A Day's Diversion

Today was the only day of organized touring we have planned for our one month's stay in the UK/Ireland. We caught a bus this morning in London and went to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and finally Bath where we parted company with the tour, which was headed back to London. On our way out of London this morning I saw one of my favorite road signs here, the equivalent of our "Detour."


Makes it seem like there's fun ahead. This difference reminds me of when we were in New Zealand and I was driving (on the left). Instead of "Yield" on signs the New Zealanders use "Give Way," which actually makes sense. Our Kiwi friends got a big kick out of "Yield" when we told them that's what we have, and they have a point.  It sounds sort of archaic, like something a knight would shout at a foe as he brandished a sword.

Windsor Castle was a bust: big crowds and little time to see much of anything except portraits of English nobility. Jo and I got lost on our way back to the bus and were nearly late, which on a tour is borderline criminal. Neither of us cared for that part of the day. Next up was a lot more enjoyable: Stonehenge.

It was blustery there, which added to the enchantment. All I could think about was how people raised those horizontal stones and fitted them into place. Seeing these massive stones up close--but not too close--gives you a sense of the difficult work involved.

Then it was on to Bath, where we are now and will stay for three days. The museum that surrounds and contains the Roman baths is impressively designed and curated. It gives a good sense of the history.



At one time the main bath, above, was covered so sunlight could not get to the water. Now, the light comes down and produces algae, as you can see here. Looks like a swimming pool with inadequate care. 

This was a busy day, which, together with the first hectic days of our trip and the travel nightmare that characterized the beginning, has left us exhausted. The good news: we have nothing planned for tomorrow, so we can relax this evening and sleep in on Tuesday. Still, we'll get out and about tomorrow, looking for further diversions.

Speaking of which, Jo and her favorite drink (lately), an espresso martini.


Cheers!


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