On a recent trip to Europe, my fiancé and I picked a THEME in each city/country to help steer our backpacking travels. Even with three weeks of exploring planned, we knew we couldn't conquer everything on our list. While we were in London, we choose to explore any and all of the street MARKETS we could find.

Our London theme was the easiest for us to select, as the two of us are market-loving folk. Whether it is a flea market, farmer's market, street market, antique market - you name it - we're IN! There is just something about markets and festivals that attract us. They're always full of life, bustling with people, and offering up the possibility of finding something truly UNIQUE.

During our London stay, we explored the Camden, Portobello, and Covent Garden markets. The popular Portobello Road Market happened to be our FAVE. We arrived early and armed with his-and-her cameras. Me with my trusty DX6490 hanging around my neck and my fiancé with his hip V610 in his back pocket.

After several days of roaming around FOGGY England, I was really drawn to taking photos of the lively colors that make up the markets. Our bright and vibrant photo subjects were such a pleasant break from all things gray and WINTER. We spent the day exploring Portobello Road snapping photos while discovering all the antiques, handmade items, specialty shops and local eateries.

In London, the street markets are both an integral part of the city's life AND a major tourist attraction. Even several days before Christmas - we were NOT alone! There was a nice mix of locales purchasing their everyday goods to balance the wandering tourist crowd. I had a blast haggling with the vendors, in hopes of going home with some small treasures. ("small" meaning it had to fit in my already-too-full BACKPACK!) I managed to score a vintage ring from the 50s, some FUN monogrammed stamps for accessorizing all the snail mail I send, and some cheesy tourist trinkets. I just had to have a pencil sharpener in the shape of a red telephone box. (fyi: it's now a memorable Christmas tree ornament!) Before we left, we sought out some fresh treats to munch on back at our hotel, which provided a nice break from all the CHIPS we were consuming.

We hope to be back someday, but in the meantime we're enjoying the intense colors of Portobello Road everyday from our living room with a large photo collage from the Kodak Gallery!

And, since I'm planning our next vacation, I selfishly have to ask - is there anything UNUSUAL hanging out in your local market?

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