Bristol

This morning I was disappointed to leave my nice b and b in St Ives. I was well looked after. Yesterday I asked  if today i could have a cheese sandwich to take for lunch instead of my cooked breakfast. No problem.  The train ride was uneventful and I arrived at the hotel at 2 .10.

I do not know what possessed me to book this hotel. I wondered why it was cheap when I booked, and the when I found out they were renovating the rooms I could have pulled out.  I could not book in till 2.30 and they would not hold my luggage, I had to pay on the spot because my credit card was an overseas one or some peculiar reason or other, I had trouble with the internet , of course it was not free, and do not know if my payment has gone through twice, the iron and iron board I asked to borrow were really old and dodgy and as for the room...  I was told that tomorrow the bed will be replaced.

I set off for a walk and found, within 200 m 2 modern deli / coffee places both of which have character and serve breakfast so I will not have to eat at the canteen like barn of a place that is next to reception. I tried the coffee at one and it is the best coffee I have had in the UK. I walked on through lots of the nice areas ( a few less nice areas I walked through I will be careful to avoid at night). The Avon that  flows through Bristol has been split to make more waterways and they curve around and around making lots of water views.  There is  a real  mix of old and new- old barges moored in front of modern apartment blocks, or new boats in front of derelict buildings. Lots of young people, bicycles, bicycle lanes on the roads, bright dark blue taxis, bright yellow barge like ferries.  A nice vibe.

As compensation for the dodgy room I decided I could have a nice dinner where ever I wanted. I chose a floating barge. I had a good view of the passing water craft , an excellent meal, a nice dry rose made from grolleau grapes, but a very slightly off feeling the whole time. I guess the motion.