Half Days....

It has been almost a week since I set foot in France...it's going by quickly just like every other part of my travels have.  I am beginning to slowly find my way in this place and get a bit more comfortable.  I have done a ton of walking around here along very direct routes gauging directions off of landmarks and street signs that I can't pronounce but can at least recognize the words. I have managed to do all of this with out pulling out a map while out and about.  My researched directions the night prior have guided me well and I have found each spot I was attempting to get to.  Now that it is nearing the end of my first week I feel as though I can wander a bit outside of my direct routes and will be able to feel my way back to a common landmark that will direct me where I need to be.  Sigh of relief....I think I can handle this place now.  It really isn't as huge and overwhelming as it first seems but I suppose that's how all things are in life....the unknown is overwhelming and scary but if you face it (with baby steps in

Beach view...sunny half of the day

my case) it all ends up feeling pretty ok.
So you are probably wondering about the title...Half Days...well here is the explanation.  Everyday since I have arrived it has started out with gorgeous sunshine.  Hot enough that you want to grab your towel and head to the beach.  Really it is all just an evil trick.  I realized this the first day I walked down to the beach.  I was so excited to finally get down and see the French Riviera. The beaches full of people soaking in the sun and all the cafes bustling with those who needed a break from the heat and a cold drink.  Dressed in a sundress, armed with my trusty directions and a good book I headed out.  I made it there no problem, found a lovely beachside bench and sat down for my relaxing afternoon.  Well, not an hour into my time at the beach the wind picked up...not too bad, still sunny, I stayed.  Thirty more minutes and I started to feel shaded and a bit of a chill...it's just a cloud rolling by...it will pass.  When 15 minutes later it still had not passed I got a bit worried.  I looked up only to see really threatening rain clouds that looked like they were going to hit in about 15-20 minutes...quick calculation...ya that is about the amount of time I need to walk home if I move quickly.  I made it home just before the thunder and lightning began and the sky opened up with pouring rain.  And so began my phrase of the half days in Nice.  It has been like this every single day since I arrived.  Half sunny and half rainy.  It is supposed to continue too for the next 2 weeks.

Beach View...cloudy half of the day

After that first day I learned that I needed to get out and enjoy the first part of the day so I have been trying to squeeze it all in then.  I walked the beach a bit and have loved the people watching...it is really quite good.  There is such a great energy along the whole street.  The beach is nothing like what I am used to though.  First off it is small rocks and pebbles instead of sand.  There is one area where sand has been brought in but it just looks strange amongst all the rocks.  I haven't laid on it yet...Ill keep ya posted on the outcome of that.  Also all along the beach it is divided into private and public sections.  The private sections are usually attached to a hotel and have nice chairs, umbrellas and a bar you have access to.  It costs you about 15 euro to get in and use the chairs and umbrellas....no drinks included.  Public are just like our beaches...bring your own stuff and have a good time.  That is where I will be mostly unless I need to feel spoiled for a day.  The other difference is there are a lot of topless women sunbathing and men in really small speedos.  My favorite one today was a hot pink brazilian cut speedo...I am positive it was smaller then my bikini bottoms and he was much larger then me.  Ah Europe...gotta love it!

Street in Old Nice

 One of the other spots I ventured into after I felt comfortable enough to get a bit lost on purpose was the streets of Old Nice.  Crossing the street away from the beach into these little medieval streets was like finding a hidden treasure.  This is what I wanted to find and was closer to what I had expected of Nice.  There were tons of tiny winding streets jam packed with cafes on either side that had tables spilling out into the road.  They were filled with people just chatting, reading or just watching the world go by.  Looking up above the buildings and storefront you would see iron terraces with flower baskets attached which were dripping with beautiful colored flowers.  I know it sounds really silly but it made me wish I could speak this lovely romantic language to explain all of this because english just doesn't do it justice.  There is a completely different feel here then I have experienced else where.  Even though the city is alive and buzzing all the time there is also a feeling of a slower pace...you don't rush things you enjoy every moment you have.
One of the nicest moments I have had over this past week was attending a Garden Party at a home/B&B just outside of Nice in Mouans Sartoux.  I was apprehensive at the beginning not really knowing how people would feel about speaking english even though Sandrine had told me they all are ok with it.  The day actually turned out to be wonderful.  The group of people were all international (most were not originally even from France) and they knew each other because their children were attending a school taught half in English and half in French.  They did all speak English quite well and some were even happy to practice by having a conversation with me.  I got to know a couple of the people quite well over the course of the day and feel as though I have made some good friends who are willing to and want to show me around the area. I am looking forward to the next part of my stay here as I prepare to move out of Sandrine's place and into my own little flat this coming week.    

