I spent another day in Bath. Today I got up and on the bus in time to make it to the free 10:30 walking tour of the city. Before I left the house I found a scrumptious loaf of fresh bread in Jez’s kitchen and had a slice. He cooked it overnight in his bread machine. So good! yummmmm. I found the bus stop, bought a day-pass and headed into town.
There was a pretty good crowd of about 14 people or so by the time the tour left. I bought a chocolate croissant and coffee at a nearby coffee shop and ate it while waiting. The tour was great. It hit a bunch of small sights that you’d miss otherwise. We walked past a few of the must-see points on my list too. I can’t remember the tour guides name, but he was a congenial older gent. There was one other couple from the US - from Phoenix, actually. They were nice people and we chatted off-and-on throughout the tour.
After the tour, I wanted to find some place warm to eat. Jez recommended the Metropolitan Cafe, or the Adventure Cafe as a backup. I found the obscure Metropolitan, but it was full-up with a small line waiting. To the Adventure Cafe it was, and it was a nice place. I’d definitely go back (gorgeous female wait-staff, too!). I had a goat cheese, bacon, avocado and bagel salad. Good stuff.
After eating, the Museum of Costumes was next on the agenda. I really didn’t know what to think of the name or what to expect. It was kinda cool, though. I had bought a “combo-ticket” the day before at the Roman Baths, so I almost felt obligated to go. I’m not a big fashionista by any means, but it was an interesting perspective to see how clothing evolved. I think they had clothing back to the 17th Century all the way up to modern day. Most interesting is how much it changed in the past 100 years. Clothing fashion and styles have changed right along with technology, pretty much. It’s almost like people stopped caring about what they wore, and focused more on working, production and technology. The dawn of consumerism, I guess.
It was cold and drizzly out, though, and that did not add to the enjoyment of my touring today. This weather is seriously getting old now, and I made up my mind after I was thoroughly miserable (near the end of the walking tour) that I was leaving the UK - This week! I have really enjoyed being here, regardless, and I probably sound contradictory. I love it, but I hate it. The weather sucks, but I don’t let that detract from enjoying where I am. I learned how to do that in Seattle! It was good training for winter in the UK.
After I walked around town a bit more, I decided I was finished. I’d seen enough of beautiful Bath. I’ll return some day when it’s warm and crowded! I found the bus, got off at the right stop, but walked the wrong way at first, and finally made it back to Jez’s. And now I’ve taken care of some business online, and am writing this. Not sure what tonight holds, but I’d be just fine grabbing a bite to eat and relaxing. I’m heading back to London tomorrow to hang out with Christina for the weekend.