I Took A Shot At Bath.

Yes, I did take a shot at Bath, England. Specifically in the Roman Baths. Why? Well, I was parched and needed a sip of the good and magical stuff. What is the good and magical stuff? I am glad you asked! I took a shot of the Roman Baths spa water along with Killian. We clinked our little paper cups and drank the warm and metallic liquid. The belief is that the hot springs have curative powers. Do Killian and I believe that? Maybe… The water is full of minerals and one can tell. There is an overwhelming iron smell that drifts through the air and the taste of the water was definitely on par with the smell. A look was exchanged between the two of us once the after taste settled in.

The Roman Baths if you could not tell. Oh… And Shawn!

The Roman Baths, or Aqua Sulis, hold such a rich history. I genuinely could feel it when stepping into the different areas. With a tiny bit of research, I discovered that the stones that were used to form the columns and walls around the bath are Combe down oolite, aka limestone. The tank is lined with lead, keeping the spring water from escaping. Fun! It is hard to believe that this structure was built by the Romans around 70AD and it has held up to today. I was standing in a space that held such a significance to many people so long ago. Whoa.

They did not just build this space for fun, either.

The Great Bath. Literally. That is what it is called!

They built this space because they believed it was a direct link to the underworld! The Romans believed it was a direct link to the goddess Sulis Minerva, who is the goddess of wisdom. Individuals would throw offerings into the spring in hopes that Minerva would help them. These offerings were rings, necklaces, and coins. A specific item that was tossed in was a beautiful gold brooch decorated with rubies. This brooch is now on display and displays just how much these individuals believed Minerva would help them. Romans would write “curses”, which are notes about those that have wronged them. They would ask for vengeance on a piece of lead and then throw it into the spring in the hopes that Minerva would punish who they had troubles with. I wrote a list of my enemies so you better watch out…

Here is where one would write their curses and toss in their offerings.

The brooch that was discovered in the spring.

Other than the Roman Baths, my favorite thing was taking in the beautiful architecture of the city. Right off the train station, I could tell that the architecture was a little different than that of London. London is a modge podge of different architecture while Bath is relatively cohesively Georgian An example would be Pump Tea Room, which is where we had afternoon tea. Beautiful, amazing, show-stopping, and I loved it.

The Pump Tea Room where we had afternoon tea.

Another standout is Bath Abbey, which is located right by the Roman Baths. Yes, this church is not Georgian style, but it is massive and considered perpendicular gothic. It is absolutely a mass and breath taking. I loved when my eyes trailed up to the top and God was sitting there, peering down at me. Sorry about the letters of my enemies.

Overall, this trip to Bath has been a much needed trip away from the bustling city. It was nice to be forced to sit for a few hours on the train, listen to music, and stare out into the countryside of England. I keep thinking this trip has just started but it is going to end soon. I have loved it here so much, I do not think I will ever be quite ready to leave.

Until next time. Cheers!