Too much fun

Rainy and cold, yet beautiful and exciting.

That's yesterday spent at Stonehenge and Bath, both exceedingly old with lots of stories to tell. Shu found a nice cheap day trip, so several of us EUSA kids piled onto an Anderson Tours bus early in the morning for a two-hour ride to Stonehenge, followed by 1 more hour to Bath and 2 back home. Stonehenge was....Stonehenge. Impressive, but I kind of wish it had been less crowded and freezing. In general, though, an interesting place to visit at least once, to learn its history and the legend surrounding it.

Bath, I loved. The weather had cleared up a bit--still cold but not raining--and the Roman Baths were fascinating. The town itself was somewhat touristy--to be expected I guess--full of shops, big-name and small. I spent most of my time in the Baths listening to an informative if patronizing audio tour, then waiting around just to catch a guided tour of the baths themselves. The site consisted of three remarkably well preserved bath houses: the main bath and two sets of changing and steam rooms flanking it. What really amazed me was that you can just walk around on this original Roman pavement looking at baths full of steaming mineral water just as it appeared over 2000 years ago. Their stone and lead plumbing still works just as it did then, and the new museum building is actually supported by Roman columns that originally held up a roof that has since collapsed. I even had a drink of the spring water, famous for its 23 minerals. It tasted like Yellowstone smelled--full of sulfur, etc. An acquired taste for sure, but altogether not terrible. I'd definitely have drunk it if I were Roman. :)

On Saturday we spent the day touring the Tower of London, also full of history and other old things. I really recommend the "beefeater" tour--guided by a yeoman warder, a "tour guide" who is also a part of the royal military. I don't know the specifics, but I know these guys have seen action. Same with the ones in the big fluffy hats....they're way more intimidating up close, by the way. :)

Starting today, I have three days off from work....or rather, I don't officially start work until Thursday when my supervisors/coworkers in the publications department return from holiday. So, this afternoon I took a guided tour of Westminster like I've been meaning too, which was VERY worth the 15 pounds. Benjamin the Verger tour guide was very spunky and incredibly knowledgeable--definitely one of the best tours I've been on all trip. The steep entrance fee goes to a church anyway, so how can you complain, really. :)

That tour took much longer than I expected (again, totally worth it!), so I barely had time to eat dinner (and no time for school work...whoops) before leaving for the Savoy Theatre to see Fiddler on the Roof. Yet another gem of London theatre--the Tevye was amazing, and I'd forgotten what a great story this was. Another great evening out.

So tomorrow....school work. No other plans, I promise! :)