QUIRKY BRISTOL

We flew from Paris directly to Bristol, England where we had planned a week of family history (Jim's)  research at the Bristol Archive Records.  These archives are on an island in the River Avon.  I was thrilled to see Gromit on the ferry I took.

I later learned that Aardman Animations, producers of Wallace and Gromit, are located right across the river from where we are staying.

Bristol is a city which is rediscovering itself.  A former major shipping port, the rough and tumble waterfront is being redeveloped into all sorts of mixed use.

Narrow canal boats

Derelict factory building being reimagined

New Millenium Center and Energy Tree

All around the newly developed area are edible gardens and fun statues.

Cary Grant, a famous Bristolian

The older part of town also has some great statues.  This guy is known as the Father of Indian Renaisssance.

Rajah Rommohun Roy and The Bristol Cathedral

Unicorn on City Hall

When I mentioned to a cabbie that I wanted to go to a classic English pub with a fun name he immediately told us about the "Bag of Nails," a pub with cats.

We finally made it there tonight and there were at least 6 cats, most of them sleeping in boxes on the bar.

In addition there was a list of rules, such as #4 "If you don't like Johnny Cash, shut up or get out," and other amusing signs.

As we have walked around Bristol we've seen other fun names of pubs and restaurants.

Bristol seems to have a young, artistic energy.  This poem randomly placed at the waterfront sums it up.

Audrey