We have had the chance to enjoy some truly historic and ancient sites since arriving in the United Kingdom. Our first evening off the ship was spent exploring the beautiful streets of Bath. Ruben and Mia both listened intently to the audio guide at the Roman Baths, they especially enjoyed Bill Bryson’s take on what we were looking at (all four of us our big Bill Bryson fans). The kids learned about the Romans, the hot spring that the baths are built around as well as the Goddess Sulis Minerva. We spent more then 3 hours looking at Roman coins and artifacts, learning how copper pipes were made and methods of building, including the in floor heating within the baths. The kids were intrigued with the practice of throwing curses written on small sheets of led into the Sacred Spring. There were many of these Curses that contained messages requesting Sulis Minerva to punish enemies. They were fascinating to see and read about. We each had a glass of the “healing” warm and untreated spring waters.
We continued to enjoy exploring Bath by simply taking in the wonderful architecture and beautiful Avon River.
The family was invited to a traditional Cedildh where we all did our best to participate in the challenging dances. The music was great and it was such a terrific event to participate in. We certainly got our exercise and Ruben moved out of his comfort zone a number of times while being seen fumbling on the floor with his dyslexic mother.
From Bath we made our way to Stonehenge. Mia is considering doing further research and reading on the subject. The purpose of visiting Salisbury was to visit it’s 12th century cathedral and even though we arrived to see it after hours in the dark of night, we were pleased to hear the organ pumping eerily from behind it’s doors.
The kids were thrilled to discover a fun fair that same evening and they both tried their hands at driving in the U.K (in bumper cars)and Mia had the best freshly made candy floss.
First thing the following morning Ruben and Mia were listening earnestly to our tour guide as we explored the cathedral. Our exercise for the day was the 332 steps that led us to the top off the tower at the base of the tallest spire in England.
In the Cathedral’s chapter house we also were able to see and learn about the Magna Carta. We feel so fortunate to have had so many knowledgeable and genial tour guides who have taught us each so much in each of the wonderful places we have visited. In addition to seeing the Magna Carta we also saw possibly the worlds oldest working clock. It did not look like much as it had no face as people during it’s time would not have been able to read it but only hear it.
Old Sarum was the final historic site to visit for the day and it was a beautiful place to explore in the sunshine. The remains of the castle and Cathedal here left us using our imagination and wondering after it’s ghosts.
