traveltales: Roman Baths

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Roman Baths

Still Working

The city of Bath, England exists because of water. The city developed around the only hot springs in the country. The springs come from 10,000-feet below the ground and surface in several places. The springs located near the ancient Roman Road were discovered by the Romans in the first century. They established a town they called Aguae Sulis and drained the swampland created by 125,000 gallons of water that bubbled up out of the ground each day.

They built a temple to the goddess Minerva and a sophisticated network of baths making full use of the mineral springs. Romans occupied the area for 360 years, but in 410 suddenly abandoned it. As years passed water again overtook the area.

The legend says that a Celtic chief with leprosy was forced to leave his people. During his travels he happened upon the hot springs. After bathing in them for some period of time he was cured and eventually returned to his people. He had a difficult time convincing his people who he really was.. When he did succeed he moved his people to the springs.

In the 900s monks established the Bath Abbey. In the 1200s the City of Bath was built over the unknown ruins of the ancient Roman city, and the ancient ruins were not re-discovered until the 1800s.

The old Roman lead lined pool is 5-feet deep and still water tight! The original Roman drains, still in use, drain excess water and carry it to the River Avon. However, no one uses the baths today, but the well-kept ruins are quite an attraction to visitors to the city.

The water looked a bit murky and algae could be seen around the edges of the rocks. The lovely statuary around the pool was a delight. It was awesome to visit something so old and the inner workings were interesting. Uneven footing in places required a bit of caution when walking, but the baths were in remarkable condition after so many centuries!

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.