Climbing Hills and Sitting on Benches...

So I have been in Nice for a few days now and am not sure exactly how to start out sharing how I feel being here.  Leaving London was hard but coming to Nice was exciting.  It is just a much bigger transition then I thought it would be.  I guess I will start with the place I am staying for the moment which is so far the best thing about Nice.  The family has been so great and supportive. The apartment is a typical old french place which I love for all its character and charm.  There are beautiful high ceilings and windows, hardwood floors done in a chevron design and gorgeous multi colored tiled hallways.  Even the keys (which we will talk about the trouble they caused me later) to the apartment are the super old school style that we really only see on really old locking pieces of furniture in the states.  There is a great view of the city out

View from the Apartment Window

the sitting room window.  This is where I spent my first day in Nice just assessing my situation and planning my next few days.  Also the weather was pretty gloomy so I felt ok about being inside.  After doing a bit of research and looking at everything around here to do I felt even more overwhelmed then when I started.  Figuring out England was so much easier for me....I knew what I wanted to do and I wasn't afraid to get lost there.  Here it is very different.  I have no real concept of how to get around and I can't really just ask someone in the street because I don't speak French.  That night after all my research I sat down with Sandrine and her husband and they gave me a brief overview on a map of where we were and how to get to a few easy spots to start with.  Oh yes, I have now changed my option of maps a bit since arriving here... they are no longer for sissies....they are my good friend here because you can get them in english.  I still will not pull one out on the street though for fear of looking like a complete tourist.  That is just asking for more trouble then I want to even think about.  I have taken to just writing down all the streets and directions I need and keeping the big map safely in my bag in case I need to look at it secretly in hiding somewhere of course.  After I had a few directions from these wonderful people I am staying with I felt much better about venturing out into the unknown and exploring a bit.

Park Bench View

 I headed out of the house taking my specific right, left, left, right..then up the hill directions and began my first day out in Nice.  I had small goals for the day... find a park bench with a view to read on, find a bank (needed to exchange my pounds for euros), and don't get completely lost.  I had a super sunny day for this outing...it felt great to be in a tank top and sandals.  As I walked up the hill I couldn't help but notice all the beautiful architecture of all the buildings.  I don't know much about the different types but I know that a lot of Nice dates back to the medieval times and the buildings all are very unique and ornate but not in a gaudy way.  When I reached a crossing at the top of the hill I was struck by this huge old hotel.  Each room had it's own tiny iron  balcony...it just looked quite elegant.  I then turned and looked across the street and it was a similar type building but it was completely run down and over grown.  It reminded me of the house in the movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil".  In its time I bet this place was beautiful but it was no longer.  Kinda sad.  I sat on a bench with the view in the photo above for a bit soaking up all the sunshine I had missed while I was in London and reading.  It was nice just to be still for a moment.      

