Nostalgia isn't always bad.18:03 Oct 24 2024
Times Read: 86
My second to last day here in Bristol is coming to a close.
Monday was a wash, considering that I needed to recover from Sunday nights activities with multiple birthdays and some moderately heavy drinking, compared with my usual intake.
Tuesday was more of a drive around, go shopping, buy some clothes and dress myself day. We grab some food, stayed off of the alcohol. Then we just took a look at how my buddy puts together his tunes and what his sound setup is like.
Wednesday was another day of just chilling, looking at music and then having a quiet day in the pub with one of his old friends. It was nice for him to be able to catch up with someone he hadn't seen for 20 years, rather than only 17.lol
Today, he was running a gig and so I just drove around town looking at things, reminding myself of all the places I used to frequent, making sure some of them are still there. Then I went and got myself lunch by the Dockside again and just quietly sat and people watched, whilst appreciating where I've been and come from, and who I am and where I'm going next.
I took the opportunity to get some fish and chips, since I need to scratch that itch every time I visit the UK. I drank coffee and simply enjoyed existing. This town has changed a lot in many ways, but at the same time there was a scent in the air and a familiarity that washed over me and while joyful and nostalgic, there was a Bittersweet note to it all, tinged with the slightest of tears.
So much has passed and so many have moved on, that it was never going to be possible to touch base with everyone on this visit, but I do have a lead for a very important conversation.
Tomorrow might be my last day here, but it certainly won't be my final visit to reconnect with those friends I've held so dear, as family in fact. I may just hit the road and head to one of the towns where some of my oldest friends have moved to. About a three hour round trip to any of them, so I'll have to make a decision on which. I think it will come down to whomever is able to respond to the limited communication options I've been able to reach out with.
The hole in the wall... some really interesting conversations happened here...
https://flic.kr/p/2qpNByv
Looking out from The Bristol hotel as people went about their lives.
https://flic.kr/p/2qpQWde
Lunch looking and tasting good.
https://flic.kr/p/2qpNBVs
Many a rave night in the hold of this old ship...
https://flic.kr/p/2qpJ93N
And this sign outside of the Arnolfini said it all really.
https://flic.kr/p/2qpNBh3
Bristol is old. It's a cultural melting pot, but one where each group comes to call it their own, all of them coming to call it home, in a sense. It has a unique character. One that can't quite be quantified in a simple journal post.
It is the gateway to The West. It is where many, many millions made their way to America over the centuries, and I am one. I am a Bristol son, and proud of who I've become.
COMMENTS
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LunarTides
18:23 Oct 24 2024
So glad you had the opportunity to go back after so long. I miss the smell of the coast.
MooniePie
19:21 Oct 24 2024
💙🩵
CuRsEdToDaRkNeSs
01:01 Oct 25 2024
I am so glad you have been able to reconnect with people and enjoy your visit. Finding that time to sit and reflect absolutely had to be, at least in some ways, soothing for the soul.