Day 7 Downtown Bath
Bath has SO MUCH to offer!! There's nature galore, shopping galore, history galore, food galore, and opportunities galore! I'm so glad my sister researched this fun little city and that it was so interesting that we put it on our itinerary!!
This morning we explored down by the Avon River and found an open little park/garden area on one side of the river. You had to pay a couple of pounds to go down into the garden, but it was so worth it. Okay - let me back up. We were on one side of the river, taking pictures, and I noticed a man painting on an easel just opposite us. After a happy little gasp, I said, We HAVE to go over there so I can see what he's painting and then share it somehow with Amber!! So we hustled over as fast as we could, and that's when we noticed he was down in a city garden and we had to pay to go in there. We had to pay! So we did.
I even talked with him some. His name is Andrew and he's an artist. He gave me his card. And I showed him some of my daughter's artwork that she has posted on Instagram. But I didn't want to take up too much of his time, A) because he was busy painting, and B) because he informed me that the lighting changes so fast and he wanted to capture all that he could as quickly as he could. But he was so friendly and was genuinely interested in Amber's work. He was very impressed, Amber! But then, who wouldn't be!?! I got some painting videos in the link below.
We then went to tour Bath Abbey. A beautiful cathedral, unfortunately VERY touristy, which made it feel less sacred inside. They even had postcard stands set up in an outer area of the main chapel, near to the little gift shop that was attached to the chapel as well. But the stained glass was exquisite and I really enjoyed admiring them a little longer than some of the other things. (Mom (Coy) - I tried to find the organ to show you, but it was up in the gallery by the pipes themselves. I got some info from the volunteer worker that might be of interest to you. Hope all the videos upload overnight so you can see them.
As we went outside the Abbey, we heard some sweet guitar music and as we followed the sound, there was a guy out in the square adjacent to the old church just playing his little heart out. He was SO GOOD!! So we stopped off there for a bit to enjoy his talents. As we walked across the square toward the Roman Baths, there was another young man playing around the corner and singing as well. He was also really good. Not quite as good as the first guy, but still really good! We got some videos of each of them. You decide who you like better.
The Roman Baths was very interesting. They gave us a handheld audio device to help us at each area so that we could know more information. It helped, but in some areas it was just so crowded! I didn't enjoy this tour quite as much because of the crowds and how long it took. We made our way down to the actual water area, but couldn't touch it. We did, however, get to taste some water in a sampling cup. It was very warm and tasted like minerals. I slugged mine all down, but Charmaine didn't like it and so didn't finish hers.
After the Roman Baths, we found some lunch across the square at the Roman Bath Kitchen. It was well priced, served quickly, and tasted great. We were in a little bit of a hurry to eat because we needed to hustle back to our Air BnB flat down the street to change clothes. We had an appointment for a stand-up paddle board tour that I was super excited about weeks ago! Charmaine has never SUP'd before, but I have a few times. I LOVE it so much!
We got to our meeting place a few minutes early, and Kyle, our river guide, let us start up early so that we could spend more time on the river. He was such a nice guy! He and his wife have only been married a few months, and he was just so friendly. He talked to us like he genuinely cared about us and was interested in us, our lives, and what we had to say as we paddled along. That was an OUTSTANDING tour to say the least. I highly recommend it!! No better way to see the River Avon than to be IN IT!!
After the paddling tour, we went back to our flat again to change clothes. This time, packing up what we'd need after dinner for the Thermae Spa. **Scott** - this would make a REALLY SPECIAL date night!!! It was so amazing!! You pay when you enter, and they give you a robe, a fluffy white towel, and a pair of flip flops. You go change into your swim suit, get your high-tech locker, and then you pick any one of many floors to go enjoy a spa experience. The first floor we chose was the Wellness Suite. It was a series of showers and sauna rooms that were individually set up for your multi-sensory experience and relaxation. Go to this link to learn more:
Then we went up to the pool on the roof. Just as we got up there, there was a beautiful sunset over the city of Bath. Sadly, we could not take any photos once we put our stuff in the locker. It was strictly prohibited. They don't want phones and technology interfering with having a relaxing experience. Well played. We stayed up on the roof for about 30 minutes, then we went down to the basement level where there is a lazy floating river pool called the Minerva Pool. That was just perfect. There are tons of "fun noodles" for you to use at any point, so you can just float along and relax. This was a perfect way to end the day - and our stay - in Bath.
Also, I just found out from my mother-in-law earlier today that my husband has family history in Bath. His 2nd great grandparents immigrated from here to the U.S.!! What a treat for me to be here, but I wish he was here with me, too!!
So now, it's time to go to bed. I wish I had more money and time to shop. But alas, it is good to control my shopping urges, ha ha.
Tomorrow, we're on the move again, further north this time. First stop, Oxford University, for a 90 minute walking tour, and then the Althorp Estate, where Princess Diana grew up, and where she is buried. Incidentally, tomorrow is the anniversary of her death in 1997. So there might be more people than usual. And our final stop, is at our lodging. The Trees at Birkins Croft, up in Foston, Derbyshire. Derby is not pronounced Derby. It's pronounced: Dahby or Dobby. Right, Sharina? (p.s. If there is something you'd like me to photo while we're up there just let me know!)
Sorry - I will have to send you the link when I wake up. Google Photos is taking extra long to save stuff here at this place. And there are some great photos and videos from today - I promise!! If I wake up in the night, I will send it then.
Love ya lots,
Michele
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