meters further back to assess the situation.  At the end I take on some Japanese cuisine, a very unhealthy chocolate, strawberry and banana pancake (Click here to see the video) and go sit quietly on a bench. Never mind that I had eaten before.  I cannot resist the temptation 🙂 .

Camden Lock is spread over two levels, divided into shops with clothes, accessories and handmade items by local artists. From handbags, paintings, jewellery, candles, etc. surely you have plenty to buy, especially when you’re looking for unique objects.

My favourite place, however, is the Stables Market, 5 minutes away from Camden Lock.  The former stables were converted and since 1854 the market offers vintage clothes and handmade items. I love the bronze horses that guard the entrance. And the shop with hand-painted baskets. It costs £ 25 and you can customize them on the spot (it takes up to 20 minutes for your design to be painted on). Altogether, 2 hours later, I slowly return to the metro. Before crossing the street, my eyes wonder on a shirt in the window of the last store:  Mind the Gap ..Yes,  yes .. will do ..

So here is my recommendation for a rainy day > start a walk along the Regent canal, a few drops of water won’t kill you.  Enjoy the beautiful buildings from whose facade dragons appear, graffiti and 3D carvings. Enter one of the pubs and listen to live music while you warm yourself a little. Go through Camden Lock and eat a sweet & spicy portion of chicken, I guarantee you no longer feel the cold.

Remember: you can always go to Camden for shops and markets but it is better to arrive there before 4.30 pm. In the evenings you will find open just pubs and clubs.

This post is also available in: Romanian