Bath is one of those dreamy (or should I say creamy) cities as the entire city is built of creamy warm-tone limestone called "Bath stone". It is most noted for it's hot springs that supposedly have healing powers. In pre-Roman times it was known for its warm waters. Romans developed it and had a huge church built that served as the religious capital of Britain. Today you tour the Roman baths, but you don't feel the warmth of their healing powers.....you just pay money and look!
Like many English towns, it has it's river that winds in and around and lends a graceful feeling to the landscape.
Street celebrations were happening on every corner -- RUGBY -- and Bath, the underdog, pulled a spectacular win!
Booze, costumes, singing, dancing, and LOUD noise!
Wells was a most charming city -- not as well know to the tourist but absolutely delightful and just made for wandering. It is a well-preserved city filled with well preserved medieval buildings and a big, festive Market Square.
This sidewalk monument honors an Olympic gold medal Long Jump medalist and stretches the length of her jump......hardly possible.
And of course the centerpiece of the town is the Wells Cathedral, England's first completely Gothic cathedral, dating from about 1200. It's facade is both wide and elaborate. It has a different look from others we have seen -- so intricate and almost lacey!
And for a bit of trivia.....because Wells has a Cathedral it can be called a city (as opposed to a town) altho it is the smallest cathedral city in England.
Sure enough! Stonehenge looks just like the travel posters. The most interesting thing about them is their history. There are many such stones throughout England but these are the only ones that have horizontal cross-pieces spanning the vertical monoliths. The area is surrounded by ancient burial mounds, probably those of kings and chieftains. Their age is something we cannot comprehend -- between 3000 and 1000 BC.
The large stone functions as a calendar. So on June 21 -- Summer Solstice-- this stone lines up with the sun and some mad scientist has figured out how to predict eclipses, when to plant, harvest, and party. If you are in the vicinity on that day, be prepared to boogie!
But first you will need a hat. All true Lords and Ladies don hats for special occasions!
Looks like Richard has chosen his.....what do you think?
Signing off for a while.....give a BIG sigh!
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