Bath Revisited

Within 2 and half hours of us leaving our setting of destination in the Midlands, and travelling in two cars, my 3 colleagues and I were in the historic city of Bath, which is located in county of Somerset, United Kingdom..

We quietly booked into our bed and breakfast accommodation, the Cranleigh, in Newbridge Hill, after I have had, somewhat nimbly, parked my car in the car park, which is located at the end of a steepish depression, and has to be accessed by driving along a path which is only about less than a third of a metre wider than the car.

The Crannleigh is a small, old family run bed and breakfast accommodation situated on the Newbridge Hill road. Notwithstanding the occasional signs evidencing its age, the Cranleigh has its own endearing characteristic, including large beds and bedrooms, immaculately kept and presented en suite bathrooms and enjoyable breakfasts, where the visitor can start or ends his/her day with a lovely and exhilarating hot shower. The proprietors and their staff are very attentive to making their guests' stay as satisfactory as they can.

The view from second floor bathroom at the Conleigh

Having had the weekend to relax, my colleagues and I walked to Bath City Centre, where we visited the historic Roman Baths. The cost of the tickets are relatively high, but Somerset County Council tries to give the visitors value for their money, as you are able to be guided by the provided audio gadget which explains the history of the exhibits. The toilet facilities are also of a high standard, and the ticket also covers visiting the Fashion Museum and the Victoria Art Gallery.

The dome over Reception at the Roman Baths

On the whole, this, my second visit to the Roman Baths, was not as memorable as my first, which occurred over 10 years ago. This is probably not surprising, considering the fact that, despite all the attempts to infuse life into history - however 'glorious', 'great', 'magnificent', etc, etc, history is about the past, and can only live and have continuity in those who 'were there' and continue to have memory of it.

For those of us who are alive and did not participate in the 'historical events', it is only the unique teaching of history, and our willingness to engage our vivid imaginations which can bring history 'to life.'

The Roman Baths

All things considered, my second trip to Bath was not as enjoyable as I have anticipated, and it did not help that my colleagues would have preferred to have taken one of the Sight-seeing buses to have a look at different sights, as an alternative to visiting the Roman Baths.

Such is life at times. The enjoyable but expensive meal we had at the Peeking Chines Restaurant was one of the more memorable things we did.  Probably the most spectacular event we experienced, was an entertainer, who I will call, The Entertainer.  This man had an audience of 50 or more people watching and being entertained by him. I salute you, Sir!