June 4

Today I got to explore the city of Bath, home to the Roman-Baths it is hence named after. After walking to Euston Station, taking the Tube to Paddington Station, and catching a train taking us all the way to our destination, we finally made it. On first impression, Bath looks extremely different from London. You can tell from the architecture that there is a lot of Roman influence that doesn’t necessarily find itself in the capital city. In addition, Bath seems way more relaxed. In London, everybody moves pretty quickly because they got somewhere to be. But in Bath, the only rush is to get to your lunch reservation or to meet a friend at a café. But I will say, the main area of Bath, that I primarily stayed in, was made up mostly by tourists (or those not living in Bath). Which probably explains why people were more inclined to walk slowly or take a seat and watch the busking performances.

Overall, I enjoyed my visit to Bath and would suggest to anyone wanting to visit a town outside of London to visit here.

This is a place which feels just the right size, with just the right amount of history. An important center, but not with the overwhelming sprawl, rubbish and overwhelming dining options of the London metropolis. Definitely more my speed if I was to be here long term.

Roman Baths

I had a great time working my way through the Roman Baths. Although size-wise the complex paled in comparison to a lot of the ruins I was able to visit in and around Rome, I was so appreciative of the meticulous documentation and explanations that were offered here. I think the sheer amount of ruins and artifacts in Rome means that they don’t treat them with as much gravity, but that was not the case in Bath at all. I legitimately felt like I understood the function, history, and significance of every room by the time I wandered out. Of course I am the architecture geek, but I don’t think I was alone in my surprise at how engaging the entire exhibit was.

Bath Abbey

The pleasant surprise of the day was the Abbey which rose up over the center of town and overlooked the Roman Baths. Constructed in 1499, it was a fairly humble example of gothic construction techniques, but I was impressed with the stained glass windows, which told Old Testament stories on the West Window and depicted scenes from the life of Jesus on the East side. The best component of the church was the fan vaults which decorated the ceiling. I don’t remember seeing examples like them before, and I spent quite a while admiring them from below. A fun detail was mentioned in the pamphlet: the West End of the church required ceiling repair in the 1890s, so the fan vaults were actually copies of the originals above the altar. If you look closely in the photos, you can see that the copies weren’t handled as elegantly as the originals: the seams at the stone joints are clearly visible.

Bonus points to Bath for the best bookshop we’ve encountered thus far, Topping & Company, built into an interesting religious structure with a classical fascia.

[now playing: Another Town, Another Train – Abba]

Legally Blonde, ~outdoors~

As a rule, I don’t engage with musicals at all until I’ve seen them on stage. I avoid listening to music or watching recordings of any show, including the big ones like Hamilton, until I’ve seen them on stage. For me, this preserves the sanctity of the first viewing. On a few occasions I’ve broken this rule (when a show has closed and isn’t coming back, for instance), but Legally Blonde has been one I’ve avoided for a long time, including having never seen the movie, and in many ways, it was worth the wait. I have a lot of thoughts on this particular staging of it:

To start, I am convinced that this is a really great show. The numbers are crazy strong, the writing is clever and the characters are bold and distinct in what they bring to the story. In this particular viewing however, I think that only the numbers were done justice. I felt that the acting fell flat repeatedly. I think this is because of the iconic nature of the show and the movie’s place in pop culture. A few of the actors clearly knew what the audience’s reaction would be to certain lines and certain songs, which meant that in a lot of instances it was obvious that they were waiting to deliver said line or start said song, rather than being on-partner and in the moment. This resulted in many instances where the play’s twists and turns felt like convenient plot points and fan-service, rather than an earned journey on the character’s behalf.

I also think the limitations of the venue, i.e. it being an outdoor amphitheater, had a negative effect on my perception of the show, particularly act 1. It is just a heroic and essentially unachievable task to make a painted pink stage look nice in the daylight when footprints and dirt show up so clearly. And what’s more, the golden streamers which decorated the dramatic double-staircase and rear of the stage were tacky and not a particularly creative solution to the play’s entry and exit needs. However, early in act 2 when it got dark and the shimmering streamers took a backseat to actual lighting design, the show rose to new heights. No longer distracted by the shortcomings of the set, I was able to buy into the play’s action much more and was having a great time by the final number.

