As I sit here thinking about my upcoming move from the Middle East to Bristol, I can’t ignore the swarm of butterflies in my stomach and the wave of anxiety that comes with them!
After a decade of working overseas and visiting friends in Bristol several times a year, I’m finally doing something I’ve dreamed (and talked incessantly) about for years – moving permanently to Bristol. This got me thinking about my summer bucket list!
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Saying goodbye to a place that has been my home for so long is not easy – the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had and shared have moulded me into who I am today.
I will miss the jasmine-scented sunrises, sunsets, and green parakeets playing in the date trees.
It would have been easy to stay in my comfort zone with my amazing friends, a stable and well-paid job, and sunny winters…however, my restless soul won’t allow me to stay put this time!
So, I find myself in my forties, starting a new chapter just like I did a decade ago, arriving with only a few bags. Only now, I also have a new furry sidekick joining me.
Some people might call it brave, others might call it foolish, but I truly believe that when you feel deep down that it’s time to make a change, you shouldn’t ignore it. So here goes nothing!
This quote from Oscar Wilde always resonates with me when I’m doubting myself or my choices:
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist
To help combat the nerves, I thought I’d focus on my Bristol 2024 summer bucket list and things to look forward to this summer.
Because there are plenty of reasons to stay positive and grateful – sometimes we need a little reminder.
RELATED: check out Free Things to do in Bristol and 11 Top Things to do in Bristol
Here is my Bristol summer bucket list
1. Live Music
It’s been too long since I’ve enjoyed live music and dancing! I’m looking forward to Forwards Festival at the end of August, going to Sofar gigs at unique venues across the city, checking out the lineup at the Bristol Beacon, gigs at pubs like The Old Duke and The Gallimaufry, and the odd dirty DnB night!
2. Explore Green Spaces
After my time in the Middle East, I’ve come to truly value the lush green scenery of the English countryside! I can’t wait to explore nature in Bristol and the surrounding areas with my dog in tow.
3. Sleep In
The heat in the Middle East is no joke! When summer is at its peak if I don’t walk my dog before 6 am, we won’t be able to go out again until sunset – which, as you can imagine, messes with your weekend lie-in! And with office hours starting at 7 am, I feel like I’ve been tired forever!
4. Getting Back in the Kitchen
I used to love spending relaxing afternoons in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, listening to music, and sipping a glass of red wine.
My Pinterest boards are overflowing with vegetarian recipes waiting to be tried!
I’m looking forward to buying fresh seasonal food from farmers markets and I might also try one of those weekly vegetable boxes delivered to your door to help spark my creativity!
5. Long Summer Evenings
How I’ve missed those long summer evenings! Whether catching up with friends at a local beer garden or exercising outdoors – I might even give one of those outdoor bootcamp classes a shot!
6. Join a Yoga Class
My usual routine involves practising yoga solo at home. I can’t wait to return to a studio setting to soak up the energy of practising with others and advancing my practice. Scrap that! I’m going all in and trying aerial yoga!
7. Take Up a New Hobby
Moulding shapeless clay into something beautiful must be so satisfying! I’m thinking about joining a pottery class. I noticed Yuup has quite a few different options, from taster sessions to four-week workshops.
I’m also eager to get back into bouldering, and Bristol has plenty of great climbing spots!
8. Enjoy Rainy Days
I know that people in the UK are fed up with the rain, and I’ll probably feel that way too at some point. But for now, I’m excited about the sound of rain falling outside, curling up with a good book near the log burner, sipping a hot cup of coffee, or taking my dog to Leigh Woods or Snuff Mills to breathe in the fresh, damp air!
9. Beers in the Sun
Seeing the photos online of people chilling on the banks of the Bristol Harbour or enjoying the sunshine in one of Bristol’s many parks always gives me major FOMO and makes me wish I was there!
I’m excited to visit the breweries and pubs, especially the dog-friendly ones with outdoor spaces.
10. Easy Like Sunday Mornings
Sundays have been my Mondays for the past ten years as I’m always in the office! It’s something you never quite get used to!
That’s why I plan to cherish my Sundays from now on – starting with a relaxing lie-in, a leisurely breakfast, a long walk on The Downs, ending with a veggie Sunday Roast and a pint at a cosy pub – it really is the simple things in life!
Here are a few other reasons to be excited for summer in Bristol:
Hopefully, I will be able to catch my first International Balloon Fiesta on 9-10 August!
o Bristol Harbour Festival, discover the top talent of Bristol’s music scene, incredible circus performances, and exciting water activities (19-21 Jul).
o Cinema Rediscovered, experience the top festival in the UK for classic cinema and restored films (24-28 Jul).
o Feast On, indulge in the diverse culinary scene of Bristol as top restaurants and vendors highlight their most delicious offerings (26-28 Jul).
o Valley Fest, set against the stunning backdrop of the rolling Mendip Hills, this event is a showcase of Bristol’s live music scene and a celebration of the city’s finest local food producers (1-4 Aug)
