Christmas Steps

I am already thinking of the winter break. And most of my friends are also counting down the minutes left to go back home. It's always nice to go home, mostly because of the huge feasts. When I was a child, the incentive were the presents. Now, on the other hand, it's family and friends.  So, this will be my last post in this 2013 and I couldn't find a better way to finish the year rather than talking about Christmas Steps. I wish you happy...

1-day trip to Bath

Bath is a city 14 miles away from Bristol. You could be in Bath in 40 minutes by car, yet it is not the best option as parking in the city centre will cost you an arm and a leg. So, what's the best way to get there? I always choose public transport if I go to Bath, either the bus or the train. The train takes 10 minutes from Temple Meads station and an offpeak return tickets costs £4.60 with the railcard. The bus ticket is free if you...

Loch Fyne

I thought I would never write about a chain restaurant in my blog but Loch Fyne really deserves a post. Located in historical "Old Granary" in the waterfront, Loch Fyne is a very beautiful seafood restaurant. I made a reservation for Sunday lunchtime although we later realized that there wasn't a need for a reservation (you never know, though). We decided to go at lunchtime as they have set menu on a reasonable price of £10.45 for a 2 course...

Harbour Festive Boat Parade

Can you imagine there is a sailing parade, where boats are decorated with Christmas decoration and light up the Harbourside? Next Saturday, 14th December, this will actually be happening. Bristol harbourside will shine bright on this second edition. For two hours, over 30 boats of all colours, shapes and sizes will illuminate the Harbourside with a Christmas parade for the second time. The five-mile circuit will start at Prince's Bridge, where...

The little shop

If you follow my blog, you would have already realised that I love handmade jewellery. If you don't, I tell you now: I love handmade jewellery. And even more if the artist is local! I like the idea a wearing a pair of earrings or a nice necklace while its maker could be sitting next to me in a coffee shop, for example. The artist will probably stare at me and smile, and I would probably smile back, without knowing exactly why.  Since...

Santas also cycle in Bristol

Next Sunday, thousands of Santas will hit the road in Bristol. Armed with their bikes, they will be cycling from the MShed to Ashton Court. You can also be one of them! This Sunday, 8th December, take your Santa outfit, decorate your bike and join the rest of Santas at MShed at 10.30am to cycle together with the herds of reindeer riders in this "santastic" event Sustrans is organising. The route will be traffic-free until Ashton Court,...

Eat.Drink.Dance

Next Friday, 6th December, The Island will host a new night market from 5pm to 12pm. The concept behind the street market is a social gathering. It will combine local breweries, artists, musicians and you! There will be street-food traders, local craft beer brewery bar, hot coctails bar, DJs, local arts & crafts, live t-shirt screen-printing, handmade goodies, kids corner, pop-up record shop, seating and many more. Before reading about this...

2-day trip to Liverpool

Liverpool is a city 3-hours away from Bristol going North. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and got the city status in 1880. With a population of more than 550,000, Liverpool is the fourth most populated city in Great Britain. It takes slightly less than 3h to get to Liverpool by car, but the route is quite straight forward. Take the M5 north towards Birmingham and then M6 to Manchester. Take the exit to the M62 towards Liverpool and it will...

Mulled wine: the drink served in a mug

The first contact I've ever had with the mulled wine happened last year, around this time. The German Christmas Market (here) was all set up and after having the time of our lives skating in the ring in Broadmead, we warmed up with a glass of mulled wine. Or shall I say a "mug" of mulled wine? For those who don't know what I am talking about, mulled wine is n alcoholic beverage made with red wine and various other sweet ingredients, which is...

German Christmas Market

For the 5th time, the German Christmas Market set up in the shopping quarter in Bristol. Why go to Germany or Austria, when a the market itself comes to your town?  The market opened its doors the 8th November in Broadmead and they will stay open until few days before Christmas day (22nd December). The 38 festive stalls will be selling food, drinks and all kind of gifts.  Home Christmas decoration, traditional handmade wooden games,...

Congrats musicians: today, it's your day!

Music defines us, it makes us feel we are not alone, we are understood... and we understand each other. Music is art, virtue, passion, love, sadness,... and many other things we cannot define. It is a hobby for some of us, a profession for others. Today, 22nd November, it's St Cecilia day, the patroness of musicians. I am not sure it is celebrated in the UK, but many people back in Spain they don't even know this day exists... unless they have...