18th January 2008

We re-packing our luggage again (!) we hail a cab to the Mayfair to leave our four suitcases then are dropped at Piccadilly Station to catch a train to Bath Spa…pity we are supposed to be at Paddington ... there have been line closures on some of the underground lines so I tell Gordy there’s been a problem and we have to go to Paddington instead!  (A little white lie, I know but hey, it’s all part of the  experience!) We are now speeding through the English countryside to Bath and after the recent rains there is a lot of land under water.  Let’s hope Bath is all I think it is as Gordy really wanted to stay in London.... it will be my fault if it turns out to be a fizzer! 

 We have a reservation at the Kennard and it is everything you would expect from an English B&B.  Very quaint. 

We do our usual reconnaissance around town and it is very easy to fall in love with this beautiful city.  The shops are amazing and the one thing that stands out is the lack of multi-national department or chain stores – wonderful!  The Roman Baths are amazing …..you’ve gotta hand it to those Romans!  They certainly were a century or two before their time when it came to ingenuity not to mention plumbing!

An orator at the Baths

The Abbey is beautiful and the fact that Governor Phillip is buried there adds a small connection with Australia’s beginnings.  The Fashion Museum & Assembly Rooms are beautiful and well worth a visit.