I’ve a Feeling we’re not in Kensington Anymore

I ventured out of my posh little West London bubble yesterday to East London, specifically the Shoreditch neighborhood–not to be confused with “Shortage,” which is what I thought it was when British people say it. While probably not as famous as Camden Town, which I’ve yet to go to, the market on Brick Lane is probably one of my favorite London spots so far. Far grungier than where I live, Shoreditch is definitely not idyllic London, but its rock ’n’ roll vibes (less touristy than Camden, from what I’ve heard) are why I like it so much.  

Brick Lane is in a predominantly Bangladeshi neighborhood, known for its curry houses. The food stalls there (open Thursday-Sunday, 10am-6pm) are full of spicy smells of tandoori, falafel, dumplings, pad thai, and many other delicious street foods. The best part, however, wasn’t the food, but the endless stalls of vintage clothing, shoes, sunglasses, typewriters, etc…I could have spent a ton of money there I don’t have!

Luckily, I was wearing my high-waisted ’80s mom jeans, otherwise I wouldn’t have fit in with the ironically-dressed 20-somethings who think they’re too cool for you. (Sidenote: I don’t seem to fit in anywhere wearing my puffy winter coat (too American), but I refuse to suffer for fashion in a thin peacoat in Kensington or an acid-washed jean jacket in Shoreditch, no thank you, no matter how trendy.)

A thirty minute tube ride later to Green Park, and I was completely underdressed at the Wolseley hotel for afternoon tea with a friend. The dichotomy between these two Londons is so strange and I feel like I need a change of clothes to go from one to the other, or just get over myself (probably the latter). Zadie Smith’s novel NW captures these two Londons well, if you’re looking for a book recommendation.

As much as I enjoyed Paris last weekend, it is so fulfilling to continue exploring London on my long weekends. This week I’ll have been here a whole MONTH and I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. So maybe I’ll live here forever, who knows.

Also, my posts may start showing up on the AIFS blog this week, so feel free to check that out if you’re interested. Til next week!