BRISTOL — This morning I decided to explore Bristol and quickly decided that it is not an easy city to get around on foot. Bt the end of the day I still hadn’t found the high street and the maps I had weren’t much help in that respect. Bristol’s maritime heritage is very much to the fore and I did manage to find the SS Great Britain.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain was the first large steam ship to combine an iron hull with screw-driven propulsion and set the standard for decades to come. I found it interesting that at one point it was owned by the same family that lived in the house I visited yesterday—Tyntesfield. After investigation the ship’s hull from underwater and looking through the museum, you are given the chance to explore ship above and below decks. The ship has been very well restored as much as possible and it was very easy to imagine being back in time on one of her voyages to Australia.

I retraced my steps around the harbour-side and headed towards the city centre (or so I thought) to try and find the post office. In that I failed. I’ll have to ask reception for directions as I have a parcel of printed matter to send home to try and lighten my load!