At the weekend we visited Bristol for a friend’s birthday. I promised Dave that I would leave the laptop behind so I could spend time with him, but I actually did one better than that and also left my memory card at home (in the laptop) leaving my main camera redundant! I couldn’t go the whole weekend without taking any photos so here are some quick phone snaps.
We stayed at the Mercure Holland House Hotel and Spa. This hotel was the perfect location for us- a short walk up Bath Road to the birthday pub and also a short walk to The Waterfront and the City Centre. It was easy to find and had parking available too (you all know how much I love driving in Bristol).
We didn’t have a lot of time to make the most of the hotel facilities. We arrive showered, got ready and had a drink (the hairdryer and mini fridge were useful).
Then we were off to party! We had a great evening with friends- dancing, chatting, good food and company. Then we walked back to the hotel and Dave went off on the drunken search for pizza (it’s gotta be done…).
We had a great nights sleep and a lovely child free lie in – such bliss I tell you! I can’t believe I didn’t pack our swimming costumes to make use of the pool while we were there. I always make the most of pools when the kids are with us.
Instead we went off for a short walk around Bristol and to grab some food before heading home.
Hopefully Dave and I will be on Thekla, the Cargo Ship music venue, watching CJ (the Wildhearts) Tour next February!
Oh, you know when you just need a hungover egg bap, hash brown and a can of diet coke. This was so needed. Dave had an all breakfast roll, hash brown and a drink too and it all came to just over £7 from Princes Pantry.
Best of all, the sun was shining in Bristol so we could eat outside with a harbour view.
Dave made friends with John Cabot, the master mariner who sailed his ship, the Matthew, from Bristol in 1497 to discover Newfoundland, in North America.
Then we walked back to the car, passing the stunning St Mary Redcliffe Parish Church, described by Queen Elizabeth I as “The fairest, goodliest and most famous church in England.”
We also passed the Edible Park, which is part of the community food growing movement by Edible Bristol, where the citizens of Bristol are coming together to grow both food and community in underused and unloved spaces.
I was quite sad to read about why they’ve had to rehome their beehive, but apart from that setback, it’s an inspiring project.
We then drove back to Newport to see Ceri and Lexy and pick up Rebecca and Izzy, the next stop was services for Krispy Kreme Donuts (we can’t buy them locally so have to make the most of it when out of town!), then to pick up Danny and Caitlyn and then drive home.
We all cuddled on the settee watching Saturday night’s Doctor Who and all fell asleep far too early, but it was great to all be back together again!
Hope you all had a lovely weekend too! x
