Back in time

I thought I was stepping back in time when I walked into Bristol's Charlotte Street this morning. These wonderful old lamps are all over this part of town and they have so much more character than modern lampposts.

The odd one or two have modern signs attached to them, but on the whole they are unspoilt.

I was continuing my hunt through town for a book my wife wants (referred to in yesterday's blip), but it again met with failure.

Bristol's not exactly overflowing with good bookshops. Yes, it has a decent Waterstone's, but Blackwell's is a big disappointment (although I think it might be in the middle of renovations). So I think it might have to be an online order.

I wonder whether the day will come when city centres are abandoned and most trade is carried out on the web? I certainly know a few market towns that have their life sucked out of them, never to return.