Bristol fashion.

We had a very lazy start today and also had a few jobs to do before setting out to explore. It was almost lunchtime before we set out. As normal we went hunting for the Tourist Information and found it after walking through the new harbour area.

Just as we left the boat the replica of John Cabot's 'Matthew'. They left Bristol in 1497 looking for the route to Asia and instead ended up in Newfoundland, and as this predated Christopher Columbus he should have had more credit for his voyage. This replica was built between 1994 and 1996 and in 1997, five hundred years after the original set off for Canada once more with the same number of crew. Now it runs trip round the Floating Harbour and in the summer sometimes ventures further afield.

As we crossed Millennium Square we saw the mirrored fountain and as we rarely get a photo of the two of us together it was too good an opportunity to turn down.

We picked up the maps and leaflets from the TIC and were then able to plan our stay. We also got the phone number of the Harbour Master and called them to let them know we were here and so we good pay at Netham Lock. We decided to head of the Cathedral which was close. 

We actually went to the cafe first for a sandwich and a coffee and then for a walk round the gardens that were lovely in the sunshine. The Cathedral was a little dark but was more graceful than the Norman styles we have seen recently.

This is the Norman Chapter House where the government of the original Abbey too place. I have never seen such an ornately carved Norman room as this. It is supposed to have the first pointed arches in England. The tall lower arches may have been seating for when the council were in session.

There are some nice tombs of the Earl's of Berkeley from the late 1200's and early 1300's. On the other side are the tombs of the old Abbots. This one is an Abbot as you can see from his mitre. I can't remember who he was though. We were treated to an organ recital as we went around as one of the free lunchtime concerts took place. When they got to the base notes the whole building resonated and the door handles rattled.

The College Green was remodeled in 1950 when the new City Hall was built. After the building was completed the Council were surprised when the Architect produced these unicorns to sit at the summit of the ends of his crescent shaped building but they do make a good sight.

 We then decided to walk round to M Shed which is museum about the History of Bristol, and is free. It is built in an old docks warehouse and is very good. There is a Banksy that was painted on the side of a ship in there. We are hoping to spy a few more of his 'pieces' as we walk around the City. We were about three hours wandering about and they were looking to close by the time we left. We walked towards the 'Great Britain' as we had seen there is a little ferry across the Harbour from the old ship to just near to our berth. It starts at 0730 and finish at 1815 and costs 80p a trip. For the commuters it is £14 a month.

Looking down the Floating Harbour to the east in the sunshine.

Here is our moorings in a little bay. It reminds me of Valletta Harbour in Malta a little, especially in the sunshine.

After tea we will go and explore the City to see what we can see and do tomorrow. We will also be on the lookout for some of the nice pubs in the City and maybe a Banksy or two.