Sunday snippets

Good evening all, on this rainy Sunday evening. I've lots to update my blog with – trips to France and Switzerland, thoughts on some films, exhibitions and concerts, even some photos. But for now some superb and strange assorted facts to amuse you:

Did you know?

1. Beijing is the same size as Belgium in terms of area. 

2. When Bristol's iconic Clifton suspension bridge was built, it was going to be Egyptian themed. One suggestion to help complete the look was to transform the Avon Gorge into the Nile by hanging a painted curtain from the bridge. (Thanks to Shipshape magazine for this gem.)

3. There are only four bridges in the world fully lined with shops on both sides. (I'm not sure I believe this fact myself.) They are: Pulteney Bridge, Bath; the Ponte Vecchio, Florence; the Rialto Bridge, Venice and the Covered Bridge, Lovech in Bulgaria.