Visitations

Just been on a visit to Chepstow... A strange little place that feels like it's lacking a purpose? I'm sure many residents would disagree but with a castle that imposes on the hillside, a wide murky river running through, a jumble of buildings in no discernable style and bridges spanning the English / Welsh border, you'd think they'd it'd more oomph about the place! I wandered round for an hour or so, wholly uninspired. I was more in awe of the Severn bridge, visible from the Railway Station bridge between platforms.

At the unholy hour of 9.30am when I was traipsing around the town centre, there seemed little in the way of activity anyway. Shops were only just or not yet open, car parks were half empty, the tourist information office wasn't even accessible and this didn't promote a feel-good element about the place. I didn't go in the castle, opting instead for a sandwich from Tesco and a brief exit to head home! Not a place I'd recommend.

In stark contrast, the day before Bristol felt vibrant and alive, with so many unusual and interesting buildings in current use or even pre-production! Monuments, sculptures and mirrored globes sat around every corner and amongst the array of High Street Giants lurked some interesting smaller shops with varying draws. Of course, we had to suffer the congestion on arrival and leaving and the architecture was modern rather than ancient ruins but my overall recommendation would be to try out this city rather than the drab town close by.

One thing not drab about the visit however (and the reason I was in Chepstow in the first place) was the company. Having sped over this part of the country, it was not without purpose and meeting up with the Chicken Wife of AlterEgo was the main reason for this jaunt. The Mason abode was welcoming and accommodating as one would expect and catching up with the Apocalypse herself was worth the trauma of navigating a toll bridge and umpteen motorways. In fact, the drive there was kinda fun as I pushed my little Polo to his limits! I broke all my previous speed records! Not that I'd ever go above 70mph of course!!

Also a pleasure was meeting Minty, the lizard whose blog (listed in my bogroll) is scantily updated but can be forgiven as it ain't easy typing with those feet! Mrs Ninja (lizard no. 2) also popped out for a quick look see! I'd add photo's of Minty but they're on the main PC and I'm blogging from the laptop! Maybe next time...?

Anyway, it's always nice to catch up with friends and having now achieved a Liverpool (Phoeinx) and Chepstow visitation, I can even consider family in York next? Well, unless I can come up with a good excuse why not! Anyone not related, reading this want me to visit them...?

As for NaNo... Today's distraction comes in the form of Christiano Ronaldo! Jxx