You know London as the home of monarchs and a lot of monuments  Westminster Abbey, the Tower, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. But do not let the brilliance of those sights dazzle you to other allures of this city. During my years living there, I discovered quite a different London, one that is knotted together form quiet alleyways, lively markets, and peaceful parks. After Roman times, London was little more than an assortment of villages that the city has lowly engulfed over the centuries. This fives the city many hubs, each with its own personality. It is worth getting away from the usual attractions to explore more of this dynamic and modern metropolis. Many Londoners like to while away every Saturday by perusing the numerous stalls at Portobello Market in the gentrified, avant-garde district of Notting Hill. The market is actually many markets in one, including sections dedicated to produce, second-hand goods, and vintage clothes and fashion. The main event, however, is the Saturday antiques market. Hundreds of traders offer silver, clocks, coins, vinyl albums, vintage lace furniture, art, china, crystal, cameras and the list goes on for half a mile of tightly packed stalls and arcades. Casual shoppers and serious collectors alike flock to the market, so I suggest getting there early to avoid the seething throngs. I like to skip the cafs and eat at one of the hot food stalls that reflect many culinary influences of the city: classic fish and chips, curry, paella, bratwurst, and North African and Caribbean street food feature among the choices. If you just simply choose to avoid the crush altogether, I recommend a Sunday stroll through Notting Hill. It is easier to admire the area without the market stalls and crowds. The roads are line with classic London townhouses  sporting pillared porches, stucco fronts, and also wrought-iron balconies  that have been painted in pretty pastels, fiving the area a bohemian air. When planning your trip, be aware that the Notting Hill Carnival, held each August, attracts more than a million visitors. I lived in Bloomsbury during my time in London and it still holds a very special place in my heart. The garden squares, with their stately homes, provide a respite from the urban throb of the city. I was surprised by the amount of green space in the city as a whole and in Bloomsbury in particular. These parks consist of well-manicured lawns dotted with trees and the occasional statue and provide a tranquil setting for a picnic lunch or simply just a diversion on the way to somewhere else. 
