Burough Market, so many people so many choices! I have never seen so many options for somewhere to eat and they had anything and everything you could have imagined, it had every kind of food from chicken dishes, to burgers, Pad Thai, various types of seafoods, fish and chips, fruits and fruit juice, and so many more options. Also, it had so many booths set up with little snacks if you didn’t want an entire meal, I saw some fudge that looked really good!

I had such a hard time deciding what I wanted to get, there were so many things that I wanted to try. We walked around the entire market for like 15 minutes looking at everything. Eventually, I settled for Cod fish and chips from the Fish Kitchen, Chocolate Strawberries and Mango juice! The fish was great but the chips (fries for the American’s 🙂 ) were very bland, my American taste buds needed more salt 🙂 Allie and I both wanted to try so much more than we could eat because it all looked amazing, so we already have a plan to go back before we leave. I think that my favorite part about being at the Burough Market was that there were so many different stalls for food you could have anything you wanted. I think that I was a really good opportunity to try something that you have never tried before.

I will admit that there were A LOT of people, probably in too small of a space. So, it was kind of hard to navigate though the market because I was usually running into people or quickly swerving to avoid knocking peoples food out of their hands or swerving so someone would get food on me in passing because they wee trying to avoid someone else. Because there were so many people, seating was limited, but after a few minutes we found a spot, While we were eating Allie, Grace and I met the sweetest Golden Doodle named Nala, I think she was more interested in our food than letting us pet her. I am very bad at feeding my dogs back home and she just had these eyes that said “please share your food with me” and I had to try very very hard to not reach down and slip her a piece of fish. I enjoyed the fish, but my favorite thing that I had was the Chocolate Strawberries. I loved them! I loved how the chocolate hardened at the bottom and the strawberries were sweet and juicy! 10/10 next time we go back I WILL be getting them again! 

Overall, I really enjoyed my time at Burough Market, I will absolutely be going back before we leave!

On Wednesday morning, we got to run through the iconic Paddington station and get on a train to Bath. After an hour and a half of awing over the beautiful British countryside, we reached our location and were immediately stunned by the delightful weather and dazzling structures. A small group of us got a delicious lunch and branched off to the Parade Garden and other quick sightseeing. We then entered the Roman Baths where we received our personal audio guides and were sent to roam free where the Romans used to roam free. The main pool was very green and dirty with no bottom in sight. The ground was uneven but beautifully intact. Seeing all the statues still standing with missing certain body parts or no nose was so interestingly creepy. It was difficult to grasp just how old the place was when it mostly just felt like stacks of bricks at times. However, being able to learn about the hot and cold room technology was very cool, no wonder the Romans ruled for so long, they had saunas! We got to see the drain system and the hot spring, which was almost as impressive as the one back home in Arkansas. There was even spring water that we could drink, and it tasted uncomfortably warm and only made me gag twice. Viewing two thousand-year-old baths was difficult to latch on to. I still and won’t ever get used to the idea of such old ruins being so available to tourists like me who still complain about tap water every day. However, it was a pleasure to experience such iconic history firsthand, especially when it’s a history of luxurious relaxation, finally a break from all the wars. The architecture of the ruins and the Bath Abbey right next to it was breathtaking. Bath has so much rich history and the cutest shopping outlets, even a TK Maxx! Though the city was obviously taken over by tourists, I had a great time walking around Bath, where you’re never far from a stunning view of either bright green gardens or vast Gothic architecture.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved visiting Bath. The city is gorgeous, and the park is so beautiful. (The park attendant even gave us a discount for being students even though we didn’t have our ID!) But, the Roman Baths… were some stinky little rooms. The eggy smell apparently comes from the sulfur from the hot springs that are still active. Some people tasted the bath water (it was treated and safe to drink), but I did not drink it (mostly because I never got to that section of the tour). But, even if I had gotten to that section, I would not have drunk it, especially after Alyssa drank it so quickly that she threw it up again and continued to taste the mineral water for hours.

The architecture in Bath, the museum, and the city, were so beautiful. Because of its Roman influence, the streets and city reminded me so much of Italy. I’ve been to Italy once before, and the straight cobblestone streets just took me back in time. I loved walking through the little alleyways and around the river. Although I didn’t get to see much of Bath, I don’t regret the time I took in the little places I did visit. After eating a very yummy pesto pasta from a small Italian restaurant, Alyssa and Candace, and I went back to the park we had originally discovered and sat in a small patch of shade and flowers. I ate the small lemon cheesecake I had ordered from the restaurant (it was delicious – AND gluten-free!) while Alyssa and Candace devoured a few cannolis (also gluten-free).

After eating and people-watching, we lay in the warm sunlight and soaked in everything Bath had to offer. We listened to the sounds of the birds, which don’t sound like the birds in Arkansas (they were louder and lower pitched). We listened to the children playing “house,” which also doesn’t sound like the children in Arkansas. I still can’t get over hearing small British children speak with a British accent – especially when they’re yelling at other British children about who they want to play in their game. We admired the softer grass that was shiny and inviting enough that Alyssa and Candace took off their shoes AND socks to set the dogs free.

