Thinking outside the Triangle

Picture: Constance Malleret

Bristol is a wonderful city. Whiteladies road offers a plethora of bars, coffee shops and lunch options, Stoke Bishop is a fantastic rowdy mixture of freshers awkwardly finding their feet and returners promoting their ‘organised fun’, while Cabot Circus is a hot spot for clothes shops and chain restaurants. However, putting irony aside, do Bristol University students know anything other than the straight line from Halls to town? Do we really know our city like the locals do?

As a 4^th year languages student, I have spent the last 12 months exploring the French city of Bordeaux and the Spanish city of Malaga. With only 6 months in each place to lap up the rich culture around me, spare Sunday afternoons were spent in art galleries, days off work involved whistle-stop tours of local landmarks and hangovers provided little barrier to my desire for exploration. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the 2 years I had spent in Bristol previously. I imagine the most exotic voyage I ever made was to watch a French film at Watershed or perhaps the one time I climbed Cabot Tower.

Aware of my generalisation, I feel strongly that a large majority of Bristol students have their blinkers fixed firmly to their faces when it comes to exploring the city. The well-heard complaints that, ‘the Student’s Union is just too far away’ or the stereotypes that 2^nd years live in Redland, while 3^rd years opt for Clifton seem restrictive and unnecessary. With a host of sights to see and things to do, why do we all seem so apathetic about our surroundings? There is more to Bristol than the University and a really nice bridge.

Inspired by my year abroad, I have made a plan. With only one year to go in the pearl of the South West, my 4^th year is to be a second attempt at my 1^st year (with maybe a little bit more studying thrown in). Back to being an inquisitive fresher, back to square one. Day trips to Weston-Super-Mare, Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury are all on the list. Lecture-free afternoons will be spent at M Shed, St Nicholas Market, Ashton Court and SS Great Britain. Fewer Friday nights spent in Lounge, and instead exploring the variety of cocktail bars and the occasional speak-easy for which Bristol is actually quite famous.

In the future, if I am ever asked by a Bristolian where I went to university, I would feel a sense of shame if I was unable to engage in a conversation about our city other than the well-trodden roads around the university. If, as seems likely, I am to move away after graduation, I want to feel that I have made the most out of my time in this beautiful, arty, yet very rainy city that seems hooked on much more than just hot air balloons and valuable graffiti.    

This article was originally written for Bristol University's newspaper, Epigram. The article can be found here. 

   

Tea-Total in Wine Country - Life In A French Office

I was recently very flattered to be asked to write a piece for the Travel section of the University of Bristol’s newspaper, Epigram. Two months into my time in Bordeaux, I decided the best theme for the article would be my attempts to integrate into a French working environment…

Image: Flickr: Aurdesco

One of the greatest benefits of having a year abroad is that, for one year, we briefly leave behind the 'Bristol bubble' and get to dip our toes into the paddling pool of real life. Of course, there are many that choose to study. However, the majority of British students who go to France opt for life at a desk with a cup of strong coffee in one hand and an AZERTY keyboard to tackle with the other.

Like most Bristol students, I had done various bits of work experience where I sat at a desk pretending not to be on Facebook, so I felt I had a fairly good grasp of the way things work in the corportate world. However, on my first day in my marketing office in Bordeaux, I learnt very quickly that things are somewhat different here. The first earth-shattering, fear-inducing panic attack came when I discovered that my office, shockingly, didn't have a kettle. Apparently on the odd occassion that they make tea, also sacrilegiously plumping for fruit tea over black tea, the microwave is their method of choice.

The tea debate was made even worse by that fact that the French word for kettle, brouilloire, is possibly the hardest word for an English person to pronounce. Therefore, as I resigned myself to the fact that the french prefer coffee to tea, I decided to embrace my surroundings, or as the cliché goes, 'broaden my horizons' and made the transition. You may think that I am over-dramatising a mere swap from tea to coffee, but my next shock came in a more physical manner; their coffee was strong enough to give me the shakes.

