Where else in the world can you step on time other than in Greenwich? You can stand on time on the meridian line, a brass inlay, which is loads easier than trying to stand or catch the Time Ball. The Time Signal Ball was some five feet in diameter, dropped and raised by a galvanised motor clock. It was considered the most accurate clock in all of London. A small fee would secure true time for London’s establishments and watches.  Time and trade worked well together. Course the leather ball is now only dropped for visitors.

The time ball atop the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, London. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Greenwich has so many sides to it, I almost don’t know where to begin, but as usual on an outing, I must find a cup of coffee. So the hunt was on. Someone pointed me on to the market. Greenwich has an amazing market full of antique stalls, bric a brac, food, food, and more food. The market has been running since the 14th century, but this current market’s birth was 1700, when a charter was issued by a Lord Romney to run two days a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The market is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but never mind, all those interesting little shops are open. It’s almost as if the beloved English High street has found a new home in the market.  The market’s  just up a passageway,  a few feet past an amazing little flower shop.

This entrance to the market, well, let’s just say, it’s not the most exciting entrance that I’ve been through, but once inside the market, I was not let down. Stall after stall of goodies, everything from tea strainers, to old postcards, leather belts, and antique earrings, gave me cause to stop and touch the past.

I found all sorts of little treasures, mostly the kind that I have now since learned to pass by. A hand telescope, an old lock, a lace napkin, tea cups the size mice love to take baths in.  All fun to look at, but then, who wants to dust all this stuff? I’ve since learned it’s not for me! Living in an old Victorian terraced house is enough work, let alone living with all the bric a brac! I spent a good two hours trolling the stalls, admiring and wondering — who owned this little leather purse, who gave this tiny gold ring, and who stared into the night sky with a long thin brass telescope? I was almost at the end of the market when I spotted a little van.

I love little things, little cups of espresso, little scoops of gelato, and tiny vehicles, although I have to add, to look at, not to ride in. I can’t tell you my delight when I turned the corner and saw what he was selling!

Joy, joy, joy,  but then utter dismay at the length of the queue. If I was to do all of Greenwich in one single day, there was no time to wait for espresso, no matter how awful I looked whilst drooling at the mere smell of it. It was time to get cracking, so off I went to see the rest of Greenwich, and there was so much to see.

part two…A stroll along the river and a tunnel to the dogs.