Day 3 24 December Bath

Marc fried ham first then Rey took his turn at the grill frying eggs Filipino style: sunny-side up and used the frying spatula to drench the top of the eggs with the hot oil from the frying pan. Flor heated the adobo/ham which completed the heavy breakfast along with the rice, toasted bread, coffee and hot cocoa. Felt like going back to bed afterwards.

Programmed the GPS for Bath and headed out about 9:30. It was a bit overcast but cleared up along the way. It was a 3 hour trip and we crossed the river via the Severn Bridge which looked like the Yokohama Bay Bridge but higher and longer. This is the same road that we will use to go to London on the 26th so everyone was excited upon seeing the sign. We also passed a sign that said 'Welcome to England' so I'm not sure how the country is actually divided. Anyway, Marc was able to take a picture as we zoomed by.

The scenery was great with picturesque rolling hills and flocks of sheep grazing contentedly on dark green pastures.



The GPS guided us to the town center and we parked at the underground parking lot near the shopping mall. I noticed the river nearby so I walked over after parking and found the riverside walkway to the famous Pulteney Bridge. Took some pictures while everyone was getting ready.










There was a huge grocery store at the basement so we decided to get some more supplies since they will be closed by the time we get back. There were two sections for the check-out counters: one for baskets and one for carts so we all lined up at the baskets. Once our turn came up and we started placing our purchases on the conveyor, I noticed that the other customers were looking at us. I realized afterwards that the basket line was actually the speed line for a few items only and I think we had three full baskets. Oh, well. The cashier was really nice and didn't say anything.

We took our groceries to the car and then headed out to look for a Marks & Spencer store to change some money. It was at the end of the promenade area which was very crowded with last-minute shoppers. Walked back to the Abbey and took pictures. It was closed though so we weren't able to go inside.










The Roman Baths museum was right next to it but we didn't go in due to the steep admission price. We just went in to the lobby area and looked at the information. Walked out to the Tourist Information Centre and took more pictures of the Abbey. The open area of the Roman Baths is just across the Tourist Information office but it was surrounded by a high wall so you you can't really look inside.


















Walked over to the Parade Gardens and took pictures of the Pulteney Bridge with its horseshoe-shaped three-tiered weir creating a mini-dam. It somehow produced the sound of a waterfall in an otherwise quiet and slow-flowing river and added a relaxing ambience to the park. According to Wikipedia, it is one of only four bridges in the world with shops across the full span on both sides. We browsed the assorted shops which included a flower shop, an antique map shop, and a juice bar.


Look at these close-up shots and you'll the notice the windows of the assorted shops.













We went to St. Michael's Church afterwards to see the holiday schedule and were surprised to find a coffee shop inside so we were not sure if it was Catholic. The icons are the same but there is no Tabernacle and a lit candle for the Blessed Sacrament. We stayed though and had some coffee and pastries to warm up a bit and listened to the organ music being played. The staff was friendly and took our pictures and even allowed us to go the choir loft.










Walked over to the promenade and did some window shopping and listened to the street performers singing Christmas carols. The sidewalk vendors as well as the big stores were closing shop already so we decided to head back since it was also getting dark. Took some more pictures of the scenery behind the parking lot.













Our biggest surprise came when we paid for our parking ticket. We didn't notice on the sign coming in that maximum stay is 4 hours only and the penalty for overstaying/lost ticket was 25 pounds. I guess we can tack this on to miscellaneous expense.

The trip back was uneventful except for the heavy wind and rain. We had barbecued chicken and rice (again) for dinner but with boiled mussels this time courtesy of Flor. Planned on getting up for Noche Buena but slept through due to the wine. Found out from Marc the next morning that the Chargers game was shown. GRRRRRRRRRRRR. But they won.