Leaving the ktichen behind, I was there to work rather than to drink hot drinks after all, I was soon showed to my desk and introduced to my colleagues. Cue awkward cheek kissing. The interesting thing about working in your second language is that the simplest task becomes a nightmare. Sending a quick email to your boss sends shivers down your spine: what if it is littered with mistakes? Using Microsoft Word leads you to believe that your computer is trying to trick you as 'ctrl + B' no longer turns your words bold. Why is it trying to search your document instead? However, all this pales into insignificance the first time you hear the dulcet tones of a ringing phone. You look around to discover that you are the only one in the room. You brace yourself as you pick up the phone: 'Bonjour ... pardon?' 

Despite the many difficulties I've faced during my first two months in a French office — being asked to translate 'Sidebar Widget' is fairly high on the list — I have also learnt a huge amount. My favourite aspect of the office has to be lunchtime where we sit down together to share bread and cheese in the middle of the table. Even though I may still occasionally hide my Facebook in the bottom corner of my screen, or pretend to work when I'm actually writing an article for Epigram, I have certainly gained a fresh outlook on office life. I'm looking forward to diving in permanently sometime in the future.

You can find the original article on Epigram's website here and the complete E2 Living Section on Issuu here.

The Things I Will Miss About Bristol

DriveMinistry

As I embark upon my year abroad, in which I will spend a year in the sun meeting amazing people and having new experiences (all counts towards my degree apparently), I will occasionally think back to Bristol and my old home. I will only be away for a year, but here are a few things that I might miss…

Park Street. One of my constant confusions when plodding down Park Street into town was that every time I looked up, I found something new. After two years at Bristol, you would expect that I might have a pretty secure knowledge of my surroundings, but the mystery that is Park Street never fails to surprise. From random little restaurants, to foreign bars and even some dodgy looking clubs, each time I take the street, I notice something I’ve never seen before.

Lounge. I can’t explain it, I know it’s embarrassing, but I just know that I will miss this living room-sized sweat pit and their green jug.

Running into everyone, everywhere. Although Bristol is a city, for the students, it’s a small one. I shall miss those awkward moments when you don’t know if you should smile or say hi and in the midst of confusion, you inevitably end up keeping your eyes on the pavement and walking by.

Free Stuff. Whether it’s the Christians and their BBQs or the obsessive amount of pens I pick up at each Freshers’ Fair, I am certainly going to miss the freebies. Let’s hope I can still get my student discount in France!

Making jokes about the ASS. The best one this year? When it snowed: this is not the first time 7 inches has stopped me reaching the ASS. I have a feeling that the French just won’t understand…

Image: Spotted in the Ass Library - Bristol/Facebook 

The Places of Bristol: The Bierkeller Theatre

Part of Bristol’s charm are the quirky, tucked-away little theatres that I seem to come across sporadically every now and then. No exception is the fantastic Bierkeller located in the city centre that opened only a year and a half ago. Slightly bigger than the likes of The Wardrobe and The Alma Tavern, this theatre gives an arguably edgier feel to its shows and has a capacity of 400.

On meeting the Artistic Director Alex MacMillan, he was eagerly telling me that it is in fact the last Bierkeller that remains and their stage, the very same one that sits there today, has played host to the Stone Roses amongst other big names. His enthusiasm for his theatre was in keeping with the general Bristol theatre vibe, and The Bierkeller is as friendly as they come.

The auditorium being their only downfall, I was reliably informed that they are soon to receive tiered seating from The Tobacco Factory which will hugely improve the experience. From university shows, professional theatre to improv and more, The Bierkeller has a busy schedule of entertainment, unsurprisingly booked up until November already.

If you’re in a theatre-going mood and stuck for options, don’t forget to check out the Bierkeller website. There’s a plethora of performances going on and a bar that serves bizarre cocktails named after them. 

5 Great Bristol-Related Websites

What it says on the tin.

VisitBristol. Probably designed for tourists, but I can’t get enough of it. This is the best place to go if you have some free time and don’t know what to do with it. Whether you want to go to the theatre, find a National Trust stately home to wander round or find the perfect place for your parents to stay if they visit, this website is incredibly easy to navigate. They even have a section called, Rainy Days Out.  

BristolCulture. This little gem is written by one man who has his finger in every little Bristolian pie. From reviews of theatre offerings to news about opening cafes and restaurants, this is the site to head to if you fancy an eclectic mix of Bristol information. I found out recently from BristolCulture that Jason Donervan plans on visiting Jason Donervans… 

Inter:Mission. This one is more for the students, and I’m a little biased because I write for them. However, if you’re stuck for something to do then head over to the Inter:Mission calendar and the weekly planner which will let you know the best things happening that week. It’s also a great place for the more quirky student, a fan of the intimate-venue, up-and-coming band scene? Head to Inter:Mission Bristol. 

