shawna-england-Camden and Dungeon

The day began with a hearty hotel breakfast where I stuffed myself to full capacity with free food. It really is quite sad when every day begins with calculations to determine how many bananas and rolls I can fit into my coat pockets for lunch--damn this exchange rate! Then, since today was a "free day," a group of us decided to head to Camden Market after breakfast to see what kind of deals we could find. The day was a lot of fun.

photo from commercial site, Camden Market

Camden Market was a dangerous place to brave amid crowds of shoppers that can reach upwards of 100,000 on weekends. However, not even the crowds could deter me from the stalls of reasonably priced goods (even after taking into account the ridiculous exchange rate). I did not know what to expect at the market, but it ended up being wonderful!

clothes, jewelry, and more!
photo from commercial site, Camden Market

There were people selling handmade clothes, jewelry, and frames, as well as Doc Marten shoes at discount prices. Just among the group I went with, we bought purses, souvenir sweatshirts and t-shirts, shoes, and more. Most everything was reasonably priced, and I was told that some sellers are open to bargaining as well. (I, however, was not brave enough to question any of the prices!)

My most memorable experience at the market was when Kim tried on a sweater with a "unique" design. It was hard to get into, and I teased her about how she would need a personal dresser just to get into the thing each morning. However, the man working at the stall overheard me and thought that I was making fun of his shirt--he took offense! Next thing I know I am getting lectured about the genius of his design and how the same shirt would cost fifty pounds in a department store. Now knowing what to do I simply smiled and continued to praise the shirt as I left…yikes!

For anyone not interested in shopping for gifts and souvenirs, there was also a wide variety of food stalls at Camden. I saw people selling everything from fresh orange juice, to doughnuts, to stir fry and sandwiches. While eating, there is also a good chance you will have some entertainment because many street performers flock to the market on weekends--though not as many as at Covent Garden.

Despite all the activity at Camden, I decided to leave around 12:30pm. A few of us had bought tickets to the London Dungeon for today, so after leaving Camden we headed to the tube station. Our plan was to catch a quick lunch and then go to the Dungeon.

If there is one thing I have learned it is that I will see more than 100 eateries when I am not hungry, but as soon as I declare that I am looking for food everything disappears, and I find myself in some sort of abandoned city. I swear we looked for fifteen minutes before finally finding a Café Nero to eat at--think Starbuck's equivalent. Next we went to the Dungeon, where I congratulated myself on having bought my ticket ahead of time at hotel concierge, thereby avoiding the insanely long ticket line that stretched down the street--suckers!

murder and mayhem!
photo from "Andy's Page"

Basically, the London Dungeon is a glorified haunted house that makes use of historically accurate accounts of murder and mayhem. Wax mannequins abound and can be seen hanging above you, covered in blood, and even boiled alive. There are also short films portraying London's great plague and fire, as well as an intensive "Jack the Ripper" experience where you see his five victims. A disappointingly short "River of Death" boat ride is similar to the typical log rides at water parks and rounds out the tour.

being boiled alive!
photo from "Andy's Page"

While I enjoyed the Dungeons, the outrageous crowds and annoying children made the experience claustrophobic and seem exceedingly long; there were significant waits at all of the exhibits. Also, the tour was more interesting than scary--think pre-teen horror. Still, I was told by some friends that weekdays are much less crowded and much more enjoyable.

Dinner was at T.G.I. Fridays. Granted, it is not very British, but ever since all of the T.G.I. Fridays closed around Cornell I have been craving their food. Afterwards some of us headed to the local grocery store to stock up on mint AERO bars, which are my new favorite candy bar--delicious! I love all the new British goodies available here.

photo from British Delights

The evening was fairly low-key, consisting of writing in my journal and pretending to work on my play review. It was really nice to relax after being on my feet all day. Tomorrow it is back to group activities, which should be a welcome change from having to plan all of my own activities! I really wish that everyone could have the chance to come to England before graduating.

