Things have been gloomy again here (as ever), and I’m in dire need of bright colors. Sometimes, there are moments when those are the only bright things in my life.

And what’s better place to look than in an old folder titled Portobello Market?

Honestly, I don’t quite know any girl who doesn’t like Notting Hill. And why shouldn’t they? It’s got everything, plus it’s very picturesque. I’m talking about colorful walls, beautiful bits and bobs, vintage stuff, and food. Plus, it’s always packed with people if you want to do street photography.

I still remember the first time I came here. I needed to go to London for a day, and decided to go here in the afternoon, before catching a bus back to Southampton. I googled how to go there, and found a site that gave me directions to use the underground and alight at Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove station, then ‘follow where the crowd leads’. Quite frankly, I found that to be highly unclear, but as soon as I got out of the station, I knew what it meant. It was like following a trail of ants to find the sweet gem in the corner (except that Portobello Market is not in the corner, it’s along Portobello Road).

Since then, I’ve been there many times, and it never failed to lighten up even the dampest mood.

Ah, if only teleport existed.