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Published: July 18th 2017
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Geo: 51.3814, -2.35745
Today was another full day of sightseeing. The weather didn't cooperate fully as it sprinkled off and on but the sun came out in between. There would be rain for 3 minutes and then sunshine. We are getting used to it. The temperature was a little warmer than Ireland so that makes it easier to deal with the rain.
Since we weren't in a rush this morning we were able to have a nice, leisurely breakfast. It was a great relaxing way to begin a full day of walking and sightseeing. During breakfast we decided upon our course to follow for the rest of the day.
The Circus was our first stop. It's a circular block of townhouses with very distinctive architecture.We moved on to Queen's Row which was another example of early 18th century style housing. Most of the homes in the area are not free standing but are all connected with no front yards. Some do have backyards and gardens.
Next the Pump Room and the Roman Baths were visited. The Baths are where the town name is derived from. They originated in mideval times. They weren't used for bathing. They were considered sacred and had healing powers. At one
time it was a monastery. The baths are geothermal mineral springs which made the city of Bath prominent during the Roman period. The Pump Room was a historical building adjacent to the Roman Baths where you can get water from the Roman Baths.
We toured the Bath Abbey and got there in time to hear Mass. It is an active Christian Church. It has been rebuilt several times since it's founding in 1499. The building is very impressive inside and out. The stained glass windows are works of art. Also inside are the Diptychs which are 35 pairs of panels that depict the life of Christ in intricate needlework and inked sketches. They are really beautiful!
After viewing some tasty pastries in several windows we decided it was time to try some. They were as good as they looked.
Reenergized by our treats we continued our explorations of Bath. We visited the Pulteney Bridge and the surrounding shops. The Bridge , with Roman arches and pillars carried car and foot traffic over the Avon River. Close by we found the Guildhall Market which contained booths selling meats, breads, clothes , jewelry, candy, even hardware.
During our travels we passed the author, Jane
Austen's, Centre but time did not allow a look inside.
We walked past the Recreation Ground and watched the workers manicure the lawns and shrubbery. The streets and all the park facilities are clearly well maintained by the city workers.
We continued to tour other popular streets such as Bartlett Street which contained antique shops. One observation we made is there is not a shortage of trendy clothing shops no matter what city you visit in Europe.
Dinner was next on our agenda. We discovered a fine Italian restaurant where we had ceasar salad, spaghetti, and ciabotta bread. So far we've made excellent choices for our dinners!
The day wouldn't be complete without a stop in a pub and trying some local refreshments. We selected the Little Green Tree Pub. It was quite small, two rooms no bigger than 10x10 with shoulder to shoulder locals enjoying a brew after work. Then it was back to the YMCA after another great day!
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Kathy Nichols
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Love the stained glass windows, beautiful. Did you purchase any of the various teas. There had to be at least one that really appealed to you out of all those choices.