The City of Bath

Bath is an interesting city. The architecture, the stone, the views. It's a difficult thing to describe, really. In some ways, Bath could be seen as boring. The entire city is the same color built in the same style. However, this adds to Bath. Built in the Georgian style the city is designed to the maximum of presentation. While it was cold, it certainly didn't take away from the beauty of the city.

Another draw to Bath is, of course, the Roman Baths themselves. Heated by a hot spring the water flows up to the bath houses built for the Romans. Its strange to think that in the very spot a person is standing, a Roman or even a Queen could have been in that same spot hundreds of years ago. At the end of the tour at the Pump Room, a glass of water from the spring is given to each person. This water used to be consumed in large amounts for the "health" of the people, usually women, consuming it. In all truth, the water was very metallic from all the minerals in the water (not something that is easy to down quickly without pulling a face).

The trip to Bath was sponsored by the Student Union at the University. The group who went on the trip got on the coach bus and drove for a few hours. They let the students loose on the city and then we all met again to drive back. It was a good way to experience some more of England. The cost of the trip was reasonable and a good way to get to know other students from the university.

Some things never change

Well, it wasn't technically finals week here. But, it was still the last week of term. Instead of finals we got papers and assessments. Knowing that next week is break makes it very difficult to find motivation to accomplish anything. I think that the last week is possibly even more difficult while studying abroad because the lure of doing some travelling over break was dancing in front of my face. But, I needed to find some ways to focus and get these essays done! Then I could go off travelling to my heart's content.

Some things never change. A student, no matter where we are, still looks forward to break. When studying abroad it almost seems like the norm not to go home over break. Instead, go travelling. It might sound expensive, but there are methods of safe travelling suitable for all pocket books. There are reasonable airlines and places to stay. Hostels are a good way to go. It is all down to doing your homework and researching what is available where you are going to be travelling. Over winter break, I am able to go to Paris and Barcelona. I am staying in hostels and travelling with discounted airlines. The trick is to find things to do that aren't that expensive. So far I've found a couple of things that are easily accessible and free. It makes for a good holiday.