Bristol: "It's Well Hectic!"

Caught the bus (for £6.50) and went to Bristol where I stayed with Emma from Gaulier in her awesome red truck.

Parked illegally in a piece of land a bunch of squatters have taken over. Naughty... Exciting!

We were laughing because the city is really boring on the surface: There's nothing much to do or see. It's a lot like small towns in New Zealand really. ALTHOUGH we did go on a walk through the city, over the swing bridge, to the museum...

Emma at the museum. This wooden contraption was really cool! Turn a handle and it made a little ship rock on waves.

We saw Banksy works (Bristol is his hometown)...

And we went to two shows

Frankenspine - My Big Break which was about the performer's (previously from Kneehigh) true story of breaking his neck and his recovery.

It was absolutely beautiful. Fun, simple, playful and honest.

It had moments of vaudeville and dance and physical theatre and simple talking to the audience. He told us his story. But he performed it too.

I really hope this tours. It should. And I think it will. It was really touching. A gem.

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We also took another risk and went to see 'Madhouse' at The Alma Tavern Theatre.

Bristol Experimental Theatre Company presents a satirical review featuring the drama 'Acceptance World' followed by comedy sketches.

Our fears came true unfortunately. It was awwwwful!

Really bad writing. Really bad acting. Really bad direction.

The set was bad too!

Emma's face says it all. We had to get out!

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I went to The Weapon of Choice Art Gallery which featured cool street art.

This was my favourite. Political: Right now in Bristol people are fighting to save local stores from the evil Tesco.

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On my last night (I stayed for two - planned for one but didn't want to leave) I went out with Emma and met with Charles and Ed from Gaulier too. :) We went to this event that Lina, Ed's girlfriend had organised. It had music and poetry and performance. We arrived too late for all of that. But we drank Cider and Banana bread beer and played this great Dice game. 

We were betting between 20p and £1 each round. Winner takes all. I Lost and lost and lost...and then finally I won taking the jackpot of 8 quid!!!

After that Charles took me on a tour of the old Bristol haunts he used to squat/perform in. This one place had pictures on the walls that could give anyone a fear of clowns...

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I came to totally fall in love with the city! It's like Wellington. Full of artists and alternative people, finding ways to make life awesome. It has a slower pace which I really felt (I've only been to Paris, India, and London over the past 6 months). I also felt a strong connection to the city as I know a few people from there now. Wow. I'll be back Bristol. Maybe even to live for a while!