Bath Water

If Bath was an author she would be Jane Austen. (I use she on purpose, Bath is one of the most decidedly feminine cities that I have been to, and not in a uses doilies and requires an escort way but in a graceful and independent way. It is also quite pretty) This might seem like an obvious choice as the (very underwhelming) Jane Austen center is located here and one can actually peek into the windows of the Georgian townhouse she always rented while on holiday (probably not appreciated by the current tenants). The impression starts immediately on leaving London. Having never ventured farther then Richmond from London ( I am a sucker for literary sites) I was immediately struck by the provincial beauty of the country surrounding Bath. I leaned against the massive train windows and imagined every country house that we passed was where the Bennett's once resided. I could imagine carriages pulling up and well groomed ladies piling out after the long night at the area ball. There is also something very authentic about Bath. It is a major tourist stopping point but doesn't seem to lose who it is. I think any day tripper there would terribly miss the point as while there are some power house sites just wandering the streets was the best part of my time there (I got asked for directions a number of times and wanted to say getting lost here is half the charm!). It is also very intelligent. One of the joys of being a solo traveller I have found is the number of people you get to have conversations with. I have never been asked so many times if I minded someone joining my table. I ended up at a vegetarian pub last night in the heart of town (I had veg bangers and mash-- I know Mr. Banks is turning his nose up at this right now, but they were very good!) and got into a great conversation with some local university students about the varied differences in cultures and manners in between two countries, America and the UK, that share the same language and arguably much of the same foundation. It reminded me of Austen examining the manners of her time in her novel and putting them to trial through her wit. The night ended with me being amicably informed that it was just daft to call the second level of a building the second floor. Leaving Bath today was fairly easy as I know this is a place I want to return. I have now arrived in York and look forward to seeing what this more Northern city has to offer. I will keep you updated and hope everyone is well!