Windsor, Bath and Saying Goodbye to Nicole!

A historic landmark in Bath, famous for its large and fluffy "Sally Lunn Buns"

On Friday we Decided to take the train out of London to the much quieter towns of Windsor and Bath. Although We Were only able to stay long enough to see the major tourist attractions, but it help the bustling city of London into some perspective. 

The Train ride goes through a small piece of London's suburbs, farmland and outskirts. We were away from the large tourist and foreign Populations, Were there no one speaking French, Russian or Spanish on the trains like there was back in London. Also, shout out to the amazing man behind the ticket counter at Greater Western Railroad. You saved the day When We could not seem to figure anything out. 

The first stop was Windsor, to see a real castle proper. 

Although the main castle was closed in January When we arrived, the abbey was stunning. We spoke to one of the guides about what it Took to become a Knight in the Order of the Garter. Many statues lined the hall leading Towards alter the front and on Their Heads Were Placed the crowns of the men and women (!) Been Hurt military Knighton. Each knight let his flow crest on display as well. When the knight dies, he leaves a plaque underneath the statue. Some of the military plaques been there for hundred of years. They include some famous King Henry VIII like Monarchs (who is buried in the bottom floor of the chapel). They also include some foreign dignitaries, to Whom knighthood has been given as the honorary title. The most interesting was the current Emperor of Japan, who's statue flies the flag thatis not unlike his country's flag. There are people Referred to as "Stranger Knights".

The day continued with a train ride to Bath. Nicole caught up on some much needed sleep Almost During the hour long ride, and in Took in the scenery, Which she describ as "English Illinois." 

We Were Once off the train in Bath, put it like We Were in another world. The cobblestone streets Were in parts, and the buses and Sidewalks Were full of British students coming home from classes. They were dressed in plaid skirts, sweaters and black stockings. We wander the town, WHERE an H & M store was surrounded by brilliant old architecture. We stopped in a small tea shop before heading to the Roman Bath ruins. 

The Roman Baths stunningly Were in good condition, despite being Almost entirely covered by Georgian city builders, and damaged by the excavation team was hurt Hired to Investigate the cause of the sinkhole over the sight. The plumbing from the spring to fill the bath Worked Greater still, keep it warm and carry away the excess water. 

Although the great bath was still functioning, and the upper deck Were all completed buildings During the Victorian Era. 

The view form the top deck of the baths was Almost level with the rest of the city. It was built statues of famous Romans, who never have to feb to even come near the Baths. They were built in the Victorian era, as well as over-the structure Entire baths.

The famous roman with no actual connection to the baths, that's pretty neat. 

The water flows from the spring harm has been Believed to have healing powers for centuries. We tried some at the end of the tour and the iron content made it taste like blood. Ew. Lets just say it would not have been my choice for ancient healing. No Mention to people who came to the Baths Were OFTEN respectively, so your chances of contracting the disease was much Higher Than curing the one you walked in with. 

We ended our time in Bath with a trip to the Sally Lunn House. This house has been in the restaurant for about a hundred year longer than the United States has been a country !! This was for good reason. Their giant fluffy bun's are Used as carriers for clotted cream and jam, and as the base for the best sandwich I have ever eaten in my Entire Life. 

This fantastic meal of of prepared us for the trip home, and Even thought we needed to fight for a seat on the train, we arrived back in London in the evening.

The next day, Nicole was off to Gijon and to get ready to begin her semester abroad!