Parliament

Saturday 15 November-On our first real day in Budapest we decided to cross the danube and explore the castle district in Buda. We had a bit of trouble finding the metro station closest to our hotel and ended up passing by a very crowded flea market. However, we finally managed to find the metro and the ticket guards helped us figure out how to purchase our tickets from the automated machine which can be used in either Hungarian or English. The metro was station was very clean and the trains were fashioned, blue with large silver numbers. There were few stops but we took the metro under the river to the Buda side. The trains are also quite deep and the escalator consequently are quite steep and long. However as we emerged from the metro we were greeted with a fantastic view of parliament across the river.

Hungary anyone?

Friday 14th November- Ian and I woke up at 1:30 in the morning to catch the bus to Gatwick airport. From there we flew to Budapest, taking a taxi to the hotel. After a quick change we made our way to the gallery by 3:30. The exhibition, Crossroads, opened at the MAMU gallery at 6:00. There were lots of friends and family of the 11 UWE artists as well as some Hungarian supporters of the museum. The gallery owner, the show organizer from UWE and the UK ambassador to Hungary all spoke at the opening and my work had a prominent place during the speeches. At about 8:30 Ian and I started walking toward the restaurant where the after party was being held. We saw a lot of lovely lit building and ornate lampposts along the way. We met up with the other artists at the restaurant and had something to eat before heading back to the hotel.

Oxford

Saturday 8 November - Since we had the car for the weekend, Ian and I decided to take a trip to Oxford. We actually parked outside the city and took the bus in as it is difficult to drive directly into/around the city. It was a lovely, warm and sunny day and we wandered around as we pleased. There are lots of old stone building and stone streets. Because it is a university town there are also many museums. We visited the Museum of science and the natural History museum. The natural History museum was amazing, it had skeletons of a wide range of animals including elephants, a polar bear, a giraffe, as well as dinosaur skeletons. There were also many stuffed animals and creatures in specimen jars. There were also displays on minerals and fossils. While in Oxford we had a nice lunch at the Newshop restaurant and visited the Bodleian library. There were lots of nice shops and quaint streets. We stayed until a little after five, at which time it was quite dark then made our way back to Bristol.

Bridgewater carnival: squibbing

When we went to the carnival last year we went with a group and had to leave the parade early and miss the infamous squibbing. Squibbing is a tradition unique to bridgewater and is difficult to describe. We almost missed the festivities again as we had to get the car out of the parking lot by midnight and the squibbing did not take place until 11:30. However, it was worth both the wait and the stress. A number of squibbers (about 50) lined main street in two columns. Each carries a squib which is a long stick like a broom handle with a firework at the end. They then light small fires between the columns and on the signal the squibbers all light their squibs and hold them over their heads. The effect for both squibber and crowd is like being inside a firework or a rainstorm of fire. THe squibs last for about 5 minutes with much yelling and shouting. It was an amazing experience.

Bridgewater carnival: floats

Friday 7 November - Since we had such a great time last year, Ian and I decided to go back to the Bridgewater carnival again this year. We rented a car and brought along three of our friends, Aisling, Anna and Caryn. It was quite an international group as they represent England, Ireland and South Africa respectively. We left Bristol just after five and parked in Bridgewater around 6:30. We made our way to the parade route and found a good spot to stand, we had a clear view and were near the beginning of the route. The parade began a little after seven and was amazing. The common themes for floats this year were carnival, jesters, one world and America. There were tons of lights as well as great costumes and dancing and lots of enthusiasm. We had a great time.

Flash.... (no bang)

Wednesday 5 November, On the official Guy Fawkes day I went to the Bristol zoo to enjoy bangless fireworks. The show was designed with the animals and young children in mind. There were loads of people with pushy pushchairs and pushy children but the display was quite beautiful. There were fireworks similar to the traditional ones, only smaller and rooted to the ground as well as spinning fireworks, lanterns and streaming fireworks with no bang at the end. It was an interesting alternative, however it was difficult to know where to look without the sound.

Remember, remember the 5th of November

Saturday 1 November - Ian and I braved the wind and rain to see at least part of the fireworks display this weekend. Throughout november we will hear and see fireworks almost every night as people celebrate "fireworks night" or Guy Fawkes day. The Brits often celebrate by having private fireworks displays and parties with bonfires in their backyards. The towns and villages also have larger displays. The display this year was mostly red and green fireworks and not particularly exciting (although spirits were quite damp considering the rain). However, we are looking forward to continuing the celebration this weekend when we go to the Bridgewater carnival.