Good Afternoon lovely people!
I hope that you’re all well and enjoying this glorious, spring-time weather that we’re having (dunno about you guys, but the rains been a smidge torrential here at times!). It feels like an absolute age since I managed to get on here and write an actual post! For those of you who saw the recipe I uploaded, YOU ARE WELCOME. Best cake of my entire life! Honestly, its stunning. WARNING: Sammy Strikes Again moment. Handy tip though, make sure you oven cook it… As in, don’t grill it… Like I did. I got the setting wrong on Mom’s oven and yeah… We wondered why it took 1.5 hours to bake unlike the 20 minutes that the recipe suggests. Oh well! Still yummy! Other than this, our Easter was gloriously chilled and family-filled, it left my feeling extremely smug and content to be honest.
So! Last month me and Kris set off on another mini-break. We’re determined to visit some new places this year, and Bristol was one of those on our list. We’d briefly been before, but this time, we had plenty more time to explore!
The first stop on our whistle-stop tour of Bristol was one of the most iconic sights on the Bristol skyline; Clifton Suspension Bridge. We walked up from the centre of town, getting very very VERY wet on the way up. I cannot stress how soaked we actually got… I could have squeezed out my denim jacket! We were incredibly glad when we saw the Clifton Observatory was open! The Clifton Observatory provides you with fantastic (even in the wet weather and fog) panoramic views over the bridge, city and the river the flows through. I definitely recommend a visit to the Giant’s (or Ghyston’s) Cave if you’re popping into the Observatory, as its underneath, deep in the rock face. You travel down the compact, 220 feet tunnel (BEWARE: the taller amongst you will have issues… It is very steep and tight, so you do have to scrunch up your body in some places. Kris is 6ft and he had issues but luckily he’s quite nimble. I am 5ft7… I am not nimble. We both agreed that my stepdad, Lee, who is 6ft4 and broad, would just get wedged…). Eventually, the tunnel opens out into a cave halfway down the cliff-face about 250 feet from the gorge below. There are railings! And the view of the suspension bridge from the middle of a cliff is quite spectacular! However, being able to step out onto a grid just outside the cliff edge, with nothing but that grid and air between your feet and the road, is not my cup of tea. Heights isn’t really the issue, the issue is being about to see how far I am from the road. I touched it with the tip of my pump, and that’s as far as I was ever going to go. However, Kris, has no sense of danger. Absolutely no fear. As you will see from the photos, he’s happy to have photographs and even dance on this HAZARD! I like to think that I’m not dull.. Just that I have a healthy respect for danger.
Once we’d left the cave, we ventured back out in the rain (we were still wet anyway, sop why not embrace it!) to get a good look at the view and bridge. It is fascinating to find out how they built it back in 1864 (I think) and how its still open and in use now! I took some nice shots despite the conditions, and it actually looked like the bridge was suspended over a rain forest haha!
After our visit to Clifton, we decided to continue with our voyage of knowledge and headed the Museum and Art Gallery. They have lots of really interesting exhibits, including a Japanese Prints exhibit (showing life in the city through the centuries and how its still extremely prominent in current culture), an excellent nature exhibit, the work of Banksy, an Egyptian exhibit, and they were showcasing Leonardo da Vinci whilst we were there. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to go around it. There were a lot of families there, and the museum seems to cater for young learners very well (the dinosaur exhibit was extremely popular, with the kids and with Kris)!
After all this learning, we decided to pop to Za Za Bazaar for a buffet lunch. This had been recommended by a good friend, and it did not disappoint. Plenty of food and cuisines to choose from, Indian, Mexican, Italian, and Chinese, and each station had a ‘Live’ counter, where you could have food freshly cooked for you. There was also a chocolate fountain, so I was happy!
Our last stop on our quick tour of Bristol was the Cathedral. This magnificent building sits proudly within its own grassy square, surrounded by cafes and high street shops. Somehow, it seems very fitting and at home there. From what I could tell, Bristol was quite the melting pot of nationalities, cultures, and probably, religions. It was nice to be out of the bustling streets for a bit of quietness and contemplation. I’m not overly religious, and neither is Kris, but the inside and outside of this place of worship is really quite gorgeous, and it does make you stop and stare in awe at the craftsmanship that went into each window and eave.
So! That was our day in Bristol done! I hope you enjoyed my little rundown! I’d definitely go back, as it would be nice to stay over and see some nightlife there (only til about 10pm, cos you know, granny-life over here). The city caters for everyone, local or visiting. There is culture, history, shopping, chic bars, as well as independent and well-known eateries. Its well worth a visit as there is plenty to do!
Love,
SSA x
"Sammy Strikes Again" 