The best part of retirement is having a flexible schedule. Being able to do what I want when I want has given me a freedom that was a little hard to get used to, but a blessing for me now.
Traveling abroad has been my main focus and I have been very fortunate to pursue that interest. But for now, I am focusing on seeing parts of the UK that I haven't.
My first adventure, in the car with my dog, was a day trip to Bristol.
Bristol, in southwest England is about a two hour drive from west London. Including it's suburbs, Bristol has the 10th largest population in the UK. There are two large universities and a thriving art, music and food scene. There are many architectural attractions plus museums, the SS Great Britain and a regenerated docklands.
In 2017, Bristol became a 'city of film' by UNESCO. It is often included in top ten lists for both travel and living.
I went to Bristol for a Banksy treasure hunt. While there are many walking tours available, I wanted to go it alone. Plus I am not sure how well Clifton would do on a walking tour.
Banksy, the anonymous graffiti artist, is believed to be from Bristol. There are over 12 of his works still on view throughout the city, in small avenues or ally ways. Places that you would not expected them to pop up, they do.
Unveiled 28 March, 2019 is a re-installation of 'Devolved Parliament.' This is original Banksy painting on canvas features chimp parliamentarians in a mostly empty House of Commons. It has gone on display at the Bristol Museum for the first time since Banksy VS Bristol caused a sensation there 10 years ago. In light of the Brexit shambles, it is a fitting time to bring that piece back!
I managed to find 3 3/4 pieces; the 3/4 because 'The Grim Reaper' is now in a museum and they would not let me in with the dog. They are not as easy to find as I imagined and getting from one to the other took a lot of leg work.
Wild Wild West Well Hung Lover Grim Reaper (visitbristol.com)
Though I was a solid under performance on my Banksy treasure hunt, the graffiti art on display by other artists made the walking worth it and my day trip to Bristol a huge success!
www.visitbristol.com
www.bristolfreewalkingtour.com
www.banksy.com
www.theculturetrip.com
www.ssgreatbritain.com