Ribbons, graduation, matcha latte and canal
Published on HivePostify by @livinguktaiwan · Wed Jul 22 2026
If it wasn't to meet up with an old university friend, it really feels too much of a chore going out in this hot weather. Shades, hat, sunblock is a must. Let's go!!!
Forty minutes later I arrived, and was very happy to see they had installed these ribbons in town. I first saw them in Taiwan many years ago. The ribbons are attached to a mesh overhead and create a shade, like tree leaves, making it much cooler for pedestrians. I can't recall seeing them in the UK before, and think they should be installed everywhere in this weather. It's such a simple yet brilliant idea, very effective, and adds a lovely vibe when walking around in summer.
I wasn't due to meet my friend for dinner till later on in the day, and spent the afternoon walked around town. Mid July is university graduation days and the town was packed with people attending the graduation ceremony. Such happy days, and brings back great memories of my own from many moons ago. My own graduation was quickly followed by the start of my working life the following week. Nowadays, many graduates struggle to find a job, let alone a good job upon graduation. I hope these young ones have a job lined up and a bright future ahead.
https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/livinguktaiwan/EppLB7y2Xwm6xaNPD4o615BrxznBGxT62hs6SM77tHu3ei5Qnyi4Hw2iVMeH6TP2Qui.jpg https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/livinguktaiwan/EqBbBVEnXsjUeLTgdZZJHWcFdCiW2ZNxMEYoHRaCUwkzVUWaD8gbt44Vs7bQh9H6N9h.jpg
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This is a beautiful Roman town, famous both in UK and overseas. It draws many international visitors and I know many people from Hive have been here before. If you know, you will recognise the iconic view below. Let me know if you've been before. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/livinguktaiwan/23wgHULVdT2emVDMxpfdbXozuNCjdh6cQ9tfgpDAvAsmjLyjAfDFdJGMhm566EbqdcHQ6.jpg https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/livinguktaiwan/242DETKxqqqeAQryJnEsRRL8H31ky2Y6SrPgVH9SycH9fjkU6paidqLeKUC57to7UtRZq.jpg
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It was very hot walking around, and I really needed a respite in the afternoon. This place served well, truly a little piece of heaven as I sat down with my matcha latte in the air con.
--- Dinner was at a restaurant 5km outside of town. Hubs has been before, but not me. He said it's by the canal and has lovely views. I figured it would be the perfect venue for a summer evening dinner catch up with an old university friend. It was a short bus ride away, and a beautiful summer day, much better to do a pre dinner walk along the canal instead of being stuck inside a bus.
This part of town is unfamiliar to me, but according to Google map I just needed to keep walking along the canal and an hour later I'd get to the restaurant. It was nice and cool along the canal, the sun was starting to set, making a very pleasant walk. There were quite a lot of boats moored on the canal, some more loved by their owners than others. A few residents were sitting outside, chilling and enjoying the summer evening. It's a lovely way to past time, though I don't think boat life is for me.
https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/livinguktaiwan/EpQtnDBTbGsZRuMFZDFWTNDcPWEr4Epc5SvyeXTmBpYMpjxkYxkbikQ4N5NMbhrFgga.jpg https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/livinguktaiwan/243zZi2GEfYhsRsjrxHBEiRmDYs6EdqjqA5yE82zAPSENnaXqPySkuakvuyaHizFpqF6h.jpg
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It's been a year since I've seen my friend, and we had a brilliant time catching up. So good that I forgot to take any photos of the restaurant or dinner. Until we were leaving... I caught sight of the gorgeous summer evening by the canal.
https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/livinguktaiwan/X5Uegs3Q-livinguktaiwan20logo20without20background.png
Tags: #summer#bath#life#romantown#canal#walk