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Waves of Thoughts


Hello hello there!

It is so weird to think that I have moved to Colchester almost two years ago! During my first year of uni, I lived on campus so I basically rarely visited Colchester as all the facilities I needed were right there, on campus. Nonetheless, during my second year, I lived quite close to the town centre, so I can state that I did experience Colchester way more fully.

Colchester is located near the coast, in the County of Essex. It is situated 1h30 minutes away from the capital, London. With over 100 thousand inhabitants, it is known for being the oldest town recorded in the UK. 

In this post, I will share some of the go-to places if you're ever in town!


Castle Park and Colchester Castle 

Of course, I had to start with Castle Park as it is one of the main attractions in Colchester! 
The Castle, constructed on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, is the largest example of Norman inheritance in Europe. Not only this, but it can be said that the Colchester Castle is an inspiration for one of the towers in the Tower of London as their designs are fairly similar and the former pre-dates it! The inside has now been converted to a museum
The Castle is located in Castle Park, the biggest garden in Colchester. It is perfect for a picnic or a fun game afternoon. Many festivals and concerts are also hosted here. More historical heritage can also be found throughout the park. Entry to the Park is free.

  
  
  

High street and shopping

High Street is the main street in Colchester. There you can find the Town Hall, the orange tower (really, non-missable). Furthermore, many markets and stalls take place here every Friday and Saturday.
Shopping in town can be a fun experience. From the notorious big chains to smaller independent shops and thrift shops. The main areas are: Lion Walk, Culver Square, Culver Street and Eld Lane.

  

Natural History Museum

Located right outside Castle Park, the former church now turned into a museum focuses on all the natural changes Colchester has experienced up to today. From biodiversity to climate changes, here you can observe fossils and minerals collected within the north-east Essex area. You can learn all about the devastating 1884 earthquake or the mammoths that used to wander around. Furthermore, admission is free!

  
  
  

Hollytrees Museum

This museum is situated within Castle Park, by the Information Centre. The property used to be the Round family's home. Today, visitors can get a sense of what it was to live in the house by walking through the many rooms, seeing the collections of mediaeval belongings, portraits, clocks and doll houses and listening to recordings of inhabitants' memories. Entry is also free!

  
  
  

Firstsite exhibitions

Not only is the gallery's architecture incredible, but admission is also free! Firstsite offers many events, cinema screenings, workshops and rotating art exhibitions. The main focus is on contemporary visual arts.

  

University of Essex

My university. The campus is composed of 5 squares where all the facilities (from stores, bars, restaurants and even hairdressers), library, student centre, classrooms and many of the student accommodation infrastructures are located. As it is built within Wivenhoe Park, there is a beautiful scenery with a lake surrounding it. There is also the hex and lakeside theatre, where many plays and events take place.

  
  

Rollerworld

The perfect place to go if you want to do something fun. From rollerskating to pool tables, to bowlingo (smaller bowling), to arcade games and even quasar laser tag!


Other ideas (places I haven't visited yet but will definitely in the future!):

  • Minories Gallery: art exhibitions and tea room
  • Mercury Theatre: where many national and international plays take place
  • St John's Abbey Gate: the only part of the abbey that still remains intact
  • St Botolph's Priory: remains of the first Augustinian priory church
  • Bourne Mill: watermill with working waterwheel
  • Holy Trinity Church: free entry, burial place of Queen Elizabeth's physician
  • Colchester Zoo: visit species from around the world and learn about the conservation programme
  • Close towns and areas: Wivenhoe (beautiful walk via the path from the University), Tiptree (Wilkin and Sons Jam Museum and Little Scarlet Strawberries), Dedham Vale (known as Constable Country as the picturesque scenes remind of paintings created by Constable; something else interesting to check out is the legend of the Dragon), Colne Vale (East Anglian Railway Museum)
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Hello hello there! 

Welcome to another post about my trip to Croatia. This time I am sharing my experience at Trakošćan!

Trakošćan is located in the north of Croatia, in the Varaždin County. In addition, it is just a 15-minute drive away from the Slovenian border. 

