Stephanie Jane: Davey finds his place

I am having a wonderful time exploring North Norfolk as

Detail from Shadows Of The Wanderer

you can probably tell from these three travel posts on consecutive days! I promise there will be another book review post soon(ish), if I can get some reading time.

Today we used the efficient Park and Ride from Norwich airport to visit the city. I had heard of the cathedral and castle before, but don't think I've ever been there, and Dave hadn't visited for maybe twenty years so we've both been looking forward to this. Checking the tourist office website beforehand, Dave learned that some of the sculptor, Ana Pacheco's work is being exhibited in Norwich at the moment. Unfortunately we had missed one piece by two days, but did get to see Shadows Of The Wanderer (2008) in Norwich Cathedral. This multi-piece work is incredible to see and I thought it was particularly evocative shown within the religious setting. Each person is carved in detail from a single piece of wood. The folds of their cloaks and hairstyles must have taken ages, and that's without trying to understand how Pacheco has created such expressive faces. Amazing art!

Shadows Of The Wanderer by Ana Pacheco
Norwich Cathedral

Norwich Cathedral itself is worth a visit, even if Shadows Of The Wanderer has moved on before you get there. Parts of the architecture date back 900 years and there are glimpses of the historical periods in the chapels surrounding the nave. We saw original Medieval glass in some windows then, just feet away, modern glasswork by John McLean in others. I liked how the walls were tinted by the bold modern colours. And a woven willow branch sculpture of a life sized person entitled Censing Angel was hanging from the ceiling. Created by local artists Joy Whiddett and Maz Jackson, it was put up for Easter. Not only is the Cathedral free to enter - although we did make use of the shop - but there is also a small art gallery at the entrance which features work by people who volunteer there. Creations included a dissembled 1838 Talbot car! My favourites were a huge warmly-coloured quilt by Geraldine Watson and a delicate lacework firescreen by Elaine Beer.

Edith Cavell memorial window

Back on the street in front of the cathedral there is a statue in memory of Edith Cavell and I spotted this stained glass image of her in a pub window as well. A nurse during the First World War, Edith equally treated soldiers from any country, but also helped British soldiers to escape enemy territory. For the latter, she was executed and was declared a martyr by the British. Dave remembers the shocking postage stamp artwork shown on this Wikipedia page from his own childhood collection. Edith was born close to Norwich.

We wandered many streets such as Elm Hill, pictured on the right, and

Elm Hill, Norwich

pretty much every lane of the North Lanes area which has lots of independent shops and cafes. The Little Red Roaster is a tiny cafe where we stopped for an excellent hot chocolate and the first Pastel de Nata pastry I've had since Portugal two winters ago. Norwich has a large permanent market which Dave remembered visiting years ago. I have seen acre upon acre of rape fields in full bloom during our recent drives and cycles so I took the opportunity to buy a bottle of local Yare Valley rapeseed oil from a stall called Drupe. We got Norfolk Garden damson jam from The Cheeseman too. I hope it's as nice as Marta's! A must-see nearby is Imelda's shoe boutique. I know a few people who wouldn't have been able to resist the truly fabulous designs.

We took a chance for lunch by visiting the racily named Lust And

Fry Up Inspector trail map

Liquor. This diner serves Tex Mex style food - I had pulled pork and sweet potato tacos. Dave has slow cooked Texas beef brisket. The food was perfect and I enjoyed my Vedett white beer too. Highly recommend this place as a meal stop. The waiter was friendly and helpful and I don't think they've been open long. On a vaguely linked note, I searched Etsy to see what Norwich-related art might be available and found this fun Norwich Cafes Trail map for the Fry Up Inspector. It's in ShopMissElla. Let me know if you've been to any of the featured eateries!

I was also delighted to see this photograph of lots of green watering

The Common Room by
FineCityStreetPhoto

cans! We have our own in Bailey although it is not as bright. We passed the cans strung in the trees but the whole name wasn't visible so I didn't take a picture. This image of The Common Room is from the shop FineCityStreetPhoto on Etsy. A Norwich photographer, he has an interesting selection of views of the city and street art examples.

And finally, the moment you've all no doubt been impatiently waiting for during all my previous ramblings. This is Davey at Davey Place!