Harry Potter

I can't put my hand on my quivering heart and say I'm the world's biggest Harry Potter fan but a few days ago, on the way from Bristol to London, we swung by the Warner Brothers Harry Potter studio near Watford.

This is where the eight films in the wildly successful franchise were filmed and despite not being one of those who dressed up in a cape, tie and glasses to do the tour, it was a lot of fun. And it has inspired me to watch the seven films I haven't seen (should I ever have the time).

 

   

Beautiful Bath

It was an early start yesterday to catch the train to Bath, the UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its gob-smacking Roman spa and elegant Georgian architecture.

I've been here many, many times, including taking Kiwi visitors when we lived in Bristol, but  this city never gets old.

Apologies, the following photos don't do the city justice - but  I forgot the correct cord thingy for my camera so these pics from my phone will have to suffice.

Meanwhile, back in Bristol I found this wee gem in a backstreet in my old neighbourhood.

And snapped these glorious daffs in full bloom.

And, of course, I had to find our old flat and take a sneaky photo in front of it. I'm so, so glad we don't live in that hovel anymore!

More Bristol

There is too much to see and do and too little time to do it in but here for your viewing pleasure are some pics of today's activities in Brizzle.

There was a walking tour of the city centre and a visit to the stunning Bristol Cathedral, which I walked past twice a day for 18 months but never ventured inside. I wish I had because this sandstone building, built in 1140, is nothing short of gob-smacking.

Later there was a visit to the SS Great Britain, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and a wander around Clifton, where I used to live.

Another fantastic day which has given me oodles to write about when I get home.

A travel marathon

Tomorrow I fly to Auckland and a few hours later, three journos and a PR fly to Doha (at 17.5 hours, currently the world's longest duration flight), where we spend another three hours, and then another five or six hours onto Heathrow. And then a two-hour bus ride to Bristol.

My frazzled wee brain can't even begin to compute how many hours of continual forward motion that is. At least we have managed to wangle seats in business class (thanks @Qatar Airways ).

There's barely time for a quick shower, before we hit the ground running in Bristol, with a full day of activities.I have arranged to meet one of Bristol besties, Anita, that night and much has happened since I last saw her a couple of years ago, so I will no doubt be employing clothes pegs to make my eyes stay open.

As always, I will miss my two boys terribly, especially the four-legged one.

See you on the other side.

Bristol, Bath and London - here I come!

The media trip has finally been approved - next Wednesday I'll be one of three journos flying Qatar Airways' new Auckland to Doha service, and then onto London for a 10-day media trip to my old stomping ground of Bristol (as well as Bath and London).

It's been a couple of years since I was in the UK so am really looking forward to seeing my old mates (hopefully there will be some free time!)

Woop woop - a great way to start a Friday.

Visuals from the Animator on our last visit to Bath when we were hosted by Bath Tourism for a story a few years back.