Ultimately, this was a campy interpretation, and as a first time viewer this hurt my experience. Existing fans loved it, but I felt a bit alienated, as if I wasn’t in on the joke. In some cases this was literal, the audience was laughing before the jokes had even been made, which brings me to my final verdict on this one: the Regent’s Park staging is Legally Blonde for Legally Blonde fans. First time viewers deserve a better introduction to the world of Elle Woods.

[now playing: It’s Hard to Say “I Do,” When I Don’t – Fall Out Boy]

I had no idea what to expect from Legally Blonde: The Musical, and wow, it did not disappoint. Pretty sure my stomach will be hurting for a few days from laughing so much. Seeing the show outdoors, however, wasn’t exactly what I expected. Walking through Regent’s Park was an experience. Everywhere roses, everywhere sunlight, and people talking in tune with the rhythm of their feet. Even the ground was covered with a sort of mist of white flowers and feathers from the ducks and geese roaming by. And the sound of the water sifting back and forth inside the many bridged streams…there’s only so much my heart can handle.

            Once we were inside the auditorium, though, it felt like a completely different world. The stage was covered in curtains printed with close-ups of hair, which was an interesting choice. It was almost hard to tell at first because the stock photos that they used were so zoomed in. It wasn’t until the curtains started swaying and tangling in the wind that I realized that the whole stage was essentially cloaked in blonde hair. I could see where subtle touches like this (even something as small as the wind blowing through curtains) might add to the overall experience of watching a play. 

            There was one moment where Paulette’s character was waxing poetic about Ireland being the place of love, and just as she paused for effect, a couple of geese flew by as if to add to the melodrama (way to go Geese, I’m here for it). Overall, I think that staging the play outdoors added a kind of communal, concert-esque feel to the show. You could feel the energy and the laughs in the closeness of the space. However, I’m not sure if those small effects were worth staging the play in an open-air venue. The performers, for instance, were almost difficult to hear sometimes because the sound had trouble carrying. Elle Woods’s mic even cut out a bit abruptly during one scene where she was reading a text from another character. 

            Legally Blonde also seems to be a show that’s built on materialism: Elle Woods is surrounded by neon pink and designer clothes and excess everywhere she goes, which was odd to see next to the green, natural space of Regent’s Park. Hearing the catchy pop rhythms of the musical thudding in the park just as the day was slowing down almost took away from the overall atmosphere of the park itself. Then, there was the issue of weather. It was supposed to rain for most of the day, and a third of the way into the show, it started to mist. For the most part, there was little disruption to the actual show. Halfway through, however, they did have to pause to dry the stage, so that the actors could perform safely. I can’t even begin to understand how many challenges like this go into staging an outdoor production, so all things considered, the show went on pretty smoothly.

            Another question I had was about the final courtroom scene. For some reason, I seem to remember it being longer in the movie. Maybe that’s just my imagination, but in this production, the whole courtroom drama was wrapped up in about one song. Then, Paulette went into a kind of montage to summarize what happened in the years following Elle’s win in the courtroom, which just doesn’t seem like the best way to conclude a story? A summary, in a way, feels a bit like a cop out, but I’m also not well-versed in theatre. Overall, I would say I really enjoyed the show. It was big and loud and overtop in the best way, but I’m not sure that I understood all of the decisions behind this particular production, especially in regards to staging it outdoors. 

More later,

Kath

Day 12 of London, hooray! Today was definitely a great one. Our group traveled to Bath to visit the Roman baths and we did some exploring around the rustic town itself, and it did not disappoint! To get to Bath, we all met up pretty early at 8 (well… it’s the earliest we have met up so far) to go to Paddington Station and take our first train of the whole trip. It was a relaxing ride there. I got to watch a bit of the new Star Wars show which I have been looking forward to seeing, and I napped for a bit. It was the perfect way to pass the time.

