London Day Trip: Burlington Arcade

Since everyone within the borders of Britain has been gearing up for the Olympics, whose Opening Ceremony finished just a couple of hours back, it has been especially hard to get into central London. Being completely unaware of predicaments has come in handy previously, and this time was no exception. With just about everyone showing me their beautiful team GB badges, flags, memorabilia etc., I was on Old Bond Street and thereabouts, examining old jewelry in great detail. This includes vintage Cartier engagement rings with diamonds the size of large peas, some entirely-too-intricate-for-modern-day pendants and brooches, as well as many a jewel-studded tiara, an item rarely seen outside of a common costume shop. The only difference between the two was that one went for half a million pounds, while the other cost two pounds fifty.

So after all the shebang of the Olympics, with the fireworks, the lights and the crazy choreography, let me tempt you to visit a place almost transported back in time- a street full of vintage jewelry, merino sweaters and soft leather bags hidden under a white awning and flaunted by a thick red carpet.