Second Park Bench View

After a bit I decided to head farther up the hill and see what else I could find.  As I rounded another corner a beautiful park came into view.  There were tons of families with blankets out having picnics and kids riding on the carousel that was on one edge of the park.  I picked a bench, sat down and started to read only to get up a few moments later when the 2 drunk old men a few benches down started singing the 1 and only line in a 50's song  they knew over and over and over.  The next bench I chose was quiet and peaceful.  You can see the view in the photo to the right.  I was hear for a bit but then the shade rolled over me and I got too cold so I moved on to another bench.  My final bench was my favorite one.  Across from where I was sitting was about 30 old men and a few token younger guys and women playing what looked like bocce ball.  You could tell these guys were out here everyday and had been doing this together for years.  I loved just listening to them speak as the background to my little life at this moment.  I had no idea what they were saying but the way they all were with each other was so familiar, loving and comfortable...in a way you just don't usually see americans interacting with each other.  I sat on this bench for hours just relaxing, reading and enjoying the beautiful day.  When my shoulders had finally taken all the sun they could (no sunscreen oops) I headed back to the apartment.  Everything was going great...I found a bank on the way home and got some cash and I found the apartment again with out getting lost.  The code to the front door worked perfectly...walked up 2 flights of stairs to the front door and this is where everything fell apart.  I got out the keys and started trying to unlock the doors but it wasn't working.  The key just kept going around and around.  It sounded like it would lock then unlock but the door wouldn't open.  Also these keys are really big so they make a lot of noise in the hallway which has great acoustics to make everything sound even louder.  In my head I was thinking...I gotta get this door open before someone thinks I am trying to break in.  In that moment the door next to me opens and a little old lady comes out speaking to me in French.  Great...now I was really in trouble....She just kept speaking and her voice was getting a bit more angry and concerned and all I could do was try and do the best charades act ever to get her to understand that I couldn't get the key to work but I wasn't a robber.  Finally after a few failed attempts to act it all out I said all the names of the family I am staying with, said american and pointed to myself then tried to make the key work showing her they fit in the door but it kept turning.  She calmed a bit, reached over and turned the key for me to open the door.  I said Merci, walked inside and heard her saying "ah, no Frances"  As funny as this moment is retelling it it also freaked me out.  I am here in a country where I have no real way of communicating.  I couldn't even make this women understand one simple little thing.  All the signs and information are in French.  Everyone around is speaking french and I have no clue what any one is saying or what any sign says.  It kinda feels like you lost one of your major senses and you have to figure out a way to make the other ones work harder to communicate or you better learn French really quickly.  It is a bit of culture shock that I have to deal with.  I know people do this all the time with out being able to speak the language I just don't think I prepared myself enough for the reality of it.  That being said...I am listening to my french CD's and am going to try and take a course while I am here.  Hopefully I will get enough phrases to get by soon....Wish me Luck!    

Good Bye London...Hello Nice

The 5 days I had in London flew by!  Upon arrival I was welcomed by all my wonderful friends like I had never been gone!  I really don't know how to explain the feeling I get back in this place...the best I can do in words is... just like home.  If I could combine San Diego and London together into one place I would be in the perfect location!  The first 2 nights I spent with Belinda, Michael and the boys.  Rudi had a new obsession...Curious George.  All he wanted to do was sit on the sofa and watch it.  He would look up at me with his sweet little face and say "Watch it...Curious George (which came out sounding more like Kiss George)"  How can you say no to that?  Once the movie began he patted the seat on the sofa next to me and said "Watch with me...Come on then"  So precious.  It's crazy how much he has changed and grown in just a few short weeks.  I headed out during the day to a few of my favorite spots, Hampton Palace, The Tower, and My

