Last weekend I had the chance to check out the Chinese New Years Celebrations going on around the city, it was interesting to get to see celebrations going on in places like Leicester Square, roads were blocked off to let people walk through the streets and it was a fun atmosphere to be apart of. I was especially excited to check out Trafalgar square, not only is it famous spot in London but also where the Harry Potter movie premieres are held so I was keen to see how this looked in person. It was very crowded as celebrations for Chinese New Year were going on there as well. Their was a stage with a screen setup for performers although the huge crowds made it difficult to see what was going on.

Celebrations by Leicester Square

Chinese New Year in Trafalgar Square

During the next week we went to visit the National Portrait Gallery for my Historical and Contemporary Research Studies Class, which is located in Trafalgar Square. It was a much nicer day out so I had to take a picture before we left.

On Wednesday during my British Cultural Studies class my tutor Michael took us to a shopping center, where the entire class managed to squeeze into an elevator where we were taken to the roof of the building to see St. Paul's Cathedral. It was a very cold but beautiful day out so the view was amazing from where we were standing. You could also see a lot of construction going on which I think could possibly be for the upcoming summer Olympics, and the London Eye. The view allowed us to see the intricate details of the architecture on the cathedral which was absolutely gorgeous.

Rooftop view of the city

 Also during that afternoon (although I did not find this out until 4 days later!) David Beckham made an appearance at the H&M on Oxford Street, literally right next to my school! He was there for the launch of his new Bodywear for H&M collection which has been getting a lot of promotion in the London Area. Apparently it was very crowded and impossible to get in, but one of the study abroad students managed to get a picture with him. A few of my roommates and I were disappointed we did not know about this event!

In front of St. Paul's Cathedral

Promotional bags being placed around London for the Bodywear by David Beckham collection

On friday since I have no classes I decided to check out the famous Portobello Market located in the heart of Notting Hill, I had heard nothing but good things about this area so I had been dying to check it out. This area is a popular destination for any thrift shoppers and antiquers as their are many great places selling unique secondhand items.

 When I first got there I could see a ton of stalls set up selling clothes and shoes. You could literally spend an entire day rummaging through the stalls, going through everything. In another area tables were set up with vintage magazines, jewelery, shoes, and many other accessories. It was a bit overwhelming, and I made a mental note to come back here on a Friday morning when the weather gets a bit warmer. After walking around this area I decided to head down Portobello Road, with its many antique shops. Also along this road were many fruit and vegetable stands and people selling even more clothes. I think my favorite part about this road are the brightly colored buildings it is known for. They are just so pretty in person and an amazing sight to see while walking down the road. The architecture and brightly painted buildings in this city never ceases to amaze me.

 

I was especially interested in checking out Alice's Antiques shop, as it is known for having a lot of interesting British antiques. The inside was very dark and crowded with various items hanging from the walls. They were also selling a lot of pretty dish wear and teapots outside of the store as well. I ended up buying a couple ceramic cups and a small antique item from inside the store for my mom as the store itself reminded me of my grandmother who was an antique dealer. Before I left I asked the store owner about Taylor Swift, who I am not a huge fan of but curious because I had seen pictures of her shopping at Alice's a few days earlier. She told me that she always comes in to visit them when she is in the UK, apparently she is a big antiques shopper and makes a point to stop by to see them and to look around. Although, the store owner told me she felt bad for her as their were a ton of paparazzi waiting outside for her to exit the shop.

After a couple hours of browsing I decided to head back, the weather here is freezing and it ended up snowing on Saturday night, something that is a rare occurrence here!

Only a week until winter break and then I am off to Paris! I'm sure I will have many updates soon in the next couple of weeks!