The environment of people all laying on picnic blankets enjoying the park reminded me of how simple life can be without the extra material things. I hate phones and electronics and social media. I actually read a newspaper for the first time in I don’t know how long today. While laying under a tree, bellies full and eyes closed, we all just talked about our favorite things in life, to which I said, “This.” I love the feeling of the grass on my arms and the breeze that moves the branches above me. I love the birds that are chirping their happy songs while I am embraced by their chatter and confessions. I love the children chasing pigeons and the light that flickers through the leaves. I love that when I open my eyes after an unknown amount of time basking in the sun that my vision has a blue hue.

And then, we got up to walk around smelly baths.

Regardless, I love learning about history and love the feeling of experiencing it more. Museums are cool and all, but what’s so much cooler is the ability to walk through the actual location and witness what once was. I loved seeing the stones and gems that had washed up in the drain. These stones had either likely fallen off, or the hot water loosened the clasps that held the stone into rings and other jewelry. What I loved more was fighting a child over the sliding magnifying glass to see the carvings inside the stones.

I will admit, the Roman baths were really interesting, and it is really weird to think about how many people have walked the grounds I was walking. I could hardly imagine what that building would be like 2000 years ago. But, I would give so many things to experience that park again.

I regret drinking the forbidden jungle juice. Monday’s objective was simple: infiltrate the Roman baths and obtain the secret elixir. The day started off like any other, I woke up early and got breakfast with a few members of the cream team. The beans were my fuel, the only food I would have for this journey. After I consumed more carbs than have ever been consumed in one sitting, I made my way to the rendezvous point. Shawn gave me my one and only ticket in, that was his biggest mistake, without the ticket he gave me I never would have been able to get to the baths. Little did I know getting to the baths would be my greatest mistake. 2 hours of train time later, we arrived at the destination: The Roman Baths (pronounced bah-th because why should it make sense). Before I could come face to face with my beloved juicy earth water, we needed to kill some time in this new land. Me and a few members of a rival team, the squirt squad, decided to go to the Mary Shelley museum. I knew nothing of this woman going in, and after leaving I only know that her life was pretty miserable and that she made Frankenstein. I did really enjoy this experience, up until we went into the haunted house basement and I had to hold hands with Ali the entire time with my eyes closed (I don’t like scary). Afterwards we split up and grabbed some food from a nearby sandwich shop. I loved my sandwich, but Ryan’s was just wet ham, butter, and unmelted shredded-cheese. And then… it was time. 

I approached the gray stoned building with bated breath. My knees aching from the journey and my mind racing with the thoughts of what lies within. In my hands I hold all I have ever needed, a ticket, perfectly shaped and colored. It holds the power of the universe within it. Granting me access to everything I have ever wanted, but punishing me by forcing me to wait for my gift. I walk inside, staring down at the architecture sculpted by gods. It was made for me. Thousands of years of history, just so I could drink the sludge of life. I could give less of a shit about everything else in that shithole of a museum, all that I need is that delicious and savory watery goodness. I even rushed through the room with the naked women, but I did stop for a little bit. After all rooms were looked at, all warnings ignored, all friends betrayed, and all my hopes piqued, I saw it. A singular faucet leaking the very gold that I desired. I filled my cup… and drank.

It was awful. It tasted like piss (I assume), and it was warm. Two days later I still feel the minerals fucking up my bowels. Alyssa almost threw up. It was not worth my excitement.

All in all, Baths was pretty cool. I might go back. Cheers.

Just an hour and half outside of London is the idyllic town of Bath which was also a Roman settlement, a perfect day trip.

Walking from the train stop, I saw old red phone boxes that had been filled with flowers! Instead of grabbing lunch, I opted for a quick and easy dark chocolate truffle donut with a coffee. This allowed me to quickly get going to explore the beautiful city. The Holburne Museum has a garden that I enjoyed walking through. There was also a lovely park that has been popular since Jane Austen’s time. Speaking of Austen, a house of hers is in Bath and has been turned into a museum; she also included the city as a location in a couple of her novels. There is also a Mary Shelley Museum in the town. Both of these sounded interesting but I was just enchanted with aesthetically pleasing outdoors. I love that London is a walking city; however, it is a city. It was nice to wander aimlessly around Bath which still felt so in tune with nature. Although Bath is full of museums. Including an American Museum (which I only saw signage for) and the Fashion Museum which is currently closed since it is being relocated. Brittaney and I peeked into an art gallery which housed pieces created by Bob Dylan; I had no idea the musician painted as well. My exploration was also comprised of a liberal amount of photography. Apparently, people blow glass in Bath, so for a souvenir, I bought a blue glass necklace.

