Boat Party on the River Thames and Camden Town

One of my first big events since my arrival was the International Student Boat party!  This took over 460 international students on a massive boat while cruising the River Thames.  There were tables inside around windows, but there open decks on both floors where we could go out and see the sights as we cruised by.  I made sure to be outside when we went under Tower Bridge!  The draw bridge opened for us and the bridge was all lit up.  It was so cool!

The cruise dropped us off at the pier around 11 PM and then we made our way back to the university.  Since the tube closes at midnight, it was pretty crowded!  Luckily, we all made it back without any problems!  I've been on the tube everyday since my arrival and am starting to get the map in my head.  It felt surprisingly familiar when I first arrived, even though I had only spent three days riding it before. 

On Wednesday, I went to visit Camden Town, one of London's famous markets.  They had stalls both indoor and outdoor and featured everything from handmade jewelry to discount shoes to ethnic food stalls. I don't even like shopping usually and I loved looking at the wide variety of options.  Prices here are lower than actual brick and mortal stores.  It would be a great place to do Christmas shopping!  I was especially excited about the three massive bags of loose leaf that I got for a low price.  I also found a little cat backpack that was too cute to pass up!

While at the Camden market, I also bought some fresh-squeezed orange juice that tasted just like what we get in Florida.  I'm noticing that the UK has much better options for fresh juices.  Even bottled ones are not from concentrate.  We also stopped at Cookies and Scream bakery, an ice cream and cookie bar that is completely vegan and gluten-free.  My cookie dough milkshake was better than anything non-vegan I've had.  If you find yourself in Camden Town, you must visit!

After the market, we went to the Whole Foods in Piccadilly Circus.  It was a lot of fun seeing the difference between the produce and vegetarian products that they offer in the UK to the US.  We tried to get back to campus during tube rush hour while there was a shortage failure at one of the stations...it was so packed that I could barely move!  We ended up turning around and taking a taxi, which was a much smarter choice!  Splitting the taxi three ways was only five pounds, plus we got to see what was happening out and about in London.

I'm off to my English literature induction now!

Do you like shopping at markets?  Have you ever been to one in London?