During my trip, I picked up a great free map called the Urban Walkabout London that featured a selection of little stores. It also recommended visiting some of the markets, calling them the lifeblood of London.

There were so many markets to choose from; of course I wanted to visit all of them, but there just wasn’t enough time. I wanted to enjoy them and didn’t want to rush myself. I narrowed down my choices to two.

The first was Borough Market in Southwark. And it was arguably the best market I have ever been to. It was vendor after vendor of every kind of food imaginable. The smells were incredible. The atmosphere was vibrant. There was free WiFi and bathrooms! That alone made it worth the visit.

I didn’t see any Georges there, but a Ted did make an appearance!!

Although it was packed with people, I got some hot cider and didn’t let the crowds bother me.

That evening, on my way back to Shoreditch, I stopped at Spitalfields market, in the area where many of Jack the Ripper murders took place.

Spitalfields was more vintage clothes and goods than food, but was still just as vibrant and unique as Borough market. I ended up getting a great coat (pics to come). Don’t worry…there were still tons of baked goods.

I went to the wine vendor to get a cup of mulled wine (yes, hot drinks were a theme for the day), and he was playing Aretha. I mentioned that it was my favorite album, and commented that he probably got sick of listening to it. (I also realized I don’t make small talk that much anymore in Germany and I was so happy just to talk to people in English!)

He told me to come with him and took me around to the back of the bar where there was a record player and a stack of albums. He picked up Aretha’s greatest hits and showed me his selection of music.

And then he said, “And no, I never get tired of this one.”

Me either.