Colchester, Essex - the nice bit of Essex

Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town, and was for a period the capital of Roman Britain. It is also been named as one of Britain's fastest growing towns.

Foodie moment

Barbara's signature dish, learnt during her years living in Spain, is her Seafood Paella. As always it is delicious, especially with the traditional crunchy bits from where it sticks to the pan...Yum!!

Cultural moment

Although in an expanding population there are always new houses built, the majority of houses in Colchester are over 100yrs old. Having said that, unless you live in a 19th century or earlier house, it is very unlikely your house will be heritage listed. Even so, you see very few houses being bulldozed, and modern houses being erected. The British home-owners seem to respect the history of their houses, the periods they were built, and they continue to maintain the details (particularly in terms of the tiling on the roofs). It is so nice to walk down the street and still see history in each building - even without laws forcing them to keep them that way.

Wow moment

Colchester Castle and Gardens are stunning. The castle's keep (tower) was the largest ever built in Britain and the largest surviving example in Europe. The building of the castle was completed in 1100, 913 years ago, but it still stands tall and strong. The gardens that stretch out below the castle are beautifully maintained and full of local wild life such as squirrels, magpies and ducks.

What we learnt today

Today, unfortunately, we learnt that just like all other councils around the world, Colchester is capable of making big errors when deciding to build attractions to 'attract' tourists (Yes Melbourne council, we refer to Fed square). In Colchester, it is the 'First Site Modern Art Museum'. 28 million pounds later there is a circular art gallery (as pointed out - not the best shape for displaying art) filled with the most random modern 'art' possible. Our favourites were a wall covered in blue tack blobs, an empty sleeping bag on the floor and a basketball in a glass vase.
The only redeeming feature in the gallery is the Berryfield mosaic (the only permanent exhibit). Discovered by a gardener in 1923 when digging a hole for rubbish, the mural dates back to 200AD and is in beautiful condition