Norwich and Memories

This afternoon we drove around parts of Norwich, along Coleman Road, around the close where Aaron and Kylie once lived, past the greengrocers where we used to sit and drink delicious coffee, past the beautiful Catholic Church, which looks ancient but is in fact only about 100 years old, down Unthank Road, and finally back up the main road, which went past the girls' old school, Norwich High School for Girls.  Memories.

Nothing much has changed.   The shrubs and flowers that Kylie planted in front of their house have grown immensely, with plenty of flowers and green leaves.  A very attractive display, Kylie.  You planned them well.

The biggest change was the increase in cars and the decrease in bicycles.  That goes together, sadly.  In fact I have found the traffic problems to be horrendous.  Luckily I sorted out a shortcut, the night before I attended the course, otherwise I would have had major problems getting there, via the inner ring route.

The city centre, the old market area, where for centuries was used to sell local produce, such as grain, sheep, cattle and poultry, and later textiles, leather and metalwork.  It is still a thriving permanent street market.  

A few bicycles parked in front, but not as many as I remember.

The Royal Arcade, built in 1899 as a shopping arcade.  A very popular type of shopping experience in the Victorian era.

Time for a drink. We chose The Forum, which holds a cafe/bar, library, BBC Norwich, and a display area.  The artists' book fair was being held in the foyer.  There was also a lovely little band playing folk music.  A very pleasant spot, in which to have our late afternoon drink; lime and soda for Walter and a red wine for me.

Walter concentrating on reading the news, Facebook of course.

A view across the foyer, with the artists' book fair below, and Pizza Express on the mezzanine floor opposite.   Of course that was where we were heading, for a low calorie pizza, the one with the hole cut out of the middle and filled with lettuce leaves.

A view of the church across the plaza.  Norwich is a city of beautiful churches.

A lovely visit to Norwich.  And plenty of reminiscing too. Great memories.