ThisIsBristol. I don’t always agree with their theatre reviews, but if you’re after local news then this is a great place to head to. The website is updated regularly and it’s a really good way to make yourself feel more connected to the Bristol community, if that’s what you fancy. 

Crack. For the more fashionable amongst you, Crack Magazine’s website is the place to go if you love music and art. They keep you updated on the anti-mainstream, you can even play tunes on the site. What’s more, they have a physical version of the magazine that is FREE and widely available.

The Places of Bristol: Boston Tea Party, Park Street

Image: Trip Advisor

Although this may not seem like an original choice, the reason I have chosen this dainty little coffee shop is for its garden. Already loved for its ethically-sourced products and family owned atmosphere, the Park Street branch of BTP was in fact its flagship location set up in 1995. The café boasts a large collection of teas and if you’re lucky, the baristas even put a nice leaf pattern on your coffee. 

The secret of this place, however, is only to be found when heading towards the toilets in a ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ style-moment. Heading through the tattered door, you come out the other side to a beautiful tiered garden. With lovely rock tables and heaters for cold mornings, the garden really does charm its customers. 

This picture doesn't do it justice!

So next time you fancy some Red Berry and Hibiscus Tea or a Get your goat, you’ve pulled! toasted sandwich, why not head to Boston Tea Party on Park Street? Find the old door that takes you through to your own peaceful garden, stealing you away from the hustle and bustle of city life just for a little while.

The Places of Bristol: Vincenzo's

TripAdvisor

For those who like Italian food, not the Anglo-Italian of Pizza Express or ASK, but the authentic, messy, ‘no cutlery allowed’ style of real Italian pizza, then Vincenzo’s is for you. With 44 years’ worth of postcards covering the walls from across the globe and bottles hanging from the ceiling, it’s the kind of place you go when in want of something a bit heart-warming. 

I have to be honest, from outside the restaurant I was a little worried about what to expect. They have clearly turned their attention to the indoor décor and left a little to be desired outside. However, despite the unwelcoming front door (which on our visit was accompanied by a chef having a cheeky cigarette) the restaurant is adorably welcoming. The food is fairly cheap for large portions and incredibly tasty and the service is quick and friendly. Although it seems more a haunt for the regular customer, we were made to feel very at home as well. What’s more, if you’re so inclined, it even has a view over Park Street! 

Vincenzo’s manages to take you away from the Café Rouge/Jamie’s Italian repetitive nature of Park Street and welcomes you into a tiny bit of Italia only a few yards away. Don’t expect Michelin stars, but do expect a smiling waitress with an Italian accent and a lot of (2006) Italian footballers pinned on the walls.   

Image: VirtualTourist

How much? £7-£15

Where? 71a Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5PB

The Places of Bristol: The Wardrobe Theatre

One of my big loves is theatre; and where’s a better place to be as a theatre-lover than Bristol? This arty (and studenty) city has much to boast of; there are so many quirky and exciting theatres and one of my favourites is The Wardrobe located above the White Bear on St Michael’s Hill. 

This intimate and endearing theatre can only seat about 50 but manages to charm its audiences through a good mix of comedy and independent shows on their way up (The fantastically promising Tap Tap Theatre production company are finding their first successes at the Wardrobe). I was lucky enough to meet one of its directors, Matthew Whittle to discuss the incredible success of the toddler-aged Wardrobe Theatre and how it got such a strong reputation. Learning about its journey from humble beginnings was fascinating, and I was charmed by its simple ethos; to create accessible and affordable theatre that supports new and local talent. 

The theatre has regular shows in the style of soap operas and plays host to the University of Bristol Drama societies fortnightly. However, it seems to me that their growing reputation is spreading even further, having staged Russell Howard recently and they even have Ed Rapley on the programme for this season. 

If you fancy a break from the usual cinema trip and you don’t want to stretch to Hippodrome prices, why not head down to the Wardrobe Theatre where every show promises to be less than £5 and the after party is just down a few stairs. 

Where? 133 St Michael's Hill, High Kingsdown, BS2 8BS

How Much? All shows under £5