Magnificent Bath

Bath in many ways met all my expectations...but then in some was a little dissapointing. It was raining when we arrived and getting into Bath was a major drama due to traffic. We had intended to go to a park and ride but the one we headed for only operated weekends... So we found a long stay car park and remembered why we have come to Great Britian off season....yes, you can get parks. And then it rained and was miserable - but we were able to get the I Pad connected ( go Three) and find a cute tea rooms... And then the rain dropped off and we headed for the Roman Baths. HOW MAGNIFICENT! This is an outstanding attraction and many of the technological features that helped you imagine it how it would have been we only three weeks old

(chatting to the staff helps you learn a whole bunch more). There were

'romans' in the bath area who chatted to Michael and made it all alot more real for him. It was amazing just hearing the history of how the baths and temple complex was rediscovered.








I could have spent hours there just soaking (unintentional pun) in all the layers of history. The regency Pump room sits over the sacred spring which was used by monks as a healing bath and for the wealthy in Regency times to
'take the waters' by soaking in them. amazingly the Great Bath had been
Forgotten until Victorian times when a property owner kept finding his basement filling up with water. There is still much of the temple still covered up and under other property. It's also amazing how each religion adapts symbols of those who exist. So the spring already belonged to the locals when the Romans came and the local god was Silas
(or something similar....I can't quite remember) and then the Romans merged their hisses Minerva to create silas Minerva. the later Christians also considered the spring holy. It made me think about Hamish's discussions some years back on 'thin places' and if this was one of these... Or just a place that because of the springs people had to place religious attachment to in an attempt to explain what they did not understand.

The slightly disappointing to me was the assembly rooms...too much Georgette Heyer when I was young I think! I think they needed actors and music but quite rightly they are used for functions and events.

We also explored some of bath's magnificent architecture including The Circus, the royal Cresent and the Pultenay Bridge....and the weather improved magnificently as well!!!!

More gorgeous villages

it was a slower start yesterday...and a worthwhile chat to out landlady Anna send us in the direction of Bibury which has an awesome church and the frequently photographed Arlington way (of which I would out a photo up...but as Bazza says...the I pad is being I Bad and I can't access the photo load option on blogspot....yet!!!). We had a lovely lunch at the trout farm and I had baked trout...yum. We are tending to avoid hot drinks as theyvare generally awful..I could so do with a good coffee! We have a plunger at the apartment but getting good coffee is a drama. Bought some from the supermarket which is average...should have brought some from home! Anyway...I digress...more on coffee later. We then moved on to Burford which is a busier town but a gorgeous main street that has buildings in a variety if styles and eras which is very interesting. Browsed a few shops...shoes shops with HUGE amounts of stock. found one clothes shop with interesting but not cheap styles and then the others were generally awful. Both Michael and I were over villages by then but of course.....photo obsessed Brucie wanted to keep going...so on out way Bach we went to Northleach which had a lovely church and we enjoyed chatting to a local who was part of the church. we talked about the huge financial burden what is a small congregation bears looking after the building. this church had some awesome brass rubbings. it's amazing how ever the years each financial benefactor gets themselves noted in a plaque carving etc!

We were very excited when the local wine bar which had an impressive espresso machine promised a flat white. Well....she tried. Burnt and not creamy milk. I should have given her the great u tube link that Karajoz have done..how to make a flat white. Never mind...close was better than all the instant we havq been offered.



then back to Chalford

More on Chalford

Chalford is certainly a place worth visiting...very unusual and an e little place where 'real people' live. The family who own Green Cort (where we stayed) moved there 'cause they know someone in a nearby village and

They say that is why many people move there. many grew up there and move back and it sounds like there are a few London refugees. it only had two shops and one, the village shop, is only open because the locals volunteer to keep it open.

Walking walking.....

Sunday was a slow start but once we got going it was a great adventure. We headed out to explore some Cotwolds villages and decided to head for the Roman Villa at Chedworth however a wee GPS operator error took us to Chedworth itself (very pretty) and when I asked for walking directions I forgot the vital'how long' so we were treated to a lovely English countryside walk through fields and bush before we got there. It was so worth it...what a awesome piece of history. The mosaics were special and I learnt that the Romans had central heating which given how cold it is in England was an idea that was very practical. We then went on to Bourton on Water which is a kind of pretty but very touristy town and did a little shopping (nice perfumery) and of course Bruce bought some model trains. They have a very clever Model Village of the village all made out of Cotswolds stone.



Today was a BIG day...Legoland. Was a bit worried about the weather as we have pre bought tickets but was OK...overcast all day and I Think a bit warmer than yesterday. It's a good theme park especially I think for kids Michaels age. He loved The Dragon roller coaster and used sone if his hard earned money to buy some Lego and a Viking sword and shield. The Lego was no cheaper than NZ .and really only affordable cause the exchange rate is so good. then a quick run into Windsor to see the castle which is spectacular and a italian dinner...not our cheapest meal but awesome. Nice to be home for a decent sleep. Have to hand the I Pad to Bruce as he wants to download photos (which does mean I have some for the blog).

Arrival

Well...after 24 hours of flying we've arrived. The flight was nothing spectacular but fine. Hong Kong is always such a pleasure to transit in...efficient and friendly. We arrived early at Heathrow and needed all that time. Customs wasn't too slow, and picking up the car was good. Europcar were good...but of course we should have booked a bigger car ..or taken smaller bags (yes Cate!!!) but we upgraded for €5 per day to a wagon. So the first car was a merc and pretty flash but too small so now we have a scoda. Pretty functional and fine but no flash sunroof. Hey ho but at least it's diesel.



Now Chalford...what can I say!! We drove through this flat land and then it started getting hilly. Then we entered the awesome village of stone houses and narrow streets. I'll find a weblink for all of you when I have time. The Weavors Loft is part of a property called Green Court and it is just perfect for us. Two bedrooms, a good amount of space and such amazing views. Everyone....this is where you should stay when visiting the Cotswolds. Time for brekkie!!!

Getting ready........

Well...we are getting ready for our family UK adventure. Dad (john) goes in for his operation tomorrow and we're praying that God continues what he has been doing in being one step ahead and keeping him well. This is my first attempt at blogging so it will be a bit of fin I hope!