Bath

October 10, 2009

Today, we spent the day in a beautiful city called Bath, located south from us. in the center of the city is an ancient hot springs that was turned into a giant “sauna” by the ancient Romans when they took over the area thousands of years ago. It was found underground several hundred years ago and has since been saved so that we can see what it was like. We all took a tour through the site and got to see, feel, SMELL (it smelt horrible due to the Roman’s lack of chlorine), and experience what it was like. It was a neat feeling walking on the same ground that the Roman’s had. Some of the more fragile areas had been blocked off but you could tell by looking that tons of people had used it. I really learned a lot by seeing the plumbing they used, and by looking at the artifacts that had been found. They had an electronic tour that we listened to and explained what was special about each area. The pool had been called after one of the Roman Gods, Sulis Minerva.






Above is the ancient entrance to the bath. Years of use caused the step to be warn away.

Oldest stone sculpture to be found. Thought to be the Gorgon(Medusa)

Sulis Minerva

Also located in the city was an Abbey that was built back in medieval times. The walls were covered by beautiful stained glass, sculptures, and even graves that were all along the floor as well.

After visiting these sites, we stopped by an Italian ice cream shop. It was small, crowded, and fabulous. Italian ice cream, gelato, is creamier than most other ice creams and very delicious. I ordered a small cup of Pana Cotta gelato and it was amazing! I can’t wait to go try some in Italy!

After we finished eating, we walked around the beautiful river Avon that runs through Bath. I loved it! There were swans, parks, boats, fishermen, and bridges everywhere.

When we made it around the river, we walked through the back roads to a little candy shop that was tiny! We crammed into it while my 6’8’’ uncle waited outside. I chose a small bag o mint chocolate eclairs. My little cousin Ande however, went for a foot long lollipop.

By this time, all the little ones were exhausted from the walking, so we headed to the car. Bath has been my favorite city that we have traveled through so far, and I can’t wait to visit again.