May 31.The Northeast: Colchester, Lavenham, Ipswich, & Aldeburgh

It was an intense weekend. On Saturday we decided to cover the area northeast of London. We've started in Colchester.Colchester is the first recorded town in England and the capital of the Roman England. The town features a beautiful giant keep - the largest Norman keep in the area. Also there is a firstsite - an interesting modern museum.

One of the claims to fame is very well preserved old Roman mosaic. Compared to some of the other ones we've seen in the British Museum, Spain and elsewhere it is not that amazing. The kids had a blast though with the typewriter. It is such a cool tactile machine :) Can't believe that I've still used those right before I went to college!! We enjoyed a stroll through town... it seems to resemble Cambridge. So it definitely has a bit of distinctive Northeastern look to it.

On the way to the parking lot we've stopped at the Artisan Kitchen & Larder shop. We wanted to ask what the word Larder meant. Young guy at the counter could not explain but older looking woman in a business sheaf dress sitting at her computer nearby got up to explain that it means pantry. She must have been the owner. We looked around and decided to stack up for the picnic. Got freshly baked still warm seed loaf, Stilton, cold pressed apple juice and a few more tidbits. We did not actually get to stop anywhere for the picnic... as soon as the smell of the bread filled the car, we started the picnic right there.

The next stop was Lavenham, extolled by the guide for its amazing pink pastel timberhouses, art galleries, and antique stores. It was nice but probably not worth the trip. Isabella fell asleep and Dan took a nap too with her as Georgia and I did a quick run about. The galleries were not that interesting. I've always wondered why it is that such remote locations become the mini centers of art. What's it is about these destinations that inspires creativity? Most of the stuff is well executed, expensive but decorative and sedate. We visited the right ochre timber house in the town square. It's at least 500 years old and used to be a residence but on account of local potters having a market there the entry was free. I was glad of that because its only claim to fame seems to be its age.

Georgia and I were more struck by the giant (garden variety??) poppies growing outside. It is a poppy season - and bright orange and red spots are lining the fields on our way. But these were enormous.

Dan and Isabella woke up and we moved on to Ipswich. As Stardust predicted, it was not all that thrilling. We drove through more provincial streets and kept going to our final destination: Aldeburgh on the coast. It is very cute. The town has a long promenade along the pebble beach. Some ancient looking lookouts with closed in towers line the beach. There are also black fish monger's huts on the way.

The full circle

Georgia and I tried smoked shrimp. Interesting. The promenade was filled with people. It was lively and pleasant. We strolled a few streets over to the main street and witnessed complete and utter lack of any life. It looks like the entire population has gotten themselves to the boardwalk. Which probably makes sense given the lovely views. We walked up and down, had some ice-cream and started on our long long drive back.

7 hours on the road is probably not the best way to spend time. But by now we have covered all the top destinations in our guide and may have become a bit jaded. The area we visited is nice but after a cursory glance today certainly not as scenic as Cotwolds, Peak region, or the South.