When we arrived in Bath we expected rain, but the weather was beautiful all day! It was warm, but not to the point where I was sweating with every step. We walked into the central area of the city, and I stopped to get a delicious brownie from a place called Mrs. Potts Chocolate House. There were so many things I wanted to try in there, but I had to hold myself back because I would be getting afternoon tea later.

After my brownie, I met back up with the group to go into the Roman baths. The baths were just as I remembered when I was younger. They were essentially rocks and water, but they were rocks and water with meaning. I also got to talk to a performer at the baths who was dressed in some historical garb, and she had some insanely cool hair. She said she wanted to steal my hair, too, which I took as a huge compliment. There were also parts of the baths that were scary and I rushed past them, like the darker areas that were just empty pools. I was really interested in some of the architecture that included sculptures, because I was surprised they were able to preserve any to the point where they were recognizable as human figures. At the end of the baths, I got a cute tote bag that I used throughout the day- it was probably my most useful purchase!

After the Roman baths, I made a reservation for afternoon tea at the Jane Austen museum in the Regency tea room. While I waited for the reservation, I decided to walk around Bath. Bath is really a beautiful place. It has cobblestone streets with shops lining every street. You could hear live music virtually everywhere you went and since the weather was so nice, I was able to stay out for a while. I ended up getting some jewelry from both crystal and glass shops, some Turkish delights for me and my dad, and tea so I can do my best to recreate afternoon tea at my apartment. I think just exploring the city like this was my favorite part of the day. I loved the atmosphere and I wish I had plans to go back.

After my walk, I went back to the Jane Austen museum for afternoon tea with two others from our group, Leah and Kath. Both the company and the meal were great! I could have sat and talked with them for hours. I was so happy to have cream tea again, and I was able to try some new sandwiches and tea- yay for trying new things! I enjoyed myself so much that I was almost late to meeting our group for our departure back to Paddington Station. Bath was truly a magical place, and I look forward to the day where I will be able to return. Hopefully that is sooner rather than later! I already know I will miss London so much when I leave, and I’m mourning my loss of it way before our actual trip back to the states.

That is all until tomorrow! See you then! 🙂

Today was our first day trip! I adore London, but I was really excited to get out of the city for the day and go somewhere that was not a gigantic city. Plus, I was excited to learn more about the Roman influences on Bath and England itself. To be honest, I had no clue about this history until taking this course and going abroad. The Roman baths were interesting to walk through, as I felt like our group was able to go back in time in a way. The audio guide was very helpful, as the narrator walked us through what each portion of the property was and how it came to be. My favorite part of the baths was honestly the view. The terrace that wrapped around the top of the baths gave a great view of both the pools but also the abbey that reigned above the city’s skyline. Beautiful views are one of my most favorite things about going somewhere new. It was this view and several others around the city today that reminded me of how beautiful a landscape can be and how fortunate I am to immerse myself within it. 

An interesting fact that I learned today revolves around Minerva’s head – which was a statue of the goddess of Minerva which was made out of bronze which is incredibly unusual, as most statues were not made from the bronze material. When walking through the exhibit, there was a part where you could see and touch a replica of this head, which I thought was neat, as it was able to draw the public more into the statue and have them gain more interest in it altogether. 

While the majority of the tour was fun and insightful, I really did not enjoy going under the baths into the area that smelt very ~foul~ It also just so happened that this area was being heavily trafficked when I was there, so it took a little longer to get through than what I would have liked and wished for. I am just glad that I was wearing my mask because 1. it helped not make the smell so potent and 2. it saved me from the embarrassment that I would have faced, as others would have been able to see how I felt about the smell due to my inability to control my facial expressions. 🙂

After touring the baths, I had the pleasure of going to the Jane Austen Centre and touring it. It was absolutely incredible, and it made me want to purchase all of her novels that were in the gift shop. Colin Firth’s portrait was a nice touch too. I then had a hot dog for lunch and then a slice of Victorian sponge cake for dessert. The day trip ended with a nice walk along the river and watching a cricket match for a few minutes. An absolutely terrific day, if I do say so myself!

