Public transport in Niger

Iro reminds us: today it is exactly two years that I went to Bristol. Probably your memories of the public transport in Bristol might be different from the picture you sent us from Niger! (Admittedly, bus drivers in Bristol don't smile as much).

Bristol's Slow Food Market

Did you know? On the first Sunday of every month, from 10am-3pm, the UK's first regular Slow Food market brings the very best local, seasonal, traditionally-produced food and drink from all over the South West to Corn Street in Bristol. Corn Street is just 4 minutes walk from the school.

There's everything you need for a perfect Sunday lunch, as well as fish, cheese, bread, sausages, beer, cakes, preserves, herbs, spices and, of course, Somerset's famous cider, perry and apple brandy. Hot food is also available, and there are regular cookery demos from some of Bristol's finest chefs.

For people who are interested to find out more about Slow Food in Bristol, there is a very informative website, which details group activities that you are welcome to join:

Slow Food Bristol, the Clifton Club, and Andrea Leeman invite you to a supper of Gloucestershire food and drink to celebrate the publication of Andrea’s new book, A Taste of Gloucestershire.
We pre-mentioned this a little while ago and already have bookings. Now here are the details:

Tuesday 10 November, 7.30 to 10.30, The Clifton Club (22 The Mall, Bristol BS8)

The new book is the third in a series including the much praised Tastes of Somerset and Devon. Andrea Leeman is a writer, cook, former restaurateur, Bristol resident, and, jewel in the crown of her achievements, a member of Slow Food Bristol. She has selected the ingredients for the meal from among the fine Gloucestershire producers her book features, and we’re hoping some of the producers will be present. Andrea herself will be, of course, to tell us about the book, answer questions etc.

We’re delighted to be able to stage this event in the magnificent premises of the Clifton Club, which if you’re unfamiliar with them, constitute a reason by themselves for coming to the do. Click link above for details of the Club (founded 1818, moved in 1882 to present premises designed by the eminent Francis Greenway, the Father of Australian Architecture.)

The buffet will be prepared by the Club’s chef, Douglas “Dougie” Bonar, one of the least publicized foodie names of Bristol, in keeping with the general air of discretion about the patrician joint he officiates over, but whose background (the Savoy,etc ) indicates he can tell a mandolin from a timbal.

The menu will include:
Smoked eel on rye bread with horseradish

Gloucestershire hommity pie

Potted ham with sage and nutmeg

Roast beetroot salad with walnuts, dressed with walnut oil and sea salt
Walnut bread and local cheeses

Apple tart and cream
Included in the price is a glass of wine or perry

The damage: a mere £15 for members or £18 for non-members

There’ll be a paying bar for additional liquid sustenance.

Book asap to avoid the ignominy of standing in the Mall gaping enviously at the croute of gastro-Bristol stepping out of their carriages into the glow of chandeliers and popping of corks from jeraboams of perry.

Hyacinthe in Burkina Faso

Thank you to Hyacinthe for his fantastic update, and this wonderfully scenic picture from his recent trip in Burkina Faso - looks lovely! He also reminds us that his country have suffered from severe floods recently. More news and pictures about the flood can be found here.

Intergalactic encounters of the 3rd kind - courtesy of Rick

Some of you may have been unaware that Rick recently discovered a new galaxy. For those of us unfamiliar with astronomy, astrology, gastrology, and even astrophysics (spot the odd one out), Rick would be happy to take any of your questions on these subjects. Please drop by and ask our resident guru any interstellar questions. The above picture was designed by Rick and the Webmaster of this fantastic site about cosmology: http://theinterstellarblogofspace.blogspot.com/

Think you are the brains of the cosmos? Try our intergalactic quiz:

1. Why does Darth Vader wear that grim black suit and helmet all the time?

Because he's one ugly dude.
Because he needs it in order to breathe.
Because it symbolizes that he's evil.
Because he likes to feel special.

2. In the movie Alien the creature reproduces by laying eggs in the stomach of humans (and then bursts out). This is similar to the reproductive practice of __________________.

the black widow spider

the tsetse fly

the cockroach

3. The loveable alien in Steven Spielberg's E.T. is modeled after _______________________

a creature that Steven Spielberg dreamt about throughout his childhood.

composites of drawings by people who claimed they were abducted by aliens.

Albert Einstein and Carl Sandburg.

4. The spaceships in Star Wars often bank when they turn. Why is this scientifically impossible?

There is no gravity in space.

There is no air resistance in space.

None of the ships are equipped with air flaps.

5. How did the sound effects team create the sound of the TIE Fighters?

They dragged a violin bow over an electric guitar.

They combined the sound of a baby elephant with that of a car on wet highway.

They struck the guy wires of a power pylon.

For the answers, see Rick.

Thank you for the dress!

Ramadan has finished, and the Saudi students are back in Bristol. With the Bristol climate, we might need to be checking out overcoats, not dresses!

No other city has as many events as Bristol!

Bristol Events this weekend! (This is in addition to our Social Programme!!)

