pricy ane? |
My parents visited Shoreditch a year or so ago and were amazed to find themselves usually being the oldest people there. Walking around, I could really see what they meant. It is a hub of young, arty types with beards. What was weirder to me, though, was the fact that this art hub was nestled right next to the City. You could turn a corner and go from graffiti'd lanes full of ironic jumpers to Suit Central.
One of the brilliant things about Shoreditch is the fact that there's always something to look at. Almost every building had something quirky about it, whether it was the design of the building itself or just street art of a giant cobra.
I am so hungry right now |
However, salt beef bagels are not the only thing worth a pilgrimage to Shoreditch for. Brick Lane is also the home of Dark Sugars, the ultimate chocolate shop. When you step in and are instantly breathing in pure chocolate with a hint of air, you know you're onto a winner. When their hot chocolates involve actually hacking off slivers from a lump of solid chocolate, it's a double win. Those hot chocolates are the stuff of dreams. They're practically a pudding. Needless to say, it's ruined hot chocolate for me forever and I will never be able to drink it from anywhere else again.
LOL |
We went to the Comedy Store on a Wednesday, which meant that it was the Comedy Store Players' night of improv. I had even less clue about improv, and wasn't really familiar with many of the players (clearly I don't listen to enough Radio 4, because my dad was). It requires audience participation (two words that would usually strike fear into my heart) but only a little bit, and only if you want to. The 'games' are all explained here. Needless to say, I had an amazing time, and part of this was because everyone - audience and performers - also seemed to be really enjoying themselves. The atmosphere played a big part in making it such a good night.
London is currently under construction |
The gardens themselves are unfortunately a sideline to the amazing view of London that you get from the vast windows, so most visitors are staring out rather than looking in. From there you can see St Paul's, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, as well as other assorted skyscrapers. Photos-wise, I am always amazed at the people who manage to get beautiful blue-sky photos, or stunning sunset shots.My photos are almost inevitably shades of grey, but I love London all the same.