On Bristol - A Partial Reappraisal

[danieldwilliam]

I am often harsh about Bristol.

I’ve been visiting Bristol for about 15 years now. At first as a accountancy trainee, latterly as a good place to take Bluebird for our monthly access weekends.

Over the years, and more so in more recent years, I’ve noticed a real improvement in the city. It has more things to do, more cultural capital, the city centre seems less shaby, the pubs and restuarants more enjoyable.

I think this is backed up by statisitcs and surveys showing that the city enjoys a strong economy and a good standard of living.

There are still problems but I no longer hate visiting.

Comments

[widgetfox.livejournal.com]

Repentant but defiant.

[danieldwilliam.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure I'd go as far as repentant. That, perhaps, implies I was wrong in the past.

But I do find myself warming to the Bristol of the future.

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

I like Bristol. I have been visiting repeatedly since the 1970s (when I went for an interview at the university).

I think it is an eminently livable-in city, in ways which Edinburgh is but London, I feel, isn't.

Interestingly, it feels bigger than Edinburgh, but, according to Google, Edinburgh has a population of 450k and Bristol 428k. It may just be more spread out, or, perhaps, the places I want to get to are more spread out.

[danieldwilliam.livejournal.com]

I think it is more spread out. There are more houses and fewer flats. Also the river and harbour in Bristol create, at least the feeling of, separation.

And Leith, in Edinburgh, seems to sort of exist in a parallel dimension where it is at one and the same time part of Edinburgh but not part of Edinburgh.

[widgetfox.livejournal.com]

I have fond memories of Bristol :-)

[danieldwilliam.livejournal.com]

I hadn't realised you have a particular connection with Bristol.

Does this go back to your banking days?

[widgetfox.livejournal.com]

Trying again.

Patrick and I used to spend time there as one of his closest friends lives there, and we had a nice holiday there in 2007, before I stopped drinking.