Camden international …. Town or Hamlet

While I generally would not route for a rainy day on vacation, but it afforded us the chance to don the impermeable raingear we purchased and head out. Following a rainy walk to and from St. George’s Cathedral, we regrouped and mapped our route to Camden Town. Head to the underground-Baker line to Waterloo to North line- exit Camden Town and the Camden Market. Here lies the gateway to a world of diversity.  As we head out of the Tube station, little shops with 3D signation or displays, such as the Namaste with a 8 foot brightly painted head of an elephant towering against the wall, line the street. As you approach the Camden Market sign, wander back into the many stalls which have treasures untold. The punk rock music plays as we zig and zag through the many cubes filled with T-shirts, pants, tops, coats, jewelry, curiosities, collectibles, etc. Bartering is permitted ( though I do not really like that part, David is my negotiator). We make our purchases and moved on the the canal. The canal ( a little overgrown with algae due to the warm temps), is dotted with locks, barges which do sail for hire, and a whole area of food and drink. The many international stalls have food from all over the world, drinks from coffee to juice, all with an international theme. 

The many international stalls have food from all over the world, drinks from coffee to juice, all with an international theme. We settle on a flat white of Ethiopian coffee,(we had found this stand when we visited last year) and a vegetarian Indonesian dish. We find a spot at a picnic table and enjoy.  The reggae buskers herald a little Bob Marley. After a little respite, we leave Camden town. We hop back on the train and head to the theatre.

We continued our Shakespeare tour… and attended the “perfect play” -Hamlet. The Globe theatre is situated along the Thames overlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance. It is a great place to look out toward the many bridges and boats.We are fortunate to have purchased seats under cover. The Globe is a majestic place updated in the 90’s, but reminiscent the original 1599.  Today we are treated to more typical London weather ( another chance to wear all the rain gear!), but the balcony above us shelters us from the intermittent showers. Someone once said “ the show must go on”…hmmm… Those standing in the center have a double insult..standing for nearly three hours, and in the rain!

Hamlet was performed by the Globe ensemble. Hamlet is played by the new artistic director, Michelle Terry, a woman, and Ophelia isplayed by Shubham Saraf, a man.  One of the actor’s is deaf and a fabulously talented interpreter signed the whole performance downstage right. The performances were really interesting. During intermission ( have a delicious brownie is you go…) a person nearby commented on how there are so many memorable lines from this show, indeed as “neither a borrower, nor a lender be” To be or not to be” “ Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”.  

After walking along the river and through various sites, we made our way back to our apartment. There are buskers everywhere, in fact a trio popped on the tube playing “Hit the Road Jack” on our ride to Camden. Walking home, we could help but pause for Tuba on Fire! Picked up some Indian takeaway… may as well end our day in this international city with another of its wonderful flavors.