the ladies day: baths, fashions, and teas

Today was originally supposed to be another one of those ride the underground, train, bus days, but at the last minute Susie and Darrin decided that we could have a sort of free day meaning that we can get to the designated place whenever, but to still probably do it. Like the natural obedient girl that I am, I assembled my troop and headed to Bath only an hour later than planned. We were big girls and got on the train by ourselves and figured out where we were quickly. Right when we got there a horrendous tempest rain storm came and hurled it's powers on the train station. This was a great sign for us, we all turned to one another and said, 'get back on the train?' Would the weather stop us? Clearly not. It's rained every day and we aren't afraid. Being the tourists that we are we got our information pamphlets and estimated where our intended plans would be located. Fearless leadership led us right to the Roman Baths which are the oldest standing baths in Europe. One thing about those Romans is that they like to have great grand building in the middle of the city, hiding until you are right up in the facade. It's incredible, yet hard to find sometimes. We paid our monies and got our little audio guided tour. We learned all about the building as it was actually a temple complex dedicated to the goddess Minerva. They had a grand pool right in the center with these great columns and reflections bouncing off them. Off to each side is either a hot bath or a cool bath. Now when I say bath you think a tub, but I mean more of a large pool or hot tub. On the east side were the hot baths, little round ones, and giant rooms for a sauna like feel. It's incredible to think that these were so old and that taking care of the body was such a sacred thing. There were even healing spas where people could get massages and magically healed through the gods. On the other side of the grand bath is a small circular bath which was a cold bath that is used to cool off. Most men would jump from the hot to the cold just to show off how manly they are. Wow how times haven't changed. My favorite bath was the grand bath because it had this algae green glow that contrasted beautifully against the yellow orange columns and statuary above. I felt like I was at the spa myself. That would be nice, my body is trashed. Perhaps the most memorable part was that we got to drink the bath water. It was included in our ticket and we felt obligated, slash honored to do it. Let me describe the taste to you. It tasted of 800 years of algae, heated by the sun in tinfoil, while some dirty Roman man sat in with his sweaty dirty body. It was so disgusting! Definitely not the fountain of youth or healing waters. I think I got an amoeba.

After this we headed to the fashion museum where they had an exhibit on The Supremes. It displayed all their costumes and how they were a fore runner to all pop girl bands now days with their fabulous costumes. I loved how all three were matching in every detail, every sequin and pearl was in place. They were so funky and fabulous! Sorry, no pictures but you can only imagine how beautiful and spectacular they looked. Also they had mannequins showing the outfit of the year up to 2007. It was unique to see how styles circle around. We also were lucky enough to try on some corsets and hoop skirts. I was a big fan of the corset myself. Loved the look of being sucked in and pushed up. Ha!

Our adventures next took us to the Jane Austen Center. This is the city in which she was born and raised and generally got all of her stories from places located close. Upon our arrival we ran into two gentlemanly callers dressed in their full gear. Naturally we had to snap a few photos and laugh on our way in. The gift shop was great and we spent quite some time there. After this we could not pass up the opportunity to have tea and scones in true Austen fashion. The cafe was so quaint and adorable. Our waitress was in full costume and so sweet. I tried tea for the first time, a raspberry cranberry mixture. This will also be the last time I have tea. Not a fan. Not one ounce. The cake, sandwiches, and scones were to die for though! Not only did I get my own cute little tea pot, I got a cute serving tray. It was such a blast to play tea party that we didn't make it to our intended train. Luckily we barely caught the next one. It was worth the extra running just so we could spend time at our ladies tea.

Megan and I rushed back to meet Susie, Terri, Beccah, and Mal to walk to Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens. We hustled our little buns across Hyde Park which was simply beautiful, a smaller version of a Central Park, river and all. We arrived in this clearing where a huge white tent shot up out of nowhere. The tents were large and actually gave a nice ambiance. Beccah, Mal, and I shared a bag of candy because we HAD to have the gummy crocodiles in honor of Peter Pan. After walking in to our seats we noticed that it was in the round, and our seats happen to be the worst seats in the house. The play was really great though, the sets were unique and different. The best one was the lost boys home with tunnels, and tree trunks, and smoke coming from everywhere. One thing I absolutely hated was the Tinkerbell. She was a Russian grunge punk who only knew one word, ass. Not appealing. When she drank poison I almost hoped she would stay dead. Good point to mention, Captain Hook was the actor who played in Titanic, and as the hunter in Jumanji. He was brilliant. I loved Peter's outfit, very Rufio off Hook looking. I also loved the crocodile puppet that was two person life size and made out of clothespins. They sure flied a lot, which was nice. Also, it was extremely different than our Walt Disney because they added all these odd things in and a crazy bird puppet. Not a fan of that because it created really awkward scenes at the end. I absolutely loved when all the little kids in the audience chimed in and started whispering 'I believe in fairies' while ringing their cute little bells. Tear. All in all, it was a good time. Lots of laughs and great memories.

Being human, we were hungry and headed to the Planet Hollywood for some good grub. It was 11 by this time. We ate quickly and enjoyed the trashy music videos that were showing all night. Quite different than our restaurants. Good times, good food, great fun. Another night of not getting anything done! Mind the Gap, this isn't making sense and is definitely rambling on about a whole lot of nothing. It's late here and I'm behind. Here we are trying to catch up before I head to Scotland for the weekend, no such luck! Enjoy the weekend all my lovely readers, know that I love you, and I will be back for more great story telling on Sunday.