Secret Garden

 local relaxing spot the pub at Kew Inn.  I found that at each spot I saw something new that I hadn't found before.  One of my favorite new finds was this small opening in the tall hedges surrounding the gardens at Hampton Palace.  It made me feel like I was peering into some sort of secret garden that no one knew about but me.  It was really such a nice little spot to be.
That evening after spending the day in the sunshine at Hampton Palace I joined my friends Helly, Helly's boyfriend Will and Lauren for another night of some amazing beer at the The Pigs Ear Cellar Pub.  Such a great time....Love this place!
The next 3 days were spent at Lauren's house.  The first night was spent having dinner in a quaint pub near her house and just chatting and catching up.
Saturday I got a amazing treat that I was not expecting and might be the most amazing thing that I have gotten to do since I got here.  I got a personal tour of one of the tailor shops on Savile Row.  One of Belinda's friends has a good friend who is a apprentice tailor at one of the shops.  She also is one of the only women tailors on the row.  It was so amazing.  I was overcome with joy and envy all in the same breath.  Being in the cutting room and the design room surrounded by all the sketches and fabrics....samples and vintage pieces reconfirmed that I truly love designing.  As I was talking to the tailor it was like we were speaking the same language about our passion.  A passion that can't be explained in words but only felt by someone who has the same passion.  It is so rare to find another woman who loves menswear and tailoring.  I feel lucky to have met her and get to see that someone can make the dream happen.
Saturday evening Lauren, Toby and I ended up at a random pub watching a football match.  This was an experience I am so glad I got to have also.  All types of people smashed into this little pub...seriously smashed...we couldn't even walk through to get to the bar.  We ended up sitting outside with some serious Chelsea fans.  I figured it was best to just join in with them since I really didn't have a true loyalty to either team.  There was a lot of chanting, yelling and madness in the best way possible!  To all the guys back home who wanted me to go to an actual match....I didn't quite make it but this was definitely the next best thing.  Hope that will do for now!
I headed out on Monday morning with my huge suitcase to the train station on my way to Gatwick airport to fly to Nice, France.  I had worked out my route so that I could avoid stairs since my suitcase weighs almost as much as me....this plan was foiled on my first stop when the lift was out of order.  Luckily a kind gentleman picked it up like it was a small hand bag and carried it up the stairs.   I raced to make my connecting train and arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare.  The flight was great and crossing the border into France was the easiest one yet.  I am not sure if the woman stamping my passport even looked at me....Apparently getting into the UK is the only place that will give you any issues.   Sandrine (the mom in the family I am staying with for 10 days) met me at the airport and we drove back to their wonderful apartment.  Side note...it's raining here today.  I met her husband and adorable son and just hung out for the evening.  They are so kind and welcoming.  A big thanks to my san diego friend for connecting me with these lovely people.
As I am been sitting here on my first day in Nice I have been going through the full range of emotions.  I started the day out so overwhelmed and a bit petrified of being here.  I don't think I really fully thought through what to expect here.  I'm nervous about not knowing the language and figuring out my way around.  To ease some of this I spent the day just researching everything about the area and how I can just take some baby steps into exploring this place.  I again had to fight off the feelings of guilt today of not just jumping in and staying inside all day but I let go of it quickly and am ready to explore a bit tomorrow....stay tuned for more Nice!

Sunny Stonehenge

For my final day in Bath the sun came out and it was so beautiful.  My event for the day was inspired by my wonderful sister in law.  As soon as she found out I was going to be in Bath she said I was so close to Stonehenge that I needed to go.  I have taken her advice and booked a seat on a purple mini bus to go and see this bit of history.  The drive is about an hour through the gorgeous English countryside.  As we drove the guide pointed out some really interesting bits.  There were remains of Celtic burial grounds that are from early BC.  There also was a White Horse that was carved into the side of the hill in limestone.  It was pretty interesting to see this huge horse just smack dab in the middle of the lovely rolling hills.  Our guide also told us that this area is the place where the majority of crop circles have happened.  Unfortunately there were none to be seen on this drive.  When we arrived it was just like I thought it would be.  A small cafe, gift shop, parking lots full of tour busses and across the street are the amazing rock structures.  They most definitely

Sunny Stonehenge

are smaller then I thought they would be but impressive none the less.  So you file through the ticket line, pick up your audio guide and head across the street to check out the stones.  Let's take a minute and talk about these new audio guides that every place has now.  It's like a little cell phone that talks to you and tells you information about where ever you are at.  I haven't fully embraced these yet.  When you look out at everyone trying to experience these beautiful structures it's like everyone's on a phone and not even engaging with anyone around them or experiencing what they are looking at.  A lot of people were just wandering about, looking at the floor listening to the audio guide.  This place was the first place I have even taken one...all the other museums I just couldn't do it but here I thought it might be informative.  Now those of you reading this who know me well are aware of my resistance to certain technological things or social media type stuff (Facebook for example) that reduces the personal connection people have in situations or just life in general.  I feel the same way about these audio guides.  I really did give it a try but I couldn't connect in and experience the grandeur of this amazing piece of history when there was some english woman talking in my ear giving me all sorts of facts.  I think for some people it is probably a great thing but not for me....I do better just being present in the moment and read about all the facts later.  Ok...back to the Stones...As

