Master of the Markets

Chris and I were invited to participate in a pilot program sponsored by Airbnb called "City Host" tours. These are tours that are sponsored on the Airbnb website, but are offered and hosted by local people in their "home" cities with the idea that Airbnb customers can book the tour on their website and the local tour guide will offer a view or experience of their city that is not the normal, everyday, tourist experience. The one we participated in was called "Master of the Markets," and it was hosted by a charming young man who works in the street markets in London.

Aidan started the first day by showing us the places that he likes to eat, and we got to experience the dishes produced in some of London's less well known neighborhoods by emigrants from Pakistan and India. We toured the neighborhood vegetable and spice markets and saw where they purchase their ingredients and cooking gear. The food was fantastic, and we got to sample a good variety of different dishes. We also toured markets where street food is offered along with other goods and services you might not find in your local mall. There is no way I can adequately describe the wonderful aromas we were treated to but, suffice it to say, we only had our appetites whetted and we plan to return.

The second day we were taken to a more upscale area where the street food is less ethnic but no less diverse and appealing. Here we were offered fresh oysters on the half shell and champagne and wine and duck confit and paella and crepes and baked goods and roasted nuts and a very wide selection of other choices that were equally tasty. After being set free to sample what we would in the market, we met and traveled together to a charcuterie for an in-depth look at how meats are cured. This included sampling the wares (salamis, hams, bacons, pepperonis, etc.), and the experience was topped off with a free range hot dog rinsed down with locally produced beers or soft drinks.

The final day found us in another market that was kind of in the middle of the first two...a little less upscale, but wonderful food and a great ambiance. In addition to the food here, there were vendors selling unique utility bags, sunglasses and umbrellas, clothes, bicycle repairs, and other unique items.

One of the wonderful side benefits of our experience was that we got to meet Aidan and spend a little time getting to know him. We feel that we have made a friend here in London, and he is one that we feel we can ask questions of and get genuine assistance for anything that will enhance our stay here. Aidan was not the only friend we met on this tour. We met another couple on the tour who have had a house in Capetown listed with Airbnb for several years. We loved meeting them and getting to know them. We are planning to visit them in Capetown in the future and, again, we feel that we have made some lifetime friends in the process of having this wonderful experience.

Here is a little slide show of our experience. Hope you enjoy it!