“Do you know how to get there,” I ask H as we walk hand-in-hand down busy pavement on our last Saturday in London.

“I don’t need directions, we just have to follow the people,” he replied.

“Really, is it that obvious?”

He remained quiet.  As we rounded the corner, I realized he didn’t need to answer. What we saw was reply enough.

A sea of people the population equivalent to our small beach town pressed into the Portobello Road Market, as patrons to over 1,000 dealers selling everything imaginable. From antiques and “bric-a-brac”, fresh flowers to paella simmering in fragrant garlic, people playing instruments on street corners for donations throughout. Sometimes the way bystanders look at musicians is more entertaining than the tune being strummed.

All of our senses were immediately on overload. We left with a sack full of scarves and plans to return on our next visit.

We were fortunate to stay with friends who live in a flat in Notting Hill. And Notting Hill was the first movie I cued up when we got back.

Sometimes pictures tell a better story. Enjoy your Saturday friends. I’ll be dreaming of sauntering down this street and praying for a miracle to carry us back.

What is your favorite thing about going to markets? Do you have a weekly market in your city?