traveltales: COVENT GARDENS

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

COVENT GARDENS

A Fun Place to Visit

Covent Garden was the next stop on our London agenda. How lucky can I be-- Monday was antique day! I found a couple of treasures I just couldn't do without!

Originally the area began as a garden market for the Westminster Abby monks. It grew into the largest wholesale produce market in England. A part of Covent Gardens still has cobblestone and old brick roads, now pedestrian walkways. The bricks laid to mark off the old stalls are still visible. It was easy to imagine what the area might have been in past years.

The wooden stalls have been passed down from generation to generation. Super markets exist of course, but Londoners still depend on the markets for their groceries as well as a bit of gossip.

During the day thousands of traders with their lorries would crowd the six-acre square. In 1974 the market was shut down and moved across the river and the new festive, lively Covent Garden Market built in its place has become a rag to riches transformation. One can browse the many antique and boutique shops or lunch in one of the outdoor cafés. The market’s long buildings are now divided into sections marked Jubilee, Apple, North Market etc.

I remarked to my friend, “Obviously this is a big tourist attraction so I doubt that we’ll find any bargains.” But I was wrong.

London’s shopkeeper reputation for disinterested service is a contrast to the street vendors' constant banter. Originally the cockney rhyme was a secret street language used to confuse police and it still is heard in the markets. However, I do find it difficult to understand. The city of London has been known as a city of markets ever since the first century when the Romans established a trading post they called Londoninium, a Celtic word meaning pool by hill.

We wandered in and out of many of the small shops, watched a mime and listened to some chamber music being played in the court area. It was great fun. No trip to London would be complete without at one visit here.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.