Bristol

We visited Bristol to see the ss Great Britain. A steel hulled steam ship designed by Brunel. The city of Bristol itself was no less appealing.

I associate Bristol with music. A significant number of artists herald from the area and have heavily influenced modern dance music. Listen to BBC Radio 1 for an evening and you will almost certainly hear something from a local artist.

Bristol is home to Aardman. The creators of stop motion films; a feel good story pushed by the media as a home grown success in the American dominated film industry. Our visit coincided with a find the Gromit statues around the city. We saw at least five; they were not hard to spot as most had attracted children and parents flocking for photos.

The ss Great Britain is moored in a dry dock covered with a wonderful watery illusion. Where the boat would meet the water is a sheet of glass, covered by a thin layer of water. The water ripples across the surface casting beautiful shadows down below on the hull and visitors. Visitors have access below and can walk around the entire hull. Visitors are also guided through the interior of the once mighty steam ship.

I did not expect Bristol to be so architecturally grand. Its engineering past has left a legacy of bequeathed buildings and churches. Every direction revealed more structures of rich history.

The area between the cathedral and town hall is particularly impressive. The expanse of grass separating the two had attracted people to sit and idle in the summer sunshine.

Bristol felt alive and was clearly attempting to recreate itself and avoid being trapped in the past. New buildings, new modern artworks, and renovations all helped the city feel welcoming.