Notting Hill was next on our London list, for the famous Portobello Road Market and the setting for the movie “Notting Hill,” starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. I’d never seen the movie, but I visited the famous bookstore and saw the “Blue Door,” that marked Hugh Grant’s apartment in the movie. Lots of people were having their photo taken in front of that door. Must be interesting for those who actually live or work there. (Yes, I did watch the movie when I returned home. Cute.)

The Portobello Market reminded me of Canton First Monday Trade Days with its many food and merchandise vendors. You can get almost any kind of food there, and the merchandise ranges from new clothing to vintage clothing to antiques to art to vintage tchotchkes. I had to restrain myself because I only had a carry-on suitcase for the flight home. The market itself extends down Portobello Road and onto various side roads. We didn’t see the whole thing.

I did end up purchasing two linen dresses as a defense against the relentless heat, though. Italian linen, the tags said. Whatever. The price was right, and I needed cooler clothes. I also picked up a cute straw hat to help keep my noggin cool. We also stopped at a tiny corner ice cream shop to get a cool treat, and it was delicious in that heat. I bought a root beer float and was surprised when the server added ice. Later, I was glad there was ice to enjoy when the drink was gone.

We soon left there and headed to Abbey Road, where I got to walk THE crosswalk made famous on the Beatles’ Abbey Road album in 1969. You can’t go inside the studio, but getting photos on the crosswalk, seeing the graffiti on the signs around the studio, and shopping in the gift shop was SO worth it. I wanted everything in the shop! But I settled on a tee shirt, a flat wallet, an ornament, and a patch.

Next on our agenda that day was Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross station, made famous in the Harry Potter movies. They have a sign and a loaded shopping cart halfway through a column, and kids stand in line to pretend they are passing through to the platform. Watching some kids holding onto their wands and the cart was fun. They were cute.

Of course, a Harry Potter store is open nearby, too, and it was filled to capacity with tourists. I picked up a few things, but then was told by an English lady that I was “terribly rude,” because apparently, I had broken in line to pay. If I had, I didn’t realize it, but she was not happy with me at all.

We were starving by then, so we opted for a nearby Five Guys hamburger, and that restaurant was crowded and NOT air-conditioned. The burgers, fries, and shakes filled our tummies for the Tube ride back to our neighborhood, and before we returned to the hotel, we stopped at a Greene King pub for drinks.

I couldn’t wait to hit the shower!

Have you been to London, or to Europe? I’d love to hear from you!

Stay tuned for the London Zoo!

XOXO