Booked a girls' night away to the Artists Residence Hotel in Bristol this week, while Mr H was away on his week's survival course (yes, really) with Jules.
Interesting to get a feel for a city neither Janine nor I knew at all, with the key learnings being that its very grungy as you drive in (and we were staying in the graffiti quarter), gets nicer as you head down to the water, and is much hillier than I had expected.
Especially when hunting for Banksy artwork in the different districts… one of which was at the top of a practically vertical hill.
But good to have something to orientate us around town as we nailed our 10,000 steps, a cup of tea and a shared carrot cake..
Still laughing at J trying not to squint for the pic in front of this Banksy – in a major sunspot with lots of people waking by laughing at our pathetic efforts.. I look shiny enough in this photo, you can only imagine what the ones of her were like!
And then there's the ridiculousness of trying to get a decent shot of the two of us in front of this last one, guarded by a massive metal fence.. Whole of your head shots are so yesterday…
Finally trotted out to the Clifton Suspension Bridge which has spectacular views down the gorge of the River Avon. And a very nice clean public loo right next to it, in case you're passing..
Had dinner at the rather fancy Paco Tapas, with its 1 Michelin star meaning the food was beautiful and delicious but bijou! And a final flying visit to Ardman Animations en route to the car..
All in all a success, with me even buying an actual winter jumper, with actual long sleeves for my birthday – unheard of!!
x