Taking Time to Smell the Roses

'Ello Mates!

Last Friday I had a wonderful time at the Bowood House, although it wasn't at all what I was expecting.  I thought that it would be a historical house set up like it was still the 18th century.  But basically it was a big stately home, with treasures on display that the Shelburne family brought back from their holidays around the world.

The Bowood House

The gardens were beautiful.  Capability Brown designed them for the family, and he went through great lengths to ensure they were gorgeous, but still natural looking.  Although the world traveling theme did not stop at the house; trees from all over were sent back to England and grouped together, there was even a Californian Redwood.  Rumor has it that Lord Shelburne demanded a pond in his garden, so they flooded a village in order to create one.  Scuba divers have discovered the remains of two cottages in the pond.

My favorite part was the pitch black cave that we climbed through.  It was quite an adventure.  We finished off the afternoon with tea and cake.  That's one British tradition that I could definitely get used to.

Friday night we went to Po Na Na's for Squeeze the Cheese Night.  It was definitely one of my best nights at a club.  Who doesn't want to dance to "Grease Lightning," "The Safety Dance," and "I Think We're Alone Now?"

Po Na Na's

On Saturday I went to the Prior Park Landscape Garden for the first time.  It was necessary because I live on Prior Park Road, but it was also free on that day.  It was well worth the hike up the hill, because the views of Bath were truly breath taking.  I will definitely be paying the five quid to go back again!

View From the Top

After class on Monday I may have bought shoes instead of groceries. But I'd like to think it was a good life decision.  Later Amy and I went to a poetry reading in Bradford-Upon-Avon, a cute little town that I would love to see during the day because of the quaint shops. 

Why are my eyes always closed?

Next week ASE is taking us to Oxford.  We will be living in dorms at Univ College, no more cooking for myself!  Our classes will continue from there.  I'm also going to try punting, try curry, and see some tourist attractions.  It's bound to be a fabulous time.

Rubber Ducky You're the One

Hiya!

I'm starting to settle in quite nicely to Bath; after nine days it already feels like home.  On the first day I felt a little bit like a lost puppy.  It was impossible to navigate the tube tunnels.  I packed way too much, which lead to difficulties carrying my luggage up and down stairways.  And I had no idea what to expect when I arrived.

However, I arrived to something quite home-y to me: construction. Very familiar to me in Rochester, NH, as was the feeling of confusion due to said construction.  Once I found the ASE group they drove me to my house and I began to discover its many quirks, including the shower in my room.

WTF?!

The rest of my week was fairly uneventful, mostly failed cooking attempts and diagnostic tests. The noteworthy events included a visit to the Bath Abbey, a photo shoot in the park, the farmers market, several pubs, and meeting our tutors at the Victoria Art Gallery.

Outside of our lovely home

On Sunday my entire program took a trip to Stonehenge, Salisbury, and Lacock.  Stonehenge was exactly how I expected, an over-hyped tourist attraction.  But we managed to make our own entertainment through an impromptu photo shoot. 

Jumping in front of Stonehenge

Salisbury Cathedral was by far my favorite attraction of the day.  I am fascinated by beautiful old churches.  This one was built in 1220-1238, which is a massive accomplishment in it of itself.  It also has the largest spire in Britain, and is home to an original Magna Carta.  Plus it has the prettiest stained glass behind the alter that I have ever seen. 



http://anagama-nz.blogspot.com/2011/02/stained-glass-at-salisbury-cathedral.html


Later we visited Lacock Abbey, the sight of several Harry Potter scenes in the first two movies.  Also of historical significance because of its establishment as a nunnery by Ela, Countess of Salisbury.  The Abbey was sold in 1538 and converted into a family home.  We ended the night at the George Inn with a traditional English dinner complete with delicious crumble.

Lacock Abbey

Since then I have finished my first week of classes, and reality has begun to sink in.  Now I will need to devote some time to reading and such, but I am still enjoying the many things that Bath has to offer.  I have yet to discover the perfect cafe for me to complete my homework, which means that I will be spending ample time testing out various coffee shops.  I have also been through a similar process with pubs, including a night at the Pig and Fiddle where I discovered that I actually enjoy football (aka soccer.)  I don't know why it isn't more popular in the States because it is so much more entertaining.  Clearly I'm meant to be English. 

This past week I also spent my first day at the Bathampton Primary School.  I was thoroughly amused by the students use of the term "rubbers" meaning erasers.  There were many stark differences between English and American schools.  Firstly they participate in collective worship everyday as part of their curriculum, in a public school! No separation of church and state here.  Also the classroom teacher taught everything, including Physical Education and French.  I was also jealous that I did not learn French in first and second grade.  Maybe then I wouldn't be so useless at learning new languages. 

I have also been taking advantage of the many tourist attractions in Bath.  Last night ASE offered a free comedy tour through Bizarre Bath, which was the #1 attraction in Bath according to Trip Advisor.  Unfortunately I was a little bit disappointed with the tour.  Although I did get in a few good laughs, and hey it was free. 

Tomorrow my Women, Culture, and Society in Eighteenth Century England class is going to the Bowood House, which will hopefully spark my interest in history, which is currently lacking.  This weekend I am also planning on going to the Prior Park Landscape Garden because I feel a little ashamed that I have yet to visit, considering its just down the street from my house.  I gotta a feeling that this weekend will be a good one.