Camden Market and The London Dungeon
Shawna Feldman	January 18th, 2004
The day began with a hearty hotel breakfast where I stuffed myself to full capacity with free food. It really is quite sad when every day begins with calculations to determine how many bananas and rolls I can fit into my coat pockets for lunch--damn this exchange rate! Then, since today was a "free day," a group of us decided to head to Camden Market after breakfast to see what kind of deals we could find. The day was a lot of fun. photo from commercial site, Camden Market Camden Market was a dangerous place to brave amid crowds of shoppers that can reach upwards of 100,000 on weekends. However, not even the crowds could deter me from the stalls of reasonably priced goods (even after taking into account the ridiculous exchange rate). I did not know what to expect at the market, but it ended up being wonderful! photo from commercial site, Camden Market There were people selling handmade clothes, jewelry, and frames, as well as Doc Marten shoes at discount prices. Just among the group I went with, we bought purses, souvenir sweatshirts and t-shirts, shoes, and more. Most everything was reasonably priced, and I was told that some sellers are open to bargaining as well. (I, however, was not brave enough to question any of the prices!) My most memorable experience at the market was when Kim tried on a sweater with a "unique" design. It was hard to get into, and I teased her about how she would need a personal dresser just to get into the thing each morning. However, the man working at the stall overheard me and thought that I was making fun of his shirt--he took offense! Next thing I know I am getting lectured about the genius of his design and how the same shirt would cost fifty pounds in a department store. Now knowing what to do I simply smiled and continued to praise the shirt as I left…yikes! For anyone not interested in shopping for gifts and souvenirs, there was also a wide variety of food stalls at Camden. I saw people selling everything from fresh orange juice, to doughnuts, to stir fry and sandwiches. While eating, there is also a good chance you will have some entertainment because many street performers flock to the market on weekends--though not as many as at Covent Garden. Despite all the activity at Camden, I decided to leave around 12:30pm. A few of us had bought tickets to the London Dungeon for today, so after leaving Camden we headed to the tube station. Our plan was to catch a quick lunch and then go to the Dungeon. If there is one thing I have learned it is that I will see more than 100 eateries when I am not hungry, but as soon as I declare that I am looking for food everything disappears, and I find myself in some sort of abandoned city. I swear we looked for fifteen minutes before finally finding a Café Nero to eat at--think Starbuck's equivalent. Next we went to the Dungeon, where I congratulated myself on having bought my ticket ahead of time at hotel concierge, thereby avoiding the insanely long ticket line that stretched down the street--suckers! photo from "Andy's Page" Basically, the London Dungeon is a glorified haunted house that makes use of historically accurate accounts of murder and mayhem. Wax mannequins abound and can be seen hanging above you, covered in blood, and even boiled alive. There are also short films portraying London's great plague and fire, as well as an intensive "Jack the Ripper" experience where you see his five victims. A disappointingly short "River of Death" boat ride is similar to the typical log rides at water parks and rounds out the tour. photo from "Andy's Page" While I enjoyed the Dungeons, the outrageous crowds and annoying children made the experience claustrophobic and seem exceedingly long; there were significant waits at all of the exhibits. Also, the tour was more interesting than scary--think pre-teen horror. Still, I was told by some friends that weekdays are much less crowded and much more enjoyable. Dinner was at T.G.I. Fridays. Granted, it is not very British, but ever since all of the T.G.I. Fridays closed around Cornell I have been craving their food. Afterwards some of us headed to the local grocery store to stock up on mint AERO bars, which are my new favorite candy bar--delicious! I love all the new British goodies available here. photo from British Delights The evening was fairly low-key, consisting of writing in my journal and pretending to work on my play review. It was really nice to relax after being on my feet all day. Tomorrow it is back to group activities, which should be a welcome change from having to plan all of my own activities! I really wish that everyone could have the chance to come to England before graduating.
English 240	Last Updated: January 27th, 2004