A visit to the Romans ( in Colchester )

The supermarket had a bike parking area by the front door. Good Idea!

After we returned from our biking adventure we had the rest of the day to kill. Kevin, Brian's mate that's temporarily rooming with him, got in from work then Brian showed up shortly after. We biked to Tesco ( British for Walmart ) and bought some Guinness and John Smiths, went back to the flat drank and ordered Chinese. They left out my order so I had a hodge podge of appetizers for dinner.

This fine looking fellow was part of the dungeon
 display in the basement of the castle in Colchester Castle

The next morning Brian drove us to Colchester so that we could check out the historic castle and Roman ruins along with some shopping. Along the way we also checked out the ruins of an ancient church and had an excellent meal at the Purple Dog pub. Although it seemed to be right in the middle of an outdoor mall like shopping area the pub was 100's of yeas old as were many of the shops. I bought an excellent white dress shirt that actually fit. I must say that the professionalism of English department stores reminds me of American ones 30+ years ago. Our stores have gone to the dogs. Even the people at the local US JoS Banks or whatever it is couldn't sell me a properly fitting shirt.

Having a London Pride at the
Purple Dog pub in Colchester

St. Botolph's Priori

Jodi and her grandmother at the social club

Anyway, Jodi got some nice clothiers as well and it was back to Kesgrave for a trip to meet up with Jodis family at the Social Club. It was a sort of Moose Lodge looking hangout where mostly older people enjoyed drinking and socializing. Here respectable older people actually hang out with friends and drink in public without fear of scrutiny.

All of us at Kesgrave Social Club, a great spot.

We spotted an actual ancient Roman
 in the Kesgrave Social Club

After the Social club a handful of Jodi's family made the trek to Ipswich with us to a popular waterfront bar for a few enjoyable rounds of pints. Afterwards we stopped by a funky Lebanese take away joint for some gnarly lamb plates and grabbed a cab home. It wasn't quite the 4 star feast that we expected but after drinking it was all we needed.


Another night in England with the locals was at its end.

Seen as we toured the castle