Thought I'd give you proof I really am here

 you walk into this huge field and along the path that circles the stones you get to see so many different beautiful views of this amazing structure.  It really is phenomenal how it was all built and put together over the course of hundreds of years.  It was so well planned out and added to over the years.  History also says that parts have been removed too by neighboring villages to build houses and buildings.  I couldn't help but think back to the times when these were being built and be very impressed with the people who were able to build it.  They only had very rough tools and no real ways to lift things up except pulley systems and their own strength.  It's quite impressive if you really think about it.   I wandered around for the hour we were allowed just taking in all the views and the green countryside surrounding it.  The drive back was peaceful and I snuck in a little nap so I was rested up for my travel later in the day.
I got back into town and had about an hour to spare before my train so I went and sat in the Abby courtyard and soaked up the sunshine.  It was a great end to my time in Bath, a sunny day, reading my book and listening to an opera street performer singing beautifully.  I then headed to the train station with my insanely heavy suitcase and board the train.  I settled in with my Jane Austen book that I purchased in Bath at a second hand book shop and the train took off towards London again.  I am so looking forward to being back with my wonderful friends in London.

Part 2...Me and the kids...

Where's my bus?

So here we go again...just me and the kids!  We begin with a bus ride.  Talia and I were dropping Nathan off at nursery and since I am not really driving here we all hopped on a bus.  The kids thought it was great fun once they learned that the needed to be patient and wait for it and it would eventually get there...this first photo on our snap shot adventure is Talia asking me....Where's my Bus?  Once they got on the bus they were in heaven.  I let them choose whatever seat they wanted and they ran directly to the back of the bus to the raised up seats.  They sat and kicked their little wellies with glee as we rode.  Nathan with his inquisitive nature had a lot of questions followed up with Whys....everyone on the bus was chuckling at the running dialogue we had going for the entire bus ride.  He even asked some questions I didn't know the answers to.  He was very confused about this.  He said Sara...how come you don't know?  Shouldn't you know the answers?
Oh small friend...if only I had all the answers to all the questions.  

Bubble Baby

After dropping Nathan off at nursery Talia and I headed out for "Our Day" which is what Talia kept calling the girls day we got to have together.  Of course it was pouring down rain but my little bubble baby stayed dry in the pram while I got wet.  We walked town a bit and then sought shelter first in the Bath Abby.  As we walked through Talia was so precious.  She kept looking up so high to see all the big beautiful stain glass window she would almost fall over backwards.  After the Abby we headed towards a museum.  On the way to the museum we got to walk through parts of town that I had not been to yet like the Pulteney Bridge.  This is one of the only bridges that has shops along each side.  It looks like a normal covered bridge from the side then once you get up to it you realize the cover is on the sides to enclose the shops.  Really such a unique thing.

Pulteney Bridge

There also was a beautiful horseshoe shaped water distribution feature at the base of the bridge.  Just past the river was a lovely green and walkway that we would have gone down to if it wasn't pouring down rain.  Once we got to the museum we wandered through it.  Talia loved looking at all the tea pots and spoons.  She also loved looking at the beautiful paintings...she kept saying ohh...thats pretty and so big!

I Heart OJ, cozy chairs and Eeyore

After the museum it was lunch time so we finished off "Our Day" properly at a cafe.  We cozied up in the big leather chairs and warmed up with some much needed coffee for me and Talia's favorite OJ.   As you can see in the photo Eeyore got in on our outing too...Talia said he really liked the bus ride and eating in a cafe.   After we were sufficiently warmed we picked up Nathan and headed home to relax.

A very blustery day 

Our last day together was bright and sunny....but very windy!  We basically stayed close to home but did brave the park for a bit.

Spin...Spin..Spin!

The wind didn't stop Talia from doing some serious spinning and playing.  Nathan was not as excited about playing in the wind but he was a trooper for a bit so his sister could get in some playtime.

Hoovering....He did the whole house.

Nathan got to do what he loves best when we got home....a bit of Hoovering....and so the day was complete.
My week with these kiddos was great.  I have loved each minute with these sweet children.  I head back to  London tomorrow but before I head out I will be making one more tourist stop....stay tuned for it!

Just me and the kids...

