Sunbursts in our windows promised that it was going to be a sparkling day in one of England’s most posh cities, Bath. Originally, a recreational base for the Roman invaders, the city is famous for its mineral baths which have drawn folks from all over the world for thousands of years. Ensconced in green hillsides with contented sheep and a castle here and there, Bath is the home of Jane Austen and so many of her novels were inspired in this lovely city. Equipped with a hearty breakfast, we set out for a tour of the Roman baths and actually touched ancient history. A small cup of the mineral water was offered at the end of the tour. (The British are so gracious to allow us not just to see their rich history but to feel it and, in some cases, taste it - if you’re brave enough!)
 |
| Our hotel in Bath may not look like much from the outside but it is beautiful inside and is right in the heart of Bath, 1 block from Bath Abby |
 |
| Waiting to get into the Roman Baths |
The Bath Abbey which sits at the base of the city is one of the grandest churches in the land. We walked where the first king of England was coronated and read the precious inscriptions on the walls. The architecture was breathtaking.
 |
| Funny seeing a Starbucks right across from Bath Abby |
 |
| Learning about the Abby as we prepare to enter |
 |
| Traditional group shot inside Bath Abby |
 |
| Beautiful ceiling as you look up |
 |
| Deb Curry taking a pano of the gorgeous ceiling |
Trying to capture the beauty of Bath in words is almost unachievable. So we took our students to the Holburne Museum and gave the pastels, a canvas, an instructor and put them in the most idyllic garden. For an hour, with gracious assistance, they were guided in how to capture what they were seeing and duplicate it in a portrait. This was the highlight of the day for so many whose creativity had a wonderful place for expression.
Hard to imagine, but we were hungry and ready for high tea at Jane Austen’s house. Endless pots of brisk tea and piles of sandwiches and pastries were offered till our stomachs were full and our hearts were content. A quick shopping excursion and we hopped on the bus for Stonehenge.
 |
| Ready for tea with Mr Darcy |
The mystical stones reaching to the deep blue skies in the middle of a sheep pasture didn’t disappoint our expectations of this iconic monument. Historians still aren’t sure exactly why they were placed there but it’s fun to speculate. It’s also nice to know that while the British have their stones, we have our Rock and He is no mystery at all!
 |
| The drive leaving Bath is the last of the beautiful countryside we see and it truly is breathtaking |
Our day was complete at the Boatsman Riverside Restaurant which sits on the famous Thames and overlooks the Eton Bridge. Penne pasta, fish and chips and burgers and a feta spinach salad were the fare this evening. This unique restaurant is just a short stroll from the changing of the guards at Windsor Castle. Come along with us tomorrow as we tour the sprawling Windsor Castle where the queen spends her weekends - perhaps we’ll get a glimpse!
 |
| We all enjoyed an amazing dinner overlooking the river |
No comments:
Post a Comment