For those romantics, Notting Hill triggers that memory of a classical movie where a couple trespasses on a private garden under the moonlight. Surrounded by immaculate house terraces, some made into hotels and airbnb's, there are small and private gardens around Notting Hill. As they are private, the gates are locked for any passer-by.
People flocks to Notting Hill due to it's Portabello Market and the carnival. Using the central line, it is direct to Notting Hill Station, also it is accessible via Bayswater Station.
Coming from Bayswater Station towards Portabello Rd, occasional coloured building can be noted in between buildings, once reaching very colourful buildings one after another, you have reached your destination.
I don't fully understand why the different colours as such, but accordingly, it is one of the charms of the place.
Probably a European thing?
Along both sides of the road are shops, mostly of antiques, vintage clothing, bakery shops etc. As I went on a Sunday morning, the smell of newly baked bread assaulted my nostrils beckoning to have coffee. Some have people queuing by the door.
The following Monday had shown a few stalls selling nuts, cheese, fruits and vegetables. Compared to a previous time when the whole blocks of Portabello were full of stalls selling about everything, this time there were just about 3 or 4 stalls.
Am sure the locals miss the way it was before the pandemic, same with these stall owners trying to earn a living.
"Am just a girl standing before a boy..."
You know the rest.
I guess I was nostalgic, remembering that time we attended a carnival here years ago. This time it lacks the noise and the throng of people partying and enjoying life.
It maybe cancelled in 2020, let's wait and see for this coming August. Usually occurring for 2 days, this year's dates will be on the 29th & the 30th, perhaps London will be ready to welcome this year's celebrants.
Hopefully, with the successful occurrence of natural immunity and vaccinations, wearing a mask will be gone for good!
Fingers' crossed.
All images are mine, taken with Huawei.