All of this wandering led me to the main event: the Roman Baths. The Baths are located next to a large stone church which was built early in the last millennium. It is interesting to see an almost thousand-year-old building next to a partially excavated building that is almost two thousand years old. While I was excited for this historic aspect of our outing, I had no idea how much I would love it. I could have stayed in the Baths for probably a good hour longer making sure to listen to each of the pre-recorded commentary. Yes! The Roman Baths had complimentary commentary provided on phone-esque devices. Looking down on the main pool the British have placed the statues of eight Roman men who were connected to Britain. These were put in place in the late eighteenth century. The balcony which overlooks this main bath is a purely British creation to help visitors get the best view. Today, the water of the main pool is green from algae infestation. However, when the Romans build the baths, they were covered with a twenty-meter high roof so the water was protected from the elements, particularly the sun.

In the third century (AD), Solinus wrote: In Britain are hot springs adorned with sumptuous splendour for the use of mortals Minerva is patron goddess of these.

To help contextualize the importance of the baths to the Roman society, there were models of the other structures that must have been in the area. Throughout the exhibit portion, were Roman artifacts. There were fragments of the temple pediment displayed along with a mostly complete column. The part of the exhibit I found the most interesting were the gravestones. Latin inscriptions were carefully carved into the stone, and I took time to try and translate them before reading how the experts have chosen to translate them. The only reason I even had the knowledge to understand the abbreviations used is because epigraphy was incorporated into my Latin 1003 class. It was so cool to get to use this knowledge since my professor from that class, Dr. Rhodora Vennarucci, wrote me the recommendation that helped get me here to England.

Off of the main baths were additional sections that were more truly the excavation of the Roman architecture. There was a swimming bath (natation), a hot room (caldarium), immersion pool (balneum), and laconicum.

“They came, they conquered and their lasting effect on Britain is still visible to this day,” Penelope Rance, a British destination and historical author, noted for Britain Magazine. It was incredible to really see such a large visible reminder of the Roman presence in the UK. Seeing the Roman remains at Bath felt like something I had been preparing my whole life for between a classical education and love of the UK.

I am so glad I got to spend the day in this town!

Yesterday, our group had the opportunity to take the train to Bath, England. Bath is home to many historical monuments, and the Roman Baths are one of many of them. The train ride to bath lasted for about an hour and half. It was very nice to look out the window and see the countryside of England. When we arrived in Bath I was relieved to visit a smaller city than London. Bath is significantly smaller with less road traffic. However, I feel as though the traffic of people walking around was much heavier than that of London. Perhaps I am wrong. Either way, it just felt like there were too many people for the little space that was available to walk around at. I also thought that there were more chain stores that we have in America rather than the locally owned little shops that London has. When we got to Bath I enjoyed a donut and coffee. Afterwards I visited the Jane Austen house. Jane Austen actually used to live in Bath and she very much enjoyed her stay there. The famous Mary Shelley also lived in Bath. Many people in our group visited the museum about her but I did not. I quite enjoyed the Jane Austen museum. It was a much shorter tour than I expected. A lady dressed up in Regency era clothing spoke to us about the Austen family and then we made our way through the museum. The museum had the original copies of her works as well as facts about her. There were even displays of clothing worn during her time. There was one fun part of the museum where tourists could dress up in dresses and bonnets and have their photo taken with a statue of Mr. Darcy. My favorite part of the entire tour though was the writing room. Here, they had notes of paper with a quill and ink to write with. After visiting the Jane Austen house, I finally met up with the rest of the group so that we could tour the Roman Baths. The water was very green and it was so beautiful against the brown stone of the building that surrounded it. The Ancient Roman Baths contain natural spring water which still flows in the River Avon. The main purpose of the baths was to allow the Romans to purify themselves. Most Romans living in the city went to the bath house every day to cleanse themselves. They used to put olive oil on their skin and then rubbed it with a metal scraper called a strigil. I was very interested in some of the many facts that I learned during my tour. For example, the Romans conversed with the Goddess of the Baths, Minerva. The Goddess Minerva was an integral element of the Roman Baths. People would visit the baths regularly to beg for justice from the famous Goddess Minerva. They would go as far as to bring her precious gifts such as jewels, and would also throw coins into the sink to ask for her blessing. The visitors would also ask the goddess to take care of their family and themselves. For those who have lost an item or have an item stolen, the Goddess Minerva was the ultimate destination. They would go and ask the Goddess to cause a miracle so that their item could be found.  Moreover, the meeting with Minerva would guarantee that the thief would be punished! I also thought that it was pretty neat that the Roman baths are home to many precious items because of the Romans’ devotion to Minerva. Multiple things have been found in the Spring: brooches, rings, bracelets, vases, and more than 12,000 coins! They were all thrown in by Romans as gifts to honor the Goddess Minerva. Overall, I really enjoyed my trip to Bath. It was a nice change of scenery. I will admit however, I did not enjoy tasting the spring water that they gave tourists from the fountain. I tried it with all of my friends and we all gagged at the taste. The only way that I can explain it is that it tasted like the smell of Easter egg dye water. I actually felt quite queasy after. To be honest, I was hoping that I would get violently ill from the water so that I could sue the Romans and be filthy rich for the rest of my life.