Hey everyone!
Slept really well last night and then woke up feeling refreshed this morning!
I had some breakfast and set off walking. To my delight it was sunny with blue skies when I set off! But as I started walking I soon discovered there was a huge black cloud looming about.
I started my day by visiting a few crescents of Georgian houses that Vicki suggested. I went to Camden Crescent, Lancaster Crescent and Cavendish Crescent. Everything is so close together here which makes it very easy to access! I enjoyed the sun and some lovely views.
Next I walked through the golf course and to Royal Victoria Park. Made me laugh because of our Victoria Park! Then I walked around to the Marlborough houses, which apparently were built to block the wind through the park so that the ladies' dresses wouldn't blow up in the wind!!
Then I turned the corner into Royal Crescent. It was so beautiful! It's a semi circular row of houses built by John Wood the Younger between 1767-1775. There are 30 houses in the crescent and 114 columns. Luckily for me the sun was still shining so I got some great pictures and lapped it up. I then walked to the circus, a circular street full of Georgian houses as well.
My next stop was number 1 Royal Crescent, which is a Georgian house that has been restored to its former glory. It was furnished in the 18th century style. There weren't too many people around so the guides in each room told me about all the objects, furniture etc and I had a lot of information. The strangest facts were how much lead was in makeup at this time! Apparently a lot of women died from lead poisoning due to putting so much makeup containing lead on hunger faces. They also used mouse skin as eyebrows which they attached with...gum! YUCK! Wax or fat was used to thicken hair as well. The things people did for "beauty"!!! Another interesting thing was that tea was so expensive that they locked it up so the slaves didn't steal it.
It was really interesting seeing how people in the upper class lived during this time. Apparently in the 1930s a bill was passed to demolish a lot of Bath but a preservation society fought it and won. They're the same society who purchased part of the house and helped restore it for the public to enjoy.
After this I went walkabout. The plan was originally to go to a museum because rain was forecast but it stayed sunny so I kept walking! I popped my head into the Assembly Rooms (which have free admission - hooray!). They were heavily bombed in 1942 during WWII but were restored in 1956.
Then I went back to Sally Lunn's bun shop and had another one. Yesterday I had a sweet one, so today I tried savoury! I had to say my least favourite solo traveller phrase - "table for one, please!". I had a creamy Brie and cranberry sauce one. Oh my god. It was amazing. I sat there and made the bun last for as long as I possibly could, savouring the taste. And then I walked around in the sunshine again, near the Abbey and the baths.
Then I headed back to Rachel's place and waited for Rachel to get home from work. Our original plan was to then drive to Stonehenge, but upon doing some research we discovered that instead of just parking right next to it, taking a photo and leaving like you used to, they've now turned it into a huge visitor centre where you have to book a timeslot and pay 15 quid just to go near it! So instead we drove to Castle Combe. We were so lucky with the weather. It rained a tiny bit but then cleared!
Castle Combe has been dubbed the prettiest village in England! It's been featured in various films including 'War Horse' and is situated at the southern most point of the Cotswolds. I love how easy it is to see such different parts of the country here! Think about it. I got a three hour bus yesterday (which if you drove direct would've only taken 1.5 hours) and I'm nearly at the west coast! I'm in a completely different area to where I've already been. And today we drove 40 minutes and the same happened again! It's amazing and I can't wait to explore even more of England throughout the year. We went for a really lovely walk through the town (which this late in the day was deserted and quiet!) and up a country lane. We found a really cute cake stall outside one of the cottages that ran on an honesty system. So I bought a carrot cake to give Vicki and Gerald to thank them for having me, and Rachel and I bought a slice of chocolate fudge cake to share. It was delish! I just need to keep walking a lot like I have been and the cakes will all be cancelled out haha.
Tonight we are having a bit of a night in catching up on 'Revenge', a show we both watch. Rachel has just gone to get us some takeaway curry! So excited.
I have absolutely loved Bath. I still have tomorrow here and then I get a bus late afternoon back to London. But I will be back in the summer to visit Rachel again! It's stunning here. I can see why so many people have told me such good things.
Love to all
Claire
Xoxox
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