We started the day with a 2-hour train ride, which was so much more comfortable compared to my airplane experience. I took the whole time to take a nap, and it blew by so fast. When we arrived at the Bath tube station, it was a breath of fresh air. There was so much more countryside, and greenery. I love being in the city but taking in the fresh air was exactly what I needed.
As we headed to the heart of the city, I was drawn to the architecture of the Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, most known as Bath Abbey. It is a humongous church located right next to the famous Roman Baths. It is an example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, and it was so different from a lot of the architecture I saw!
The Roman Baths have such an incredible history. Sulis Minerva was a deity that was worshiped at the baths and looked at as a healing deity. The baths came to be known as Aqua Sulis, aka the water of Sulis. Her healing divinity was thought to cure any sickness or disease of anyone you came to through the hot springs.
She was worshipped in many ways, from public sacrificing of animals to private offerings of possessions such as jewelry or coins. But one of my favorite offerings to Sulis Minerva was the curse tablets. These tablets dated back from 2nd to 4th centuries AD, and were recently discovered in 1980.
Not only was the goddess Sulis Minerva worshipped for healing but also known for her power to punish injustice. People would inscribe curses on metal sheets against specific people who committed petty theft. If the items were not returned, the worshipper would gift them to Sulis herself, because it would be like they had stolen from her. I loved that she was known both for healing, but also punishment!
I heard all the stories of visitors from different countries and social classes, coming to Aqua Sulis to experience the healing properties of Sulis Minerva. I had no choice but to follow those before me and experience the healing powers of the hot springs. I took a shot of the water, and I instantly felt cured!
The most memorable moment of our trip to Bath will forever be our afternoon tea at the Pump Room Restaurant. It was right next to the Roman Baths, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I felt like I was in Bridgerton, with the talented orchestra playing for our entertainment. Then the menus came out and we ordered our tea. We could order endless amount of tea or coffee! I could try a different type of tea without being stuck with it. There was one that I had never heard of. The Pump Room Darjeeling tea. I was intrigued. And let me tell you that it did not disappoint. As soon as we get our tea, we get a FULL teapot for ourselves. My mind was blown away! I thought they were going to bring out the tea already made. Then they brought out the milk and sugar. The sugar was in small little cubes, which was so adorable and fancy. I started giggling to myself. I was sipping the best tea I’ve ever had, while the most beautiful music was being played. BUT THEN, towers of food come our way. It looked like the fanciest dishes I had ever seen. I had never felt so proper in my life. I started referring to everyone at our table as Lord and Lady. We started cheering and tasting our food as if we were of the highest class. I was living my dreams! I tried caviar for god sake, what’s fancier than that?
Farewell for now friends!
Theatre in London U of A 