-Maggie Martin

Bath, UK

June 4^th

I had an early day as our group journeyed to Bath. The main event was the ancient Roman Baths that have been preserved. The baths were formed because a natural spring flows there. This mineral water reminded me of the scent of the geysers at Yellowstone that carried a sharp, sulfur spell. The audio explanations were my favorite part of the experience because it explained many things that I was already familiar with. I assumed this was a place for bathing, but it was also a place of activities, healing, and religion. The natural spring was believed to be a source of restoration from a Roman goddess. The ruins were well maintained, and the stonework held much of its past majesty. The water was tinted green due to the excess of limestone, and it did give the baths a mystical aura. The tour allowed me to visualize the ancient Roman chambers that I have read about but could not fully picture their purpose and design.

One of the reasons I recognize Bath is due to its description in Jane Austen’s novels. While we were there, we visited her museum which is right next to Mary Shelley’s Museum. It is lovely to see these revolutionary authors, not only for women but for their genres, right next door. In Austen’s books, Bath was a place of bustle and events. I had that in mind as I perused the city; it had a lively atmosphere but still felt quainter and more contained than the hustle of the crowded London streets. There were not as many differences between Bath and London as I was anticipating. There felt like there was more room in Bath and that you were uncovering a hidden gem. There are so many shops and delicious cafes. Isaac and I had scrumptious strawberries and chocolate while we enjoyed our books.

Our first day trip was a definite success with an enjoyable train ride which provided ample time for reading. I learned about Roman history and connected Bath to one of my favorite authors. Make sure you visit Bath, if you travel to the UK, and stop by for a dessert.

-Tabi is Booked

Bath and Blunders

Blog Post 7: Day trip to Bath

By Isaac Overman

June 4 2022

The Gang left bright and early this morning for Paddington Station. We arrived rather early and Tabi and I were able to snag a quick breakfast and coffee inside the station. Unfortunately, this is where my morning gets slightly derailed—pun intended. As we board our train to Bath, I sit down next to Ben and have an epiphany—I just left my backpack at the café. Now normally this would be a moment of frustration that would give way to sadness at the lost of an umbrella or coat, but this bag contained not only my laptop but my sisters’ as well as my wallet. To say my situation was frustrating would be the understatement of the century. I had to make a choice: risk missing my train to run back the half mile to the café, or I could loss it all and hope that some kind stranger had grabbed it and would be at the station upon my return. I chose in that moment to run. I, as many of you might have guessed, am not a runner. Normally, I run only when chased by something, or when I have prodded my sister one too many times. But I had no choice but to run, so run I did. And honestly, it felt good, my muscles moved as if I were a prized race horse out of the gate. I made it back to the gate. The alarm on the faces of the guards as I barreled between them and through the gate was priceless. I then grabbed my bag and tried to match my previous pace in the hopes that I would be able to make it on the train. It is important to remind you that I am not a runner. I was fatigued and weary. I hobbled the last hundred feet to the glee of Shawn.

Now if you remember this is only 9:15 am. The day has just begun but fortunately that was the end of running and rotten luck. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Bath was wonderful. Tabi and I went to a local bookstore to begin our tour and then rejoined the group for the Roman Baths which were fascinating. After, we had some time before our lunch reservation. We were weak so we stopped to get a light snack. In our defense we were unsupervised and left in front of a fudge shop. After we had gorged ourselves on chocolate and fresh fruit, we dinned at the Michelin restaurant The Elder which celebrates local ingredients and wild game from the surrounding areas. It was rustic and refined at the same time. It was country fine dinning at its best. To be truthful, it is the kind of restaurant I hope to run someday. Moments later we hobbled to the Jane Austen museum which was delightful. Shortly thereafter, Tabi and I rejoined with the group and made our way to the next train. As I write this blog, I think mostly of the contrasts and comparisons between the two cities of London and Bath. London offers a beautiful lively city that is home to a culinary world which I love beyond reason. But today in Bath, I was reminded of home. It stunned in a totally different way. I will try to explain in terms of food because that is what I know so well. Bath is not the place where you find ten course dinning experiences, but it is somewhere that fresh local food is cooked brilliantly. Saying one is better than the other is absurd. Apples and oranges are both fruit but neither is worse than the other. It is simply a matter of taste. I personally prefer towns like Bath because they remind me that beautiful food can be found in the most unlikely of places. In a way, this town gives me hope of the chef I hope to become.   

