tourists | Little London Observationist

Surrounding myself with vibrant colours usually makes me happy, and what better place in London to do that than a little walk through Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden?

The walls scream sunshine and summer and while there isn’t too much going in in the little square, it’s a great place to escape the main crowds and though it’s pretty small, there’s always something interesting to look at.

While you’re in the area, stop by Stanfords books for some great travel-related reading material that will cover any country you’re dreaming of visiting this year.

They even happen to have a Sacred Cafe in the back of the shop. Savoury muffins galore. Mmmm spinach, feta, warm, melted butter…

And a relax tea. Relax and forget you’re in one of the most crowded parts of the city, forget that family block of tourists who made you walk .05 km per hour halfway down the road.

Breathe and think of pretty colours. And, er… fashion weak? ^^

Okay so the street art sticker stuff doesn’t exactly compete with the East End, but the colours of the buildings certainly aren’t as drab!

And there’s even a few blades of grass somewhere in there.

Did I mention funny mirrors and amusing quotes?

An interesting mix of the Chinese community who live and work in the area, other locals passing through Soho and curious tourists, the atmosphere alone makes Chinatown worth a visit.

There is central London rubbish to step around on the pavement, roasted ducks hanging in windows and the occasional waft of polluted air from dirty alleyways, but there’s also an amazing array of Chinese, Korean, Thai and other Asian goodies in the local supermarkets and corner shops, restaurants with dim sum and buffets galore. Like Banglatown in the East End, the street signs in Chinatown are written in two languages.

I passed through the other day and thought I’d share a few photos from an ordinary Chinatown day.