After an extremely hectic few weeks of hustle and bustle I enjoyed a day which made me see that simple things can make you feel the happiest.
However, last Wednesday I genuinely felt like the country mouse going to the big city. I can tell that I’m more used to surveying Cobb Cottages and visiting rural villages in Devon than venturing across Clifton Suspension Bridge and entering the bustle that is central Bristol.
I collected keys to the apartment I needed to survey at the estate agents and there was a gorgeous Wallace and Gromit figure. I acted like a tourist and the agents were happy for me to take a picture of Gromit and myself together. I was made even more happy when I discovered a second Wallace dog just outside. Again, I just had to snap a selfie!
The flat I surveyed had a wonderful large roof terrace and was on the fifth floor with stunning views of the city. Our wonderful trainee surveyor, Taylor, met me on site to shadow me and lots of great learning took place.
Taylor is a city lass through and through and we chatted about nearby famous murals that street artists had been commissioned to paint on huge apartment buildings. Sadly, though, I didn’t get to see any Banksy.
The day was very hot and sunny and after finishing my survey I sat in a coffee shop and took 10 minutes to think about all I’d seen, and people watch. Bristol is a diverse place, and the buildings reflect both its historic past and vibrant future.
Whilst back in Clifton, to drop back keys, I spotted some wholly unique and slightly surreal iron railings. They made me smile; especially the iron lizard which appeared to look all knowing surrounding the comings and goings of his street.
Back over the Bristol Suspension Bridge I went. I enjoyed taking in the amazing view of the gorge and noted tourists in their shorts and summer hats taking pictures.
Simple things made me happy. Today had proved a good day and one in which I was glad to be a West Country Surveyor.
BIO:
Erica Bond is a residential surveyor at West Country surveyors and her bio can be found here
What a delightful read, Erica! It’s clear how much you love your work — your passion for discovering both the character of the buildings and the charm of their surroundings really shines through, you’ve captured your day beautifully. It’s a joy to see how being a West Country Surveyor brings such variety and genuine enjoyment to your working life.
Never a dull day in Bristol! And you made it all that brighter in the best dungarees I have ever seen! Loved that I was a part of your ‘big city’ adventure. Next time, I will show you a Banksy!