Bon Voyage

I decided to go back and write about the beginning of our big trip.  We booked our tickets on Air France since we assumed it would be more fun than taking an American airline.  It actually was more fun with some perks I didn't expect. Our seats were closer to the front of the plane than we expected which was nice. They provided eye shades and earplugs for sleeping.  Besides movies to watch I was able to see episodes of The Sopranos, Mad Men and the Sex and the City.  What more could I ask for?  The meals were better than the usual airplane fare.  I had pasta with a roll and rice pudding for dessert.

The flight was smooth (no turbulence) and we arrived on time in Paris.  We went through customs with nothing to declare.  We then took the short flight from Paris to London.  We went through immigration in London.  The agent asked for the purpose of our trip and Jackson told her we were on holiday, as the Brits say!  Our passports were stamped and we were on our way. 

Our first stop was Bath which was recommended in Rick Steves' guidebook.  Bath is a charming tourist town like Bruges.  Bath is the home of author Jane Austen and the setting for her books Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.  There is a Jane Austen Centre but we didn't have a chance to go there. 

We stayed in a nice B & B called Three Abbey Green.  The bed was comfy and they had a flat screen TV (but I don't think we watched anything) and a computer with internet access downstairs.  Unfortunately, the heated towel racks couldn't be turned off and the bathroom window couldn't be opened so it was too hot in our room.  For breakfast the first day, I had poached eggs on toast with tea and Jackson had the traditional English breakfast which included baked beans!   Jackson loves British tea.

First on the agenda was a two hour walking tour of Bath.  We had a great informative guide provided by the Mayor's corporation of honorary guides.  Our guide was fun and he actually said "by jove" at one point!  I do love to hear a British accent! 

We also had afternoon tea at the Pump Room our first day in town.  I posted a picture of myself in the Pump Room which can be seen on this blog.  On our second day we took a 45 minute guided tour of the main tourist attraction which are the Roman Baths and museum.  We also took quite a few photos there.  Here are a few -

This was one was from the museum -

For more information on the Roman Baths, you can check out their website -

http://www.romanbaths.co.uk/