Day #4: Brick Lane and Shakespeare

Morning, y'all! Today may be divided into two parts, just because of schedule. I went to Brick Lane this morning, and am seeing Antony and Cleopatra at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre tonight. Because of timing I'll probably post the Globe pictures tomorrow.....sleep is important! 

So.....Brick Lane. One of my goals for the trip to London was to see the different sides of London. This was different than anything I've seen so far. Wednesday was New Bond St, with Chanel, Hermes, and any other luxury store you could think of. Today was Brick Lane - the most eclectic mix of people and shops available. So much vintage! Wednesday was salespeople in suits, today was shop owners in kilts and tutus (worn together) with multi-colored hair. So awesome. Brick Lane was so much fun to walk through and see what was available. Tons of vintage leather jackets, clothing made from pieces of other vintage clothing, fun jewelry. 

Two of the buildings with booths - definitely original and fun to see. 

Shop dog! One requirement anywhere you are is to always, always get permission before you take a photo of a person or any of their things. There was a sign next to this guy that said if he was awake he loved pets. I even got kisses! 

Bond, James Bond. I had a debate with a nearby shopkeeper.....is this Timothy Dalton or Pierce Brosnan? Fun story: When I suggested that it could be Roger Moore, she scoffed and said "Oh no. My mother lived next to Roger's mother. Roger Moore is a blonde." Well all-righty then.  :) 

Yes! 

Down Brick Lane. Again, a totally different look and feel than central London. 

More on the jewelry.....I had been following an artist I originally saw on the Camden Market webpage, and she had moved to Brick Lane. She had the most beautiful items, I was very glad to find her. I bought a pair of earrings (with people!) and a ring. Looking forward to wearing both of them back home. Chrysa does have both Facebook and Instagram, if you're interested in seeing more of her work! 

I absolutely love these earrings. So happy she still had some available! 

Gorgeous ring. She had many different sizes available, and could size up / down on the spot if needed. 

More from Brick Lane...... 

The real life Roger (Rent)? Looked up and he was quietly serenading those that walked by. 

From my research: There's a fierce competition between these two bagel shops. The one on the right (white sign, red lettering) gets the most attention, but the the one with the yellow / red sign is supposed to be better. Not sure who wins, but they both had long lines. 

And lastly, just a cool story. Remember the street art on the buildings in Paris? I found it in real life! I asked before taking his picture, and he gave me permission as long as I didn't show his face. "It's illegal," he said, "I don't want to get arrested." Not sure there was much interest in arresting him, since the shopkeepers and passerby were all watching him do it (and it was quite a process). He also asked me to follow him on Instagram. Not sure if I'm allowed to tag him here, but you can look up my follow / followers on Insta and see him. Beautiful work. 

That's all for now! On to Shakespeare's world......