LONDON / WRAP UP FOR 2015 MARCH TRIP
Just wrapping up the last material images from our 2015 March London trip.
We went to an amazing Indian restaurant Dishoom to met up with our friend Ali, a graphic designer emigrated from Ohio who Michelle initially met in SF.
Just a sampling of some local drinks I purchased at Borough Market. The Williams Borthers Red Ale had a nice, solid red ale flavor (my preferred brew). The Kopparberg is a Swedish brand popular in UK for their ciders. The Mixed Berry is one of the few drinks Michelle enjoys and is a pretty great cider, not overly sweet like the more common Strawberry & Lime flavor. Lastly the Wild Raven by Thornbridge was a "Black IPA", something I hadn't come across until I was referred to it by the helpful vendor employee. Easily ended up being my favorite drink during the trip; dark and malty but not too hoppy. Definitely want to try to get that one again!
Here's a few car sightings. By now if you've seen any of the past London posts, you should know that Bentleys are a pretty common sighting in central London (though that doesn't make them any less special!) so let's move on to some more interesting finds.
How about a peach-colored, Custom '57 Chevy pickup for starters? A neat sighting in the States, but in central London it certainly stood out. Not a fan of the wheels, but still pretty cool.
Now for something really different, a Chevy SSR. These things are a rare sighting in the States, so it's pretty much on the bottom of the list of cars I'd expect to see in UK.
I'll finish with this badass 110 Defender. Again, the wheel game is off (I'll take mine with black steelies please) but otherwise it's just the type of truck that'd be amazing to have in the States. That is, if the Feds weren't so eager to steal and crush these trucks.
LONDON / CHINATOWN
I don't think it's possible for me to now visit London without making at least one trip to Chinatown. What can I say, I love my pork buns!
During the week while we were here, it rained a handful of times but fortunately they were all light sprinkles. Save for this one moment, however, when it absolutely dumped lakes on us for a thankfully short couple of minutes. At least afterwards it made London look pretty for a bit.
LONDON / ST PANCRAS
At the end of our first stay in London, we left for Paris through St Pancras station. However, since it was 4 in the morning and we were being rushed, I didn't really have time to pull out the camera and look around. So while we were here, we decided to take a look at where all those wizards and witches started their journey to Hogwarts.
First thing first though, we gotta get there.
Why yes, it does have a Tiptronic. How'd you figure?
There's something wonderful about these older stations with massive ceiling. I mean, nowadays with diesel/electric trains. Back in the steam engine days I don't think it would have been as pleasant with all of the black smoke filling everyone's lungs.
LONDON / PORTOBELLO MARKET
It's not too often London gets sun, so when it comes, you gotta seize the day! Off to Portobello Market! First thing first though, the automotive round up!
First we got an Overfinch Ranger Rover. Overfinch is a "tuner" for Land Rovers, best known for make a model with a built-in mohagany gun and whisky storage in the back. Because nothing says manly like shooting little birds in your 4X4 with summer tires...
Next up a Smart Roadster (which has a ton of tuning potential IMO) and an E92 M3 (M's seemed to be a lot less common than AMG's).
Speaking of, there were these two GT bruisers. A CL63 AMG and a Bentley Continental GT (Bentleys everywhere!).
You know what's unfair? That Europe gets the best version of an American icon. Give the US Wrangler a diesel already Jeep!!!
This sweet little GTV was a nice sighting. Even with that dent, Alfa's cars are easily some of the best looking "consumer cars" around. Pretty might not be the best description, but they definitely all have a style that most other cars in their range lack.
A cool Morris Wagon looking properly British.
A 135i M Sport getting buried under trash. Kinda ugly little thing, but a Golf R/S3 killer.
And the best for last, this classic 901. Black exterior, tan interior and Fuchs wheels: simply perfect.
Heh, little white socks on his back feet. Here's some more pics.
LONDON / BRICK LANE PT.2
Just a post with the remaining images from Brick Lane. Sadly we still weren't able to get any pics of the kitties in the crazy-cat-lady-store. The cats might be chill, but she was super quick to call out any spotted cameras.
LONDON / BRICK LANE
Finishing up from Borough Market, we decided to head over to Brick Lane. We really haven't been there since when we first visited London, so it was pretty refreshing to see what had changed.
Firstly though, a few car spottings. I was a bigger fan of this pretty well used Defender 90 than the shiny examples that are near the flat we're staying at.
Also new S classes. Lots and lots of S classes.
Heh, a "TSX" wagon.
LONDON / BOROUGH MARKET
Ah Borough Market. Where there's always the constant smell of cheese, meat, cheese, flowers, cheese, spices, and did I mention cheese? We gotta admit, if there was one place we'd recommend people go to go for London, it's here. The crowd, the food, the overall environment is all very British.
LONDON / THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM
Sooooo, back in London. Again. Gotta take advantages of paid-for lodging while I can! So gonna kickstart this series of posts with just a few images.
