The abbreviated version of Bath. We (Michelle, Kristin and I - friends from way back in Galway) arrived in Bath at about noon which gave us the afternoon to explore the city, take a free walking tour (genius ideas!) and see the Fashion Museum. I wish I could hook up my camera, because I have an amazing photo of me in the museum trying on a stay (corset), hoop skirt and hat. I am very glad I don't live in the 1800s! It was fun for the 5 minutes I had them on but the idea of wearing that every day, and then layers of petticoats and dresses, sounds horrible.
Our one and only fully day in Bath featured the Roman Baths, which are there because of hot springs naturally bringing something like 42 degree (Celsius) water to the surface. Very cool to see all the artifacts from the Romans when they were there! The Pump Room which was built adjacent, was where people in the 19th century would go to be seen while they were in Bath for the season or "taking the waters" for their healing purposes. Lunch was a pasty - classic English miner food - something akin to a pot pie but able to be held in your hands. Quite tasty!
The afternoon was filled with plenty of Jane Austen, who spent 5 years there and set at least part of 2 books there. A walking tour and a visit to the Jane Austen center gave me my fill of Jane history. Shopping and wandering around the city brought an end to my visit to Bath.
Traveling back to London to get to Paris brought me to the train station that just happened to be in the station right next to King's Cross, which is where Platform 9 3/4 is! The Harry Potter fan in me had to go take a picture. Got myself to Paris and situated in my hostel. First thoughts of France? I wish I spoke even a teeny bit of French.
Hi kiddo,
ReplyDeleteWith six days of immmersion I hope you will have have "beaucoup" French. It sounds like you are a really high energy traveler and having as much fun as you had hoped. Love and a big hug,
Mom
steph!
ReplyDeleteit is so great to hear about all of your adventures. praying for you!
loads of love - and jealousy over the jane austen :)
love,
tory
ps ruth tolles wanted to make sure that you knew which ruth posted on your blog! so if ruth posts, please know that it is her....
my two favorite things all in one post... jane austen and harry potter. love!
ReplyDeletewhen i went to the roman baths all i could think of was persuasion and all the full little meetings that took place there. :)
so glad you're having a great time. mucho jealous!
So jealous of your Austen adventures! Capital, capital... :)
ReplyDeleteParis will be beautiful; find a garden to read in if you can.
happy travels,
Meredith