To get there, we simply drove around 50 minutes from Varaždin. Keep in mind, however, that as there is no highway, the journey involves many turnings and hills.

The location comprises a castle and a stunning park with a lake.


You can visit both for 40 kunas (equivalent to around £5, for an adult ticket) or just the park for 1 kuna (12 pence!).

The Castle was built in the 13th century and initially served the purpose of an observational fortress. Due to its abandonment in the 18th century and neglect for almost 2 centuries, the area was restored in the late 19th century. It is now a national property.
Both the exterior and interior are incredible. Around the mid-1950s, the Castle was transformed into a museum and the different floors now exhibit collections of original weapons, furniture, books and paintings.

  
  

The park is enormous and so so romantic. You can take a walk in the hiking trails or ride a pedal boat in the (artificial) lake. Furthermore, there is a small chapel where weddings take place (how cute is that?!). Overall, even if not visiting the Castle, the park is a must: it is too picturesque to miss.

  

To conclude, I will have to say that Trakošćan really was one of my favourite stops in Croatia. And I reckon that it must be even more stunning during autumn or winter! Nonetheless, it is a perfect day trip anytime of the year. I would absolutely adore to go back. 

  
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Slightly over two months ago, before the stressful exam season, I took a one week trip to Croatia.
Due to having many Croatian friends, I was lucky enough to have been shown around and taught the history and facts behind the stunning monuments and parks.

Here are some of the highlights of what I visited during my stay in Zagreb:


Main Central Train Station

  • Start here and make your way to the city centre
  • You will walk on the loveliest avenue composed of three parks

Trg Kralja Tomislava

  • The first park
  • Here you can find the Art Pavillion
  • The park includes a huge fountain that lights up at night
  

Park Josipa Jurja Strossmayera

  • The second park
  • Features the Croatian Academy of Science and Arts
Park Zrinjevac

  • The third park
  • Includes a stunning gazebo in the centre
  • Also has some smaller fountains (the first ever built in Zagreb!)
Trg Bana Jelačića

  • The city centre plaza 
  • Statue of Ban Josip Jelačic, Croatia Ban (equivalent to leader)
  • City Model
    • Can be found on the right side of Trg Bana Jelačića
    • It is named 'Zagreb welcomes you'
 
  

Zagrebacka Katedrala

  • Just continue walking upwards from the city model and you will find Zagreb's Cathedral
  • No admission fee
  

Gornji Grad (upper town)

  • To get there, either climb the stairs or take the Uspinjaca (funicular train/ elevator)
  • Stunning (and free) views to the Cathedral and the city
    • You could also check the Zagreb 360° for a panoramic view of Zagreb (however, keep in mind that this one is paid)
  • Tunel Grić
  • Museum of Broken Relationships
  • Bench featuring Antun Gustav Matoš, a Croatian poet
 
 
Kamenita Vrata

  • Also known as the Stone Gate
  • Religious landmark
  • Received its sacred reputation when a devastating fire destroyed everything except a painting of Virgin Mary
Maksimir park

  • The biggest park in Zagreb
  • Here you can also find the Zoo: entrance is 30 kuna for an adult ticket (around £3.5)
 
 
Jarun Lake

  • Just outside the city centre
  • Popular due to its range of outdoor activities (cycling paths and watersports such as paddleboarding) and lifeguarded beaches
  • Free to visit (but you must pay parking if driving there)
Food recommendations:

  • Best price-quality restaurant: Nokturno
    • I recommend trying Zagrebački Odrezak (contains turkey, cheese and ham inside)
  • Ice creams:
    • Vincek
    • Vis a vis by Vincek: vegan options
  • Candy: KiKi, Bronhi, Zivotinjsko Carstvo (has an animal sticker inside), 505, Dorina (chocolate covered waffers)
 

Although this post only features landmarks in Zagreb, I did visit other cities during my trip to Croatia. Therefore, you can expect some other 'What to Visit in Croatia' posts very soon!

I also wanted to thank you for all the patience and inform that now that my exams are over I will be posting regularly once again!

See you next week,
Irene xx

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About me


Hi! My name is Irene and I am a Portuguese 20 year-old who is currently living her dream of living and studying in the UK

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