It’s the last week of January and Maciej (pronounced: ma-jee) stands as usual outside my kitchen window while his cigarette cremates itself. The ensuing amicable conversation through the partially ajar window necessitated by communal living and sincere interest proposed a trip to share in the Chinese New Year festivities in E1.
Both Oliver and I observed how popular the weird, supernatural and fantastic themes of the 1770-1830s are during our three-hour visit to the Tate Britain. The landmark gallery was packed full.
A realization of my Sunday afternoon laziness prompted me to explore today’s markets. With yesterday’s promise of a walk with Waleed still not enough to ply him from his slumber at 1:30pm, I left on my own towards Bricklane’s Up-Street and nearby Spitalfields’ markets without much intention to buy. The former is rich in bargain items and the latter in more expensive handmade goods, but both, however, provide sumptuous people watching. Spitalfields also boasts a wonderfully rich variety of ethnic foods and organic stores which along with February’s fresh air offered excuses enough to stretch my legs.