Camden Town and a Ride down the Canal.

Today's adventure involved places that none of us had ever been. We took the tube into Camden Town and wandered through the Market and Bazaar, which seemed kind of junky and touristy, really. There were some fun stalls, but the place had the air of having been really cool at one time but that time seems to have passed. Maybe I'm getting too old to recognize its charm? It was still lots of fun to see, and we had a great lunch in the courtyard, sitting and watching everyone walk by. There was an old piano there, so when she finished eating, Franny played "You'll Never Walk Alone" for the crowds, it was brilliant.

There were loads of shops of all different kinds to peek in, but we're not really in need of anything at the moment, and just looking can get a bit tiresome. Makes you realize how many city activities revolve around consumerism. The timing of being there was interesting in that Camden is where Amy Winehouse lived, so there were lots of posters and t-shirts commemorating her life (she died last week), and we spotted a Bansky-ish painting of her which has gotten some notoriety.

After lunch and much walking, we got our tickets for the Jenny Wren (my mother's nickname for me, incidentally) and boarded the old barge for a guided tour down the canal. It was so cool! We got to see the back gardens of amazing houses along the canal, as well as lots of "house-barges," which was very reminiscent of kayaking through the houseboats of Lake Washington. There was also a Chinese restaurant floating on the canal, and apparently an on-water Sainsbury's. We floated along behind the London Zoo and all the way to Little Venice, while we learned the history of the canal system, which runs through London unbeknownst to many. It was definitely a worthwhile activity, and one that we'll suggest to visitors.

Still enjoying our adventures in London, and there is clearly enough to keep us busy for the year! We've been hearing a lot about the rioting and looting of last weekend, which was awful, and really scary. We're truly hoping the incidents won't be repeated. Another reminder that no place is perfect. All for now.