Suffering from Been on a Trip Syndrome
There’s a thing isn’t there called Been On A Course Syndrome, well I think I’ve caught something similar Been On A Trip Syndrome. I’ve just spent a few days in Cartagena, Spain – a town that is attempting to maximise the value of its Roman Heritage (and ruins). Living in Colchester its hard not to make comparisons, and draw parallels. Cartagena has a magnificent ruin of a 7,000 seat Roman Theatre, discovered as late as the 1980’s and for a whole host of reasons (including ruins under low grade housing that can be removed, substantial ruins in good condition, some historical good fortune including not being burned to ashes by you know who, a powerful consortium combining the LA, the University, chamber and local history groups driving interest, subsequent EU funding and a desire to rebuild the towns fortunes based on its culture and history) the town has been able to both preserve and substantially invest in its ruins. Alongside the Theatre are two different approaches. The temple, and a town house are preserved and displayed ‘underground’ – under existing buildings – whilst the Forum is maintained under a contemporary canopy practically in the centre of the town. Everywhere you go there is evidence of joined up thinking – in the signage, in the promotion, in the way the town is communicating, in its joined up message (many of the key sites are run by the consortium), by the enthusiasm and dedication of the staff and there seemingly omnipresent t …
