Don't drink the Bath water

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Bath was a wonderful experience. We got up early and traveled across the country to the other coast to an almost medieval looking town on the hillside. As soon as you get there, you can immediately tell that you are in a special place. One of the first sites that greets you as you drive in, are the ancient buildings crammed together on the hillside and the hard to miss Bath Cathedral, towering over almost everything else. We parked the car and walked around the city, enjoying the beautiful buildings and ancient alleyways. Soon after, we hopped on one of the double decker tour buses and toured around the city. I hadn't remembered anything from my previous visit when I was a child, but it was spectacular nonetheless. The buildings all looked rather clean, considering how old they were (the Bath Cathedral, or rather, the latest installment, had been built in 1499). The tour guide told us that they were all undergoing renovation and cleaning, and to prove this point, they left one section of one of the buildings dirty, just to show us the difference. It was nearly black to the honey colored buildings that surrounded it. I have to say, they made the tour seem like it would be longer, but it was rather short and unanimated, but informative nonetheless. I also very much enjoyed the perspective from the top of the bus.

Bath Cathedral
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After our tour, we decided to check out a restaurant that was recommended by our illustrious tour guide, located in a nearby alley. It was a much needed respite including delicious tea with rolls that had salmon, dill and cream cheese. Very good combination. Next was a well needed chocolate stop with a very kind Bavarian owner who seemed to enjoy guessing our international group's identity. A Russian, Spaniard and American. Interesting mix, sounds more like the beginnings of a bad joke. Yet, with Jeanette, it was even better, a Dane, Swede and American in a Norwegian car with government plates. Love it; only in Europe.

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While Irina and Andres enjoyed a cup of coffee and some chocolate, I decided to take a quick tour of the Roman Baths. I was given what looked like an elongated cell phone with a handle that allowed you to type in numbers given throughout the tour to hear about the various features of the complex, yet at your own pace. I didn't linger too long and I had no desire to taste the sulfury spring water, said to heal most ailments, and soon met up again with Irina and Andres again at the cafe.

After a little shopping, and a fantastic find with a beautiful labradorite ring, we made our way back to the car and headed out of the charming little town of Bath.