It's difficult to walk around Soho ignoring all the magic surrounding that part of London. Since I started my walk, I wanted to eat at all the quirky restaurants and get something from every boutique. No, I didn't, in fact, I couldn't; but now I have a list of boutiques for every little thing.
I initiated at Goodge St. Following the step-by-step guide I passed by old, characteristic pubs - ones were established on the late 18th century. I carried on walking through small lanes and peculiar landmarks. I wandered around funky boutiques and read several menus placed at the front doors of the chic restaurants or bars.
People from Soho are rare species - apart from the tourists, who are another kind of creatures. People seem rather relaxed but eager for the next thing to happen. Intellectuals, post-punks and several prototypes dance around the streets. Apparently, many big minds sit down next to each other, in this enchanting place to discuss any future project; to get inspiration from every corner of the place.
I was fascinated by the books I found in some shops. I had the biography of Quentin Crisp, Klaus Nomi, Truman Capote and many other surreal artistic elements in my hands. Also, there is a shop where you can get vintage magazines from early 40s until now. Music magazines were my aim, but I could see many others: gossips, fashion, motoring, erotic, gay, etc. I spent hours in the basement of that shop. Upstairs was full of London paraphernalia, with a special focus on the 70s punk scene.
I continued my walk through the vegetable market and head to Carnaby St. To be honest, it's lost a little bit of that fashion magic it had on the 60's. I wasn't impressed by the hip sports clothes shops. The large mural over a trendy and expensive shop and the archways stand up like lost in time. They witnessed its full splendour and now its decay with melancholy and yearning for another Mary Quant era to come along.
I strolled through all the Oriental - mainly Chinese - eateries and walked out under the "ceremonial Chinese archway" as it was demanded by my little step-by-step guide. It was a good idea, as the bright, red and raw flesh of hundreds of ducks hanging on the displays was making me feel not so well. At some points, the smell was unpleasant, obviously related to crowded streets on big cities.
At this point I was focused on the buildings, the shops, the eateries rather than the people. All was mesmerizing. The theaters are wonderful and even the souvenir shops have this air of allurement. You can get all kinds of eccentric and peculiar souvenirs, very original.
And there I was walking by the lanes and busy roads when I noticed that I was passing by sex shops, dark theaters, and obscure worlds. I won't deny I felt tempted to stop by and have a peek at one of this glum places where you can see live women through a window. "Why not?" I said to myself, "as seen on films and TV". However, my curiosity wasn't that enthusiastic as my embarrassment arouses making it difficult to get in any of those sex spots, pay and view.
In the end, I'm still a tiny bit conservative on that matter and I could imagine everyone looking at me entering there. I mean, who could imagine I was just going there for mere curiosity? On the other hand, who cares in London's Soho about it? Maybe, I will next time.
After having walked non-stop throughout those gripping streets and having experienced the charm of that place and its captivating people, my feet were asking for mercy. I ended up eating sushi at Piccadilly and buying Japanese groceries while recapitulating step-by-step my enticing walk throughout Soho and Westminster.
It was better beyond any expectations. It doesn't matter how often I go there, I always find something "new" or special. Its attractions are beautiful and truly inspiring. For sure, it's something anyone has to experience to complete a tour in London. Perhaps, you want to get inspiration about something - I could see an endless number of sources of inspiration for anything you can imagine: music, films, books, stories, photography and any form of expression.
Be prepared to see all kind of species; different universes. All sexes, races and faces are flowing altogether to make this place a very special one. To find more information about walks try londonwalks.org.
