Bath in Bloom

Cindy’s Notes;
What a delightful city both in visual appeal and in juicy gossip.  A city made famous by Beau Nash and his gambling parlors, a place to take part in many earthly delights, and THE place to be seen in the 18th Century. Did you know that although Bath prides itself on its ties to Jane Austin, she actually didn’t like living here—“too snooty.” It is also the setting for Peter Lovesey’s Peter Diamond mystery series. Even though there was corruption (and still maybe?) and money spelled delights, it’s a gorgeous city made so by the Woods, father and son who designed many of the most prestigious homes here—the Royal Cresent and the Circus. The Palladian architecture fills the city charmingly.

The Royal Crescent

We have been busy.  First a boat tour on the Avon and lunch at a canal side pub.  On the Boat Adventure we met Fiona and Martin who were celebrating his birthday. We had so much fun chatting with them that we almost forgot to look out at the river.  They are a delightful couple from North London.

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Later that evening we met Stephanie and Andrew for dinner.  They surprised with a bottle of Prosecco at our hotel and continued to make Bath a fantastic place to be.  We meet Stephanie and Andrew in 2017 in Viet Nam when we were on a G Adventure together and then we slept together.  Yes, it’s true.  We got put into the same sleeper car from Hanoi to Hue becasue both Dennis and Andrew snore like run away trains. We met them near our hotel, went on a short walking tour on our way to dinner at Hudson’s Steak House where we had a delicious dinner and managed to consume a bit of wine and a cocktail or two.  No one was driving. They live in Bristol about 6 miles away and took an Uber home. We haven’t been up that late in a long time!

 

The next day we got up, breakfasted, and went to The Roman Baths. The Romans were here long before Beau or Jane. The Roman Baths and Museum are amazing.  I thought the museum was one of the best I’ve visited.  It gives you such a sense of actually being there. The Pump room is right there and after the Baths we stopped for tea and a mimosa.

Back at the Apex Hotel we met Mr. Elliott who took us on a walking tour and filled us in on all the gossip of both the famous and infamous of Bath society. He also gave us a mini lesson on Pallladian architecture. He really knows Bath!

Later in the afternoon Stephanie and Andrew took us to a small village, Castle Combe. The War Horse by Steven Spielberg was made there as well as Dr. Doolittle. I kept thinking I would look in a window and see Miss Marple having tea. Then on to the White Hart in another nearby village for a luscious dinner.  Can you tell I’m using a thesaurus?  How many times can you say delicious? But it was! Once back at the hotel we collapsed. Such a gorgeous day with two wonderful and generous people.