Bristol fashion

Ted. We left Aix-en-Provence with a tear in our eyes on April 18. We loved the area, had made a lot of new acquaintances and had the nicest apartment that we had ever rented. But, it was time to lean into our journey once more. This time we were bound for England with sails firmly set. Our first stop was Bristol. Why you ask? Well, we wanted to experience a town that we knew nothing about. Lonely Planet raved about the place so we said, “Pourquoi pas?”

We were very lucky in that the first Servas hosts that we contacted, Tim and Roisin were available and interested in hosting us.

A rose between two thorns!

They were a wonderful couple and we learned a lot about their garden allotment, shared orchard and their community. We also compared notes on travel, the transition to retirement and grandchildren.

One of many garden plots at the allotments 

They led us on walking and driving tours of Bristol and nearby Clifton. The phrase “shipshape and Bristol fashion” dates back to the 18^th century when this was the second busiest port in the UK. The town has a fascinating history so check it out on the internet if you like that sort of thing.

Floating Harbour

Replica of the Matthew that John Cabot sailed to Newfoundland in 1497

Bristol was where the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel hung his famous hat for many years. His designs are everywhere and include the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Trained as a mechanical engineer myself, the intact locks, swing bridges, steam cranes and wooden boats dating back to the Industrial Revolution got my heart racing like Judy at a textile museum!

Clifton Suspension Bridge (opened 1864)

Lock with Clifton Bridge in background

We loved how the city had worked so hard to repurpose old buildings and there were lots of cafes and shops in walkable neighborhoods. It was a fun town to explore.

Ferry

Famous graffiti by local artist Banksy

Restored steam boat

Kayaker

Lonely Planet was right! It didn’t hurt that we had beautiful spring weather but we will not soon forget our brief but wonderful stay with a great couple. When we left our new friends, we used another French phrase, “Jusqu’á la prochaine fois!” but mostly because I didn’t know if they would recognize my version of “Happy Trails!”