Pump It (Louder!)

On the train back from Bath to Paddington Station, I can’t lie, I teared up quite a bit. Looking out the window and seeing the greenery, the pastures, the mountains, and the quaint houses, I started to appreciate England in a way I never had before. I realized there was so much of this country that I wanted to take in, but I can never have enough time to see it all. The sheep! THERE WERE SO MANY SHEEP!

Coming to Bath may have been my favorite part about this trip so far, (I say that after every excursion, so don’t take my word for it). There was just something about the town’s aesthetic that felt other-worldly and picturesque. It made me feel like I was a part of the plays, movies, and TV shows I have always dreamed of being in. The Georgian architecture is charming and adds layers of character to buildings that have remained cherished throughout history.

The Roman Baths were different than I had imagined they would be. I loved how sacred a body of water was to the Romans– Aqua Sulis was a source of prayer and hope. The cult statue of Sulis Minerva was gorgeous and I love that people sent in complaints and gossip to her to have her curse them! If someone pickpocketed me, I would definitely write to Sulis Minerva to give them bad luck.

It was very interesting to go to the East Baths and see the different types of spa rooms they had. The Romans had meticulous mechanisms to provide calming treatment to the Romans– a hypocaust blew hot air through the floors to heat the room and their feet. They had to wear sandals when it got too hot, but the hot rooms were old versions of saunas. I know going in saunas is supposed to be good for you, but the only time I went in one, I felt like I was going to have a panic attack.

Men and women had to go into the spas at different times or separate rooms in the Roman Baths. Body hair was not a part of their beauty standards, so women would often have their body hair plucked out. What was interesting to me is that it became socially acceptable for men to have body hair, but women are still expected to remain hairless in our modern society.

Bath was a very interesting town with cool shops and lovely live music. We watched a man perform “The Chain,” by Fleetwood Mac, singing and playing the drums. He was really sick. There was also a statue man that blew our minds. I still don’t know how he remained suspended in air.

By far my favorite part about our Bath excursion was our High Tea. I felt like a posh woman and I desperately wanted to wear a long, fancy dress and dance at a ball. The food and tea was delicious. Even though I was still stuffed from eating Tortilla, (really good fast Mexican food), I couldn’t help but stretch my stomach some more for the little sandwiches. I loved the ham and cheese ones specifically, as well as the pistachio pastry. Everything just melted in my mouth and I could tell it was intricately made.

Overall, I loved the homey feeling of the town of Bath. Everybody was kind and caring, and the vibes were darling. I would love to go back some time to visit the Jane Austen Museum because I used to be such a nerd for her, and I am mad at myself that I didn’t allow enough time.