Camp. I’ve heard it defined in many ways, but what exactly is “camp?” Shawn defined it as excess and tackiness usually in relation to homosexuality. Wikipedia defines it as “an aesthetic style and sensibility that regards something as appealing because of its bad taste and ironic value.” However, you define it, this version Legally Blonde had it. Compared to the original Broadway show, this production was much more over-the-top and “campy.”

The set was definitely the most camp. I appreciated that the outside areas were all designed with the same pink, but the large streamers of blonde hair looked really ridiculous and kind of repulsive. However, I really loved how the show looked by the time the sun had set and the lights got to work. The blends of pink and orange looked beautiful. Overall, there was a holistic sense of aesthetic which everything contributed to. The drinks they served at the bar were all show-themed. I also appreciated the natural beauty of Regent’s Park.

I had few qualms about the singing and acting. I think that some of the singing could’ve been stronger and bolder, but that may have just been due to the sound mixing and the fact that we were in an open-air theater.

During the show, I got a bit nervous they were gonna cancel because of the drizzling. When a production member came on stage during act II, I was afraid this suspicion would be confirmed. But they just announced that they had to mop the stage to prevent Elle Woods from sliding around.

Overall, it was a brilliant show with some of the funniest and smartest writing. I’d mention some specific jokes, but I don’t want to spoil anything…

Back to work today! But first, we have to start off with how awesome my breakfast was. I went to Sketch with a few people from our group, and let me tell you… I had some life-changing waffles. The waffles had a very subtle vanilla flavor that was amazing, and it had some whipped cream with vanilla bean. They also came with a side of caramel sauce… And basically what I’m saying is that I need to go back. We also had some fun drinks while we were there! Mine had raspberry puree, strawberry, lime, and lychee juice in it. I also had some earl gray tea again, and I still want to get more tea while I am here! I’m not sure why but everything just tastes so much better here. The venue itself was beautiful too, it felt very surreal and like something out of Alice in Wonderland!

After breakfast, I went ahead and took a nap because I hadn’t gotten up early in a while. When I woke up, I went to Wasabi for a quick snack before our show- Legally Blonde!

Our group made our way to Regent’s Park for the show, and what is interesting about this is that the theatre was outdoors! On the way to the theatre, we were all able to enjoy the park as a whole. There were beautiful flowers and a nice area to sit in. A lot of toddlers walked up to me while I was sitting in the park waiting on the show. I think it was because my hair intrigued them.

I really liked the vibe the outdoor theatre gave the musical, as we were surrounded by trees and lights. It was also cool to see how they kept all of their equipment dry. The pit orchestra (who did a fabulous job, especially the guitarist) was put on stage under a roofed area, and sound systems had their own jackets on. We also got the chance to see them actually dry off the stage so it was safer for the performers. I thought it was nice to see them put effort towards the wellbeing of those on stage! I will say that it was very cold towards the end of the show, so definitely bring a blanket or something to keep warm with.

Now, if you don’t already know the plot of Legally Blonde, it is about Elle Woods, a girl who falls in love with a wannabe lawyer who is Harvard bound. He absolutely breaks her heart, and in an effort to win him back, she gets into Harvard Law! The audience goes through her trials and tribulations (no pun intended), alongside the humor that it goes hand in hand with. I was not expecting to love this show so much. I really appreciated the fact that they made the show inclusive with their casting, as it opens up so many doors for different minority groups. I laughed a ton much during this show, and there were a lot of moments where I wanted to stand up and clap along to the music. I was also surprised at how they were able to make the set seem totally new with just lights and a few props. I totally recommend this show! If you love the movie, you will love its musical. If you don’t love the movie… too bad! Go see it!

I’m very excited for tomorrow. We are going to Bath! I’ve been to Bath before and loved it. I’m looking forward to the food scene there (and hopefully I can get some more tea), and seeing the Roman baths, which will be a highlight of the trip!