The past is Real!

This past week I found out how amazing literature and history are! We went and visited the amazing town of Bath. Here are the ancient Roman baths, and that was absolutely incredible. It's this massive building, though only parts still exist now, of these baths the Romans used to use. It seemed almost like a resort. The entire structure had once been made up of numerous rooms, each having a different purpose. Some had warm floors that were heated from underneath, some were pools just for men or women, and some had cold pools to take a quick dip into. But to see the magnificence of everything now, and to imagine what it must have been like back then, is incredible. And to actually see what the Romans were capable of so long ago is just inspiring. They were a lot more intelligent that I previously gave them credit for. But what adds to the wonder of this beautiful place is the springs that the Romans built this area around. They are natural hot springs, that are the same today as they were when the ancient Romans used them. That thought was incredible to me. It made me realize how closely the past and present are really connected. People and cultures change, but the world and the impact we have on it lasts much longer than we ever will.

And something I didn't know, was that from some of the springs you can actually drink the water! So inside there's a fountain and the workers give you a full glass of this spring water. I was a little nervous to try it, but I took the chance to partake of history and did so. It was... interesting. I couldn't finish the full glass, but I would definitely suggest to anyone who goes to try it. It was really warm, which makes sense, though I wasn't expecting it, so that surprised me. It had bubbles in it, which made it look like it had carbonation in it. And then it kind of tasted a little metallic. Like I said, weird. But worth it. Experience gives you... experiences. Words of wisdom. :)

Literature came alive in this little town of Bath as well. For my English class here I was in the middle of reading a book by Jane Austen called "Northanger Abbey." The majority of the first part of this book takes place in Bath. And the characters spend a lot of time in the buildings surrounding the Roman baths and in a room called The Pump Room, which was the main social arena for the people of the area. I could never really figure out what this place was, but just went along with the story. Turns out, this is a real room! And it's actually called The Pump Room! There are two areas to it. One is a smaller round room that looks directly over the main bath, and it was here that Austen's characters would sit and watch as people came through it to the main social room, which is often where dances were. Now it's a really big restaurant. But it was so exciting to see, and to realize Jane Austen knew this area enough to be able to place a story here. But reading the novel, and then seeing the physical place it occurs was an unforgettable experience, and made me love the story even more.

Seeing the old and charming city of Bath and all it has to offer is a lot to see and experience in one day. But this program goes above and beyond for its students. After touring the museum and walking around, we all hopped on our coach that drove us to nearby Stonehenge. Who would have thought I would ever have seen this magnificent place? I never did. This for sure was one of those places that almost seems mystical, viewed in pictures and your imgagination only. But there I was, standing next to this massive rock formation, finding myself pondering how anybody could have possibly moved them, let alone stack on top of each other! Stonehenge was a very peaceful place I found. It was a place one could come to and just sit: take in the surroundings in a quiet environment, viewing the beautiful creation of God, as well as the creation He gave us the power to build. It was great. To be honest, from a distance it appeared to be a lot smaller than I had envisioned. But once you stood next to it, it was quite large.

I love our trips and am so excited about all the things we get to see! I'm living an experience that is unforgettable and where I can't get anywhere else! I want to learn everything I can while I'm here so I get everything I can out of the areas I visit. I think I might go read a book that takes place in England...