Rain, rain...

The forecast for the rest of our time in England is rain every day. We didn't have any on the way to the train station but it started raining as soon as we got to Bath.  The train ride (90 minutes from London) was smooth and pleasant enough except for the part about lifting your luggage on and off the train. Some nice young men offered to take the bags off the train, so we let them. It just happened to be a low step to the platform so we wouldn't have had too much trouble anyway. The Brits, at least many of them, are polite--we have been offered seats on the tube by both men and women. The picture of us in the pub was taken by a woman who insisted we pose for the picture after she saw Lola taking a picture of the bar. 

The Salamander Pub

We're staying at the Abbey Hotel which is a great location for old Bath. We had to walk around for awhile and find lunch since the room wasn't ready when we arrived. Hence, the pub. On the way back, we stopped at the Abbey. The Abbey was built in 1499 on the former site of a Norman cathedral. It is spectacular. I'm sure the tower views of the city are grand but again, we opted not to take the tour that requires a climb of 212 stairs.

Bath Abbey Nave

Bath Abbey

One of the most interesting details about the Abbey is that a section of windows was smashed during the Blitz. Afterwards, people collected all the small pieces and although everyone said it couldn't be done, someone reconstructed all the windows.

One of the Stained Glass Windows in the Abbey

Just as in London, Bath is decorated for Christmas and there are also poppy displays and wreaths everywhere.  There was another 2 minutes of silence at 11:00 and more ceremonies throughout England. In Bath, there is a special Remembrance rugby game being played tonight, the Combined Services vs. the Barbarians. 

The Brits really like to air out babies. Lots of carriages and strollers everywhere we go.  Because of all the rain, all the carriages seem to be outfitted with those plastic covers so there's lots of shrink-wrapped babies.

Tonight we walked along the Avon where we could see the stadium where the rugby match is being played and eventually went to a restaurant. We weren't too hungry because we had already visited the gourmet chocolate shop but we both ordered the pie and pint special. It was such a good deal--a steak and kidney pie plus a glass of wine for only 10 pounds (regular price--15). The pie was lovely--a traditional crust pie on a pile of mashed potatoes. On the side was about a bushel of kale. None of it was very good (except the wine) but of course, eating steak and kidney pie in England is an obligation. Glad that's over.

On the way back, we got a fine view of the Abbey at night. 

Bath Abbey