Bristol to Berkeley

So Bristol was a great place to visit and I was able to make some day-trips. When I first arrived, I dumped my much lighter bags and hopped on the train to Salisbury. From there I went to Stonehenge. Now that was very cool. It was much smaller than I had expected but still very impressive to see. Even in the rain, it was mysterious and awesome. The only bad part was the traffic. It was so backed up that I had to wait an extra hour on the site to get back to Salisbury. By then, I was too late to thoroughly see the church so I just got on the train back to Bristol. One great day-trip.

The next day I went to Bath. What a stunning town. I visited the Roman Baths which were incredible. Then I went to the Abbey and went on the Tower Tour. It was one of the most interesting towers I have climbed. It was only 211 steps (nothing compared to what I have done) but the tour included the Ringing Room where I was able to see all the ways they ring the bells (electric, rope, etc), the clock face from behind, the bells (they have 10!) and then the rooftop. That was so interesting as usually visitors are not allowedto see all the hidden parts of the church tower. Awesome day-trip! Once I returned to Bristol, I went on a Pirate walking tour which was actually a waste of time. I didn't feel like I learned anything and was just cold and wet afterwards. But I went on a walk to the church and then up through the old part of Bristol. In the evening, after I had warmed up again, I went to aconcert at the church with a performance by Elin Manahan Thomas, a Welsh Soprano who has performed for the Pope. Pretty cool and she was soamazing - very eretheral (I think that is the word I am looking for). Great day in Bristol.

Today, a friend from Egypt, Rachel, picked me up and we went on a drive through Bristol and the surrounding area (so georgeous) before heading toa pub for lunch.I had a traditional Sunday Roast with beef, potatoes, veggies and of course Yorkshire Pudding. It was alright. Then we went to Berkeley Castle... my first English castle and it was amazing. It is actually still occupied so we weren't able to go everywhere but it was so stunning and beautiful. So, I am still having a blast.

So, I will post later. Love, Lisa