Camden

Last weekend Warren and I took a boat tour from Little Venice (not as cool as it sounds) to Camden Lock. We hadn't been to Camden since moving here, but we have visited in the past as tourists. 

Here we are on the boat tour. I really enjoyed learning more about the canals, especially since I see the Grand Union Canal outside my balcony every day. The Grand Union Canal was built by Irish immigrants in 1901 and the Regent's Canal was built by the same means in 1912. 

The canals were originally used for industry to move goods around the country. Boat operators had to pay tolls to use the canals but now boat owners pay license fees to moor. Some canals were intentionally filled in after World War II using rubble after the increased use of trains and highways to move goods made them obsolete. 

The barges carrying goods were originally pulled by horses along the towpath that has now been converted into a running path along the canal. Over time, the ropes created gashes in the sides of bridges as the horses pulled the boats. This was the most interesting thing I learned from the tour. I've walked by marks like these loads of times but never even noticed them.

Warren was disappointed when our boat dropped us off just before the lock and we didn't get to see it actually work. We stuck around watching for a bit but no one passed through the lock. 

Camden Market is full of different food stalls. We tried this Indian food wrapped in naan but it wasn't anything special. 

The Stables Market is a former horse hospital for Pickford's distribution barges along the canal. Chain stores are not allowed in the stalls and it is full of mostly clothing and antique stores. 

These frames with scrabble letters were my favourite of the items we saw for sale in Camden Market. Especially this OCD one with the last letter out of alignment. 

It is hard to think about Camden without also thinking of Amy Winehouse. The singer loved Camden and lived there in the years before her death. She once said to her father, "I feel I can do anything I want in Camden. It's like my playground." There is a lot of street art inspired by Amy Winehouse and this statue of her is located in the Stables Market area. 

We walked around the area outside of the markets and found loads of great street art. Here are some of my favourites. 

Later that week I went there again with Mary, Pamela, and Harvey for a free event called Camden Beach. They basically fill up a parking lot with sand and serve food and drinks. We went during the day when children were allowed. We had a great time putting our feet in the sand even though it was a cold day. 

There is so much to see in Camden, especially outside the market area. I can't wait to explore more of this unique part of London.