From Bristol, England to Conwy, Wales

Aloha Everyone,

Today was our train travel day. After our usual breakfast of fruits, croissant and Cappuccino in our hotel room, we checked out and took a taxi to the station.

The first part of our train ride was on an English line where they offer fee based WiFi. The second leg of our trip was on a Welsh train which does not require seat reservations and they gave us usage of free WiFi. The overcast day turned muggy. On the platform of Conwy, we were welcomed by heavy rain and thunderstorm. 

Conwy is a walkable market town and community located on the beautiful north coast of Wales. The place sort of reminds us of the walled town of Avila in Spain.

Based on the national census of 2015, the resident population in Conwy County Borough was estimated to be 116,200 people. The town itself has a population of 4,065. It is a popular tourist destination and sizing from the international flags being displayed in various establishments, the town’s income must rely on visitor spending.

Visitors out number residents during the summer months.

J.J. and I are staying at the Castlebank Hotel, a charming Bed and Breakfast establishment located just outside of the walled city and only 5 minutes walk from the train station. Our room on the second floor of this stately house is quaint and beautifully decorated.

Aloha -- Cathi

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Aloha Everyone,

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is located in a magnificent Edwardian building adjacent to the University of Bristol. Exhibits are spread out in the spacious three floors of the museum.

The ground floor which would be First floor in US has a Family Discovery Area catering to pre-school aged children. Exhibits include world wild life, dinosaurs, Eastern Art and Egyptian mummies.

Two impressive exhibits are Bristol Boxkite and Doris the Pliosaurus, both hanging from the ceiling. 

Collection of impressionists, Italian Renaissance and Dutch Golden Age, Venetian scenes are also represented. While there is no outstanding master pieces, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is an excellent place to spend a few hours browsing and learning about history, art and culture. J.J. also had time to savor delicious cup of coffee in the palatial setting of the ground floor.

Aloha -- Cathi

Sudeley Castle & Gardens

Aloha Everyone,

Today we went on a day excursion to visit Sudeley Castle & Gardens. We began our adventure by taking a taxi from our hotel to the train station, then took a slow train which seemed to stop every few minutes. After arriving at our destined station, it required an additional 35 minutes taxi ride to get to the castle.

As with many castles, Sudeley was a site for numerous family squabbles, armed battles and court intrigue. The castle has over 1,000 years of history.

A couple of interesting facts: Sudeley is the only castle left in England that is still a private residence. A caretaker I engaged in conversation mentioned that the owner is currently in residence. The Lady of Sudeley Castle is Lady Elizabeth Ashcombe, an American from Kentucky who married the late owner. She has a son and a daughter. The son is married to a girl from a prominent Hawaiian family and they live in Hawaii, but they spend the summer months in Sudeley.

The Gardens of Sudeley Castle are beautiful and internationally acclaimed. Led by the exquisite Queen’s Garden, there is White Garden, East Garden, Tudor Physic Garden, Herb Garden, Mulberry Garden and Secret Garden which is not really secret as it is clearly marked and included in the self walking tour map.

Despite of the day being warm, sunny with clear sky plus the Sudeley Castle is set on a picturesque English rolling countryside. I found the place to be a poignant and melancholy place. As the caretaker mentioned, on dark gloomy evenings, you can feel the ghost of Catherine Parr wandering the vast ground. She was the last of Henry VIII's six wives and buried in the Chapel on the ground.

Aloha -- Cathi

Bristol - Cosmopolitan Gastronomic Delight

Aloha Everyone,

Bristol has a population of 459,300. Circa 2013, University of Bristol reported a total student body of 14,488 undergraduates, 3,412 postgraduate and 2,382 postgraduate research.

5,080 international students were enrolled during the 2916-2017 school year. Students came from East Asia, Southeast Asia with top four led by China, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Influenced by foreign resident population, restaurants, cafes and bars offer a large array of international gastronomic experiences.

J.J. and I have enjoyed Nepalese curries, Indian tandooris, French baguette sandwiches, Spanish paella, Italian pizzas, Greek spanakopita and Vietnamese Pho, just to name a few.

Aloha -- Cathi

Historical & Vibrant Bristol

Aloha Everyone,

• Legendary infamous pirate Blackbeard was born in Bristol as Edward Teach. He had a hideout in Redcliffe caves and a home on Harbourside which is part of the Blackbeard walking tour.

• Clifton Suspension Bridge was the site for the first bungee jump.

• Rivena, a popular blackcurrant flavored soft drink was invented by a University of Bristol scientist in 1933. During the war, people consumed it as an alternative source of vitamin C.

• M Shed is a great place to hang out to learn the story of Bristol from prehistoric times to present.

• Floating Harbour was opened in 1809 to overcome the challenges of the second highest tidal range in the world. It is now a destination offering boat trips, water sports, restaurants and bars.

• Colston Hall opened its door in 1867. It offers diverse entertainment including music and comedy.

Aloha -- Cathi