I passed by Covent Garden when I went to London for the first time years ago. My mum and I were accompanied by my uncle to check some of the vintage fashion finds at Camden Market when we took a stroll to Covent Garden afterwards. I remember my uncle narrating some interesting facts about Covent Garden. He even mentioned that celebrities are often spotted in the area, but I didn’t seem to care. First of all, I went there on a winter. I was freezing and it’s only my fourth day in Great Britain. The girl from the tropical island of the Philippines needs to adjust with the weather.
What I recall from my first stroll at Covent Garden is the number of performers scattered around the place. The fact that the cold weather didn’t stop them from entertaining tourists and bystanders with hopes to earn some moolah made me admire them more. There’s a female violin player, several human statues and a group of hiphop dancers with deadly stunts.
Now that I am back in England with a sunny weather. I figured out that it is the best time for me to revisit the place – I will eat or drink in one of the restaurants, do some window shopping and watch the talented street performers.
I took the underground train trip to Covent Garden station at 5pm. My cousin and I had a deal that we will hangout in Covent Garden that night. While on the lift to the platform, I realized that it is a Friday night and yep, I anticipated that all the restaurants surrounding the area are packed with lots of guests.
Since it is payday Friday, people are either dining out or shopping. My cousin asked me if it is ok for me to accompany her to do some shopping first. Of course, I said yes. I am not really a shopaholic, but I found three dresses that are on sale. Yey for new clothes!
We realized that while we were busy scouting for new clothes, rain starts to pour. Wah. Why, oh why?!
The rain didn’t stop us from walking to Covent Garden’s main area. I spotted a number of tourists taking pictures or professionals who just got out of the office and wants to relax by drinking beer. Most of the shops were already closed, but a number of entertainers and waiters are busy making a living.
I wanted to pass by the London Transport Museum, but we were a bit late. Like what I predicted, all restaurants are packed with guests. I don’t want to drink beer because I am hungry and craving for pizza and pasta. We end up traveling back to the closest train station to home and stuffed ourselves with a superb Pizza Hut meal. Yeah, I should eat ‘something British’, but I am hungry! 😛 Also, it was a perfect time to talk, compare notes while eating comfort food on a rainy day.
I’m travelling back to London in a few weeks to meet up with friends and watch more theatre plays (saving up!!!). Weather, be kind to me this time. Let the sun shine as I drink beer or I’ll do a quirky stunt for money! Chos.
Have you been to Covent Garden in London?Â
Ahhh, nice to read a post about my home town! Covent Garden is a really cool place to hang out. I prefer it so much more to the touristy hot spots like Leicester Square, where no locals ever seem to go out!
Thanks dear! Looking forward to revisiting Covent Garden on a sunny day. I’d like to drink beer or a cup of coffee there while watching some of the performers 😀
Oh, I love watching street performers! Mas oks nga manood kapag summer. At baka pati ikaw maging human statue sa lamig. Hahaha! 🙂
True! 😀
The performances all look so interesting!
Also, I spot that very British red telephone booth. Too cute!
Thanks Nadia! I will make a blog post about the red telephone booth soon 😀
I like Covent Garden, but it’s not my favourite place in the city. It’s just too busy. Try East London – it’s really fascinating.
You’ll be pleased – London is really hot right now!
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll explore East London soon 🙂
Aw, I never really spent enough time to explore Covent Garden!
It’s a sign that you need to come back while I’m here 😛
We were just in Covent Garden last week on a nice summer weekend day. We loved all the activity and shops and yes, the awesome street performers. It was very crowded though. My kids were more than happy to just hang out at the big Apple store 🙂 I hope the weather gods will be smiling down on you during your visit in a few weeks.
Thanks Mary! Glad you and the kids had fun!
long time no chika! 😀
ganda naman dito. ive never been able to visit anything of this sort in the UK while i was there. looks like an awesome little set up.
i would probably be so epal na makiki-effect pa ako sa streer performers! 😀
Hello gurl! Long time, no chika nga 😀 Maybe that’s a sign na you must visit again 😀
Wouldnt mind strolling and getting lost in the afternoon here! Busyng busy tignan ang lugar ah! Hala dapat rumaket ka din dyan. Lol joke.
Haha balang araw siguro makikita mo na rin ako na sumasayaw or kumakanta dyan :)) for now, lakwatsera mode muna 😛
LOVE Covent garden.. tons of great restaurants near by too.. such as L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon !!
Thanks for sharing! Will check that restaurant soon 😀
London = Rain 😀
Mica, I just remembered that I owe you a birthday gift.
I remembered something about a play in London.
Do you still want that?
I remember the birthday gift! 🙂 I’ve seen the play already, but if its ok to choose a different show this time… 😛