Why not get your spook on with a Haunted and Hidden Bristol walking tour? If you're a fan of 'Most Haunted' you can spend the evening shouting 'What was that? What was that? Did anyone hear that?' with real people instead of shouting it at the telly. Lots and lots to do at The Colston Hall today, but definitely check out Roni Size with guest Speech Debelle at 8PM and krazy Bristol kiddie Kid Carpet at 11PM. Finish up the night at Cosies inna dubstep style with Flora and grooving guests.


Much ado about something today at the Bristol Old Vic with Six Characters in Search of an Author. This venerable venue is on a roll at the moment with some stunning new performances, so get them while they're hot. Odema OK Jazz All-Stars bring the sound of funky Africa to St George's tonight, whilst The Zen Hussies blow the house down at The Attic Bar. Wind it up while winding it down at Cosies once again, they're playing host to the Dutty Girl Crew for a night of Dutty Bass.


Sundays are about fry-ups, that's a given. So why not have one at a place where the food is as good as the intentions? Kebele Café is a community eatery that is not for profit, and big on flavour. Eat up son! Film night at the Pierian Centre gives you the opportunity to snooze off the food and watch movies you won't see elsewhere. Get on the good foot for the charity Mind down at Ear Watt at The Golden Lion, and round off the weekend on an Afro Beat tip with regular shake-a-thon Any Given Sunday at Day & Night. The emphasis is on the chill-out apparently, but don't forget to listen to your hips.

Presentation Ceremony for ESFF Group

ipadio: Jon's phlog - 6th phonecast

ENAC Journalistic Video Project - Holidays

Lucky Romain vs. Bansky

For those of you in Bristol over the summer, you will have been aware of the phenomenon which was the Banksy exhibition, held at the City of Bristol Museum. Banksy is an underground graffiti artist who is... well, really, rather talented. No one expected how popular his exhibition would be. There was an estimate of perhaps up to 100,000 people visiting the exhibition. In fact, this number turned out to be approaching half a million! Consequently, many people had to queue for hours to enter the museum. Some people were reported to even to have queued for as long as 6 hours, only to be turned away because the museum was closing! Fortunately, one of our students, Romain, was among the lucky half a million to have the opportunity to see the exhibition, and he has taken these unique photographs for us. Thank you, Romain! (Congratulations on your nearly perfect TOEIC score, too!!!)

For more information about the exhibition, visit BBC News.

The hairy farewell

While some people wait what the future brings...

...And others talk about what BULATS brought (some humour apparently!)...

...Others have more pressing concerns...

...Such as checking the state of their hair...

(rotate screen sideways for best view)

...Don't worry, if feeling insecure, there will always be others that destroy even that best hair creation...

Thanks to our ENAC guys for all the fun you gave us!

Denmark Street

It's one o'clock - what to do for lunch??

Here are some places to eat in Denmark Street:

1 - Rendezvous - a popular fish and chip shop. Very good quality chips starting from under £2 per portion. Sausages, fish and pies can also accompany the chips. Vegetarian pasties also offered. Open from midday onwards. Eat in or take out.

2 - Mickey Lavins Irish Steak House - A newer venue which combines a bar with pub-style food - that's steak and chips. In the evenings, you can go to karaoke nights.

3 - Bunch of Grapes - a very long-established pub/bar which is perfect for those of you who would just like a pint or a glass of ice cold lemonade for lunch. Sometimes, there are live bands in the evenings.

4 - Ciao - a new cafe/restaurant which is very popular. The lunch menus of pasta dishes, salads and pizza are relatively good value.

5 - Bombay Boulevard - generally not open mornings. If you want a spicy curry to take away, this is the place for you.

King Street, Old Duke, The Jazz Festival

King Street is a treasure trove of historic pubs. One of the most well-known is The Old Duke pub. This is popular for live jazz bands every week, and an annual outdoor Jazz Festival every August. Barbecue sausages and beer...Mmmmm

The following information is taken from The Old Duke website:

The Old Duke is a music venue situated on the cobbled King Street in the heart of Bristol. Named after Duke Ellington, the pub has become world famous for it's live traditional, New Orleans inspired Jazz music.More recently the pub has added Blues and more modern Jazz bands to its program and now has live music on every night of the week and on Sunday lunch times.

SS Great Britain - social programme

Letter to a friend - second week in Bristol

Hi, my friend Kaled.

I hope you are fine. These are my days in Bristol. When I arrived in Bristol I felt unhappy, you don't know anyone in the first days, feel worried and scared of anything that happens to you.

However when I went to a new host family I couldn't believe what my eyes was seeing. I saw my friend Mohammed Alarfi, he was with me at university a year ago, so I was surprised about that. I have started my courses in OISE for one week, so now I am happy and no more worried.

I'll go to London today because he MBC called me to bring some paper they want.

I was so happy to read your letter, good luck.

Regards,

Mohammed

1 Year Ago Flashback...

How many of you at the school have been around long enough to remember these students? As you can see, you are never forgotten, but you are archived for forever in our memories and digital video cameras!!

Farewell Ceremony 21st August

Anti-Smoking Campaign

Exhibitors: Amnah, Jeremy, Yuka, Jin Yee, Marc, Mohamed, Taoru, Zhi Lin