London. Summer 2007
Cholo and I had just finished exploring a small part of the British Museum*.
We turned right on the main exit and just started walking. I was so amazed looking at the surrounding buildings! Red bricked town houses, well maintained apartment buildings since the early 1800’s. **
In a corner across the road, I saw a store pained in red, teeming with tourists. I asked Cholo if we can check it out.
We crossed the road.
It was a souvenir shop.
We made the rounds inside. Cholo didn’t pick up anything, I bought a number of pencils for posterity’s sake. As we exited we saw this quaint little street lined with small cafes and bookshops. We were at Museum Street.
“This is a nice street!” exclaims Cholo.
We walk a bit further and we choose a small cafe to satisfy the hunger in our bellies. It is a nice place to relax and to go people watching.
~
On a separate occasion, Cholo and I visited the British Museum a second time and found ourselves a quaint little coffee shop/camera museum by Museum Street.
It was called Camera Cafe.
It was an instant hit with Cholo.
We were greeted by a Japanese man( a cute Japanese man) who owns the cafe. I can’t remember if he’s an avid photographer or if he’s simply an avid collector of cameras. He told us that he inherited his initial collection from his father and since then he’s been collecting and selling.
When you enter, you will see different kinds of cameras for sale and for your viewing pleasure. Everything is about cameras from ceiling to floor.
Don’t be turned off though, even if you detest cameras, this cafe has a warm ambiance that makes you feel at home. It’s friendly atmosphere and laid back approach is a nice break from going around hectic London.
WiFi is free, but do order a cup of coffee or a sandwich as a gesture of good will.
***
for reviews about Camera Cafe, click here.
*Accessible via The Tube station of Tottenham Court Road on the Central and northern Line or via The Tube station Holborn on the Central and Piccadilly line.
Click here for more details about the London Tube.
**I have learned later on that most buildings in London are well preserved. You are not allowed to remodel the building or even drill holes to attach an antaena until you ask permission from the city first (subject to approval too!). You will notice too as you walk about, these buildings have markers on the very top of it that states what year it has been erected. Amazing.
TOR Guide 