This Little Piggy Went to Market

Sorry for such a long break between posts, I know that you have all been hanging out for the next installment (humour me). I've had a cold and been trying to write an essay this week, so my time has not really been my own. But here we are now, all listening attentively? Good, then lets begin!

I want to begin by announcing my biases - I freaking love markets. I love eating greasy, yet delicious, food off stands; I love all the amazing crafty stuff that people make; I love the eclectic jewellery and clothes; I love all the fake tattoos and the henna; I love that you can get your future told; I love the lights and the colours and the people. Pretty much there is nothing I dislike about them. Which means London is perfect for me - it has some of the best markets out there, with everything you could ever want or need!

So begins my attempt to systematically see all of London's markets, starting with Borough Market, next to Southwark Cathedral. Southwark Cathedral is one of London's oldest churches, having existed for over 1400 years, and it has stained glass windows depicting scenes from Shakespeare's plays (as Shakespeare lived and had his plays performed not far from the cathedral).

But now on to the main attraction: Borough Market. It is one of the oldest markets in London, having existed since the medieval period. Now it lives under the railway tracks on the South Bank, meaning that every so often trains rattle across above your head, giving it the coolest atmosphere. But the atmosphere isn't the reason that people go to Borough Market - people go to Borough Market for the food. Any possible food that you can imagine, you can find it at Borough Market.

From the standard fruits and veges:

Check out the cute little carved pumpkin - did you guess I went right before Halloween!

to flowers:

The red ones right in the middle are actually chillis! Love it - grow your own chillies!

to seafood so fresh you can almost feel the sea breeze on your face:

and the most amazingly good juices that I have ever tasted - I'm pretty addicted to old fashioned lemonade, and this was like the nectar of the gods:

But the high point is THE CAKES- so many cakes, so much sugary goodness. Words cannot describe how many cakes there were and how good they looked - so here is a picture (worth 1000 words!):

Meringues, cupcakes and macaroons.

And to make you even more jealous, here is a picture of the ones that I got to eat:

That's a Danish, coffee and chocolate cake and chocolate brownie - in hindsight, the hot chocolate may have been foolish addition, but I couldn't resist!

If I could afford to be the size of small house, I would eat nothing else but these cakes. However, seeing as I can't quite cover the cost of the cakes and a whole new wardrobe, so I had to settle with sharing so that I could taste as many cakes as possible (thanks Megan and Liz!)!

Just to conclude, I'm gonna dedicate this post to one of my bestest friends, who fostered my love of markets!!