Bristol: Rain, Rumors, and Really Weird Vibes
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. 2654675 and 1826921049 - seriously, what is that? it’s like a random number generator decided to have a party in my brain. i landed in Bristol yesterday, and honestly, it’s… intense. the air feels thick, like wet wool. the pressure is sitting at 996, which is basically a polite way of saying ‘prepare for a downpour.’ humidity’s at 92, so yeah, you’re gonna sweat. it’s not a bad sweat, just… persistent.
I’m a touring session drummer, so my priority is finding a decent practice space, but Bristol’s… quirky. Like, aggressively quirky. The streets are all cobbled and narrow, and there’s this constant hum of… something. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s not unpleasant, just… unexpected. i stumbled into this pub called ‘The Plough’, and the bartender - a guy named Silas with a tattoo of a badger playing a banjo - told me someone told him that the old music hall down by the harbor is haunted by a Victorian opera singer who only sings in Welsh. seriously.
I’m trying to keep my gear list minimal, but essentials include: my sticks (obviously), a metronome (because, you know, drumming), a ridiculously oversized hoodie (it’s always colder than you think), and a notebook full of half-formed song ideas. Also, a portable charger. Always a portable charger.
I spent the afternoon wandering around Clifton, which is basically a giant, leafy explosion. The Suspension Bridge is a must-see, obviously. I checked out TripAdvisor for some food recommendations - apparently, ‘St Nicholas Market’ is the place to be. I’m going to hit that up later. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g186533-Bristol_England.html
Speaking of markets, I overheard a group of students talking about a secret underground rave that happens every month in a disused railway tunnel. Someone told me that the DJs only play music made entirely of whale song. I’m not entirely sure I believe that, but it’s Bristol, so… why not?
I’m staying in a tiny Airbnb in Stokes Croft - it’s a really cool, artsy area. My neighbors are a collective of ceramicists and a guy who builds miniature robots. If you get bored, Cardiff is just a short drive away. I’m also checking out Yelp for some local eats. https://www.yelp.com/map?fid=33111&rid=bris
I found this amazing vintage shop called ‘Threads & Tales’ - it’s a treasure trove of 70s dresses and band tees. I scored a killer denim jacket for £30. Worth it. Seriously.
Someone at the market said the best place to find street art is around Gloucester Road. Apparently, there’s a mural of a giant pigeon wearing a monocle. Don’t ask.
I’m trying to capture the vibe of the city through my photography - lots of moody shots of rain-slicked streets and crumbling brick buildings. I’m aiming for a gritty, atmospheric look. I’m also documenting everything on my Instagram - @drummerchaos.
I’m also trying to find some good coffee. Bristol has a surprisingly decent coffee scene. I’m on the hunt for the perfect flat white. I heard that ‘Foundation Coffee’ is the place to go. https://foundationcoffee.co.uk/
Honestly, this place is a mess. A beautiful, chaotic mess. I’m not sure I’m going to leave, and that’s saying something. I need more coffee. And maybe a therapist. But mostly coffee.
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/masbate-for-families-the-real-dirt-on-parks-schools-and-whether-youll-survive
- https://topiclo.com/post/just-got-back-from-boston-and-boy-am-i-tired
- https://topiclo.com/post/banjul-where-the-gambia-river-whispers-secrets
- https://topiclo.com/post/libreville-bills-what-your-wallet-actually-feels
- https://topiclo.com/post/networking-events-and-professional-communities-in-jos-dont-sleep-on-this-seriously