Bristol: Rain, Rumors, and Really Weird Vibes
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. 2654993 and 1826687116… honestly, those numbers just keep swirling around in my head like a broken record. the air here in Bristol is thick, like wet wool, and the pressure’s sitting at 996 - feels like someone’s constantly squeezing my chest. humidity’s at 97, which is just… oppressive. temp’s hovering around 1.88, feels like -3.04, i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
I landed yesterday, and honestly, it’s been a blur. I’m staying in this tiny place near the Harbourside - it’s basically a converted shipping container, which is cool, but the plumbing is… questionable. let’s just say i’ve developed a deep appreciation for bottled water.
I was wandering around Stokes Croft, trying to find some decent street art, and someone told me that the Cube is a total dive - “don’t even think about going after dark,” they said. someone else overheard that the Muddy Puddles is the best place for a proper Sunday roast, but I’m skeptical. I heard that… well, let’s just say it involves a lot of gravy and questionable meat. I’m sticking to the vegan options, thanks.
Spent the morning exploring Clifton - the Suspension Bridge is, like, ridiculously photogenic. it’s a tourist trap, obviously, but you can’t deny it’s impressive. I checked out TripAdvisor for some hidden gems, and found this place called ‘The Grove’ - apparently, they do amazing sourdough. I’m adding it to the list.
I’m trying to capture the feel of this place, you know? Bristol feels… layered. Like it’s been built on top of centuries of history, and it’s still trying to figure out who it is. there’s a gritty energy here, a kind of rebellious spirit. it’s not polished or pretty in a conventional way. it’s just… real.
Here’s my gear list, because apparently, that’s what everyone wants:
My battered Leica M6 (obviously)
A ridiculously oversized backpack (seriously, where does all this stuff come from?)
Noise-canceling headphones (essential for surviving the commute)
A sketchbook and a handful of pencils (for capturing fleeting moments)
A portable charger (because my phone dies faster than my patience)
A ridiculously large bottle of hand sanitizer
If you get bored, Cardiff is just a short drive away.
I stumbled across this tiny record shop on Gloucester Road - ‘Vinyl Junkies’ - and spent a good hour digging through crates. found a first pressing of a Joy Division album. felt like winning the lottery. I’m checking out Yelp for more local music venues.
Speaking of locals, I ran into this guy, Liam, at a pub last night. He was a busker playing some seriously soulful blues. he told me that the best place to get a pint is ‘The Full Moon’ - apparently, they have a secret stash of local craft beers. I’m trusting him.
Honestly, the rain is relentless. it’s this constant, drizzly grey that just seeps into your bones. but there’s something about it that’s kind of beautiful, in a melancholic way. it adds to the atmosphere, you know? it makes everything feel a little bit… softer.
I’m heading to the SS Great Britain next - apparently, it’s a massive deal. I’m hoping to get some decent shots. I heard that the tour guides are a bit… enthusiastic.
Right, I need to find somewhere to charge my camera. and maybe another coffee. this city is exhausting.
Check out this map:
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