Gromit Unleashed 2

Aloha Everyone,

Gromit Unleashed 2  is a public arts trail currently taking place in Bristol. Gromit is Nick Park's Academy Award®-winning character. The exhibit features 67 giant sculptures designed by high-profile artists, designers, innovators and local talent. It is an ingenious way to get residents and visitors involved in searching for these sculptures and in the process see Bristol on foot.

Art works are usually positioned in iconic locations around Bristol but sometime you really have to search for them. For example, we found one inside the Marriott Hotel bar and another on the second floor of a museum. There are 3 characters including Gromit, Wallace (Gromit’s human friend), and arch nemesis Feathers McGraw.

This art trail is a sequel to Gromit Unleashed which was originally introduced in 2013. The sculptures will adorn Bristol and the surrounding area from July 2 to September 2, 2018.

At the conclusion, the sculptures will be  auctioned off to benefit Bristol Children’s Hospital.

https://www.grandappeal.org.uk/trails-exhibitions/gromit-unleashed/

Aloha -- Cathi

A Day Trip To Bradford On Avon, Hats Bistro, Authentic Greek Food

Aloha Everyone,

The Town Bridge was initially built in the 13th century as a packhorse bridge. During the 17th century, the bridge was widened. The small circular roofed building on the middle of the bridge was first used as a chapel. It then became the town jail.

Using a walking map from the tourist office, J.J. and I leisurely wandered around this charming town which had been conquered by the Romans, Saxons, Normands, Georgians and Victorians. Each left their stories and histories in churches, buildings and carvings on the walls. Three hours walking tour gave us but a glimpse of what this remarkable place has to offer.

Hat Bistro, a small and cosy restaurant was our dinner venue. Beginning with a complimentary appetizer of olives & pita bread, our selection of Greek Salad and Lamb Chops were perfectly prepared.

Giannis and Christina, originally from Greece, have been residents of England for sometime. Enthusiastic, charming and generous, they treated us to homemade dessert and gifted me with a hat, a logo of their place. The bistro has been open for less than 6 weeks. We truly wish this delightful couple huge success in their new venture.

https://www.hatbistro.co.uk/

Aloha -- Cathi

Connected To The World via U.K. Mobile Phone

Aloha Everyone,

This morning J.J. and I walked to Broadmead to the Vodaphone Bristol store to get our phone activated. We learned a local phrase, “top up” while in other countries, it is referred to as “loading minutes.”

For lunch, we purchased Cornish pasties* (Baked pies associated with an area of Southwest England - Cornwall). They are often filled with beef or chicken and vegetables. Joining other lunchtime picnickers, the two of us selected an old castle wall and enjoyed our meal as we people watched at Castle Park.

We also stopped by at the Box Office to inquire about the plays that are showing this week.

Our mobile phone now works and we can use it to make both domestic and international calls. However, since the phone was purchased in Mexico, it gives out instructions in Spanish. It’s amusing when you are not pressed for time but when we are in a hurry, it reminds us to be patient. We use a smart phone to translate the Spanish instructions.

Here is a sampling of the wonderful food we have been enjoying in Bristol

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Aloha -- Cathi

Bristol City Center & Old City

Aloha Everyone,

Old City where we are staying is full of character. Cobbled streets and alleyways are where you find King Street (where we are staying) and Queen Square. Some of oldest and striking architectures in Bristol are also located in this neighborhood.

Today Central Bristol is hosting the Bristol Cycle Grand Prix and Let's Ride events. When J.J. and I stepped out of our hotel, the two of us immediately encountered road closures and pedestrian barricades.

We stopped by Arnolfini, an internationally renowned contemporary art gallery, but the place was barren. It appeared they were in between exhibits. The Grain House is where the Youth Hostel is located and this where we would find a coin-operated laundry.

Still trying to figure out our activities in Bristol, we stopped by the Tourist Information Center located in the Watershed. Chloé, originally from France, was very helpful and she assisted me with information on places to visit and things to do.

Aloha -- Cathi