My 5 days with Talia and Nathan have begun and there is no slow starting for these 2.  It's full speed ahead!  These children are a joy and love life so much.  Every moment is filled with excitement, laughter, and learning.  Nathan is super inquisitive and wants to know everything.  He is at the Why? stage....that is the response to every statement.  Lately I have flipped it on him and asked him why do you think?  He was quite proud of himself when he knew the answer to his own why question.  Talia is little miss independent and wants to do everything big brother is doing with out any help.  This leads to a few stumbles along the way but she dusts herself off and keeps on moving laughing at herself saying "I was Mr. Whoops".  All the days have kinda blurred into one so I thought it best to just give you a snapshot in photos of what it has been like.
Every days starts early, anywhere from 5:30-6:30am, when I get 2 little friends in my bed snuggled up at my side.  Sometimes I can convince them to sleep for a few more precious minutes before the days of fun begin.....here we go....

Bikes and scoots...wellies and pigtails!

Heading up to the park....Scooter and Bikes!

Two is better then one 

These two love to do things together...even on the see-saw!

Flying Wellies

It's not fun till the wellies go flying.  Talia is a bit nervous about swinging very high.  Nathan Loves to soar high into the sky...He kept saying "I just grabbed a star from the Sky for you...and here is the moon"

Maze Cave

Back at home in the Garden this bush served as what Nathan called his maze cave.  He would climb all the way inside and just hang out in there.

Are you alright Nathan?

This is as far as Talia would go into the maze cave but she still tried to keep an eye on her brother in there.

Just Cruising

Inside the house we spent time just cruising in the mini cooper and....

Blue Green and Purple...his colors of choice

Putting on nail varnish (as Nathan calls it)

Look at the game!

Then finally watching a bit of rugby over the back garden wall.







There is a snap shot of the last few days with these little ones....I am enjoying each and every moment I have left with these little one!

A Day In Bath....

We drove through town on our way to the house and I got my first glimpse of Bath.  It is just as quaint and lovely as everyone told me it would be.  I'm looking forward to exploring. Once we got home we drug suitcases through the rain into the cozy house. The kids and Ryan help to "set up" my bed in the office.  Nathan pumps up my air mattress, helps me put the sheets and duvet on then both kids promptly begin to use it as a trampoline.  Fore seeing the way I may be awoken in the morning I remind them not to jump and squash me when I'm in it.  Nathan quickly says "No Sara, I will just come in and snuggle you in the morning...not jump!"  Seriously could this kid be any sweeter!!!  We settle in for the evening routine and head to bed a bit early...Big day of exploring tomorrow.  I only have one full free day here in Bath so I have to make the most of it and power through crazy tourist style.
In the morning I join Michelle on the nursery school drop off for Nathan and get a ride into town.  I met everyone at nursery since I will be taking him while the parents are out.  Then I am off and running...ok not really running but walking quickly towards  where my guided walking tour of the town.  So lets get started...My tour begins at the Abby Church.

The Abby

 This building is gorgeous.  It was built because of the dream of the designer.  It has some really interesting design details based on this dream like angels climbing up ladders along the 2 side pillars and the designers signature is done all with images depicting his name.  Right next to the Abby are the Roman Baths which is where the name of the town (Bath Spa) came from.  These baths are basically hot springs with 43 different natural minerals in them.  This was a major draw for the people to come to the city for the cleansing and healing elements to the spas. There is also a pump room right next door that you can purchase a drink of this mineral filled water that is supposed to be very good for you.  I have not had any yet but have heard that it is pretty rough going down....Maybe I'll brave it before I leave town.  We will just have to see.  Next our lovely tour guide Jean, who has been doing this tours for at least 10 years, walks us over to Victoria Park.  On the way she has some really great stories...too many to go into but my favorite was about the hanging Loo.  Their literally was a Loo hanging off the back of a building enclosed of course but it was just hanging out farther the the rest back of the building.  So back to the walk...we headed towards a beautiful gravel/pavement

Pavement or Gravel...Where are you?

walkway.  Jean continued to tell stories and the adopted second tour guide filled in where she felt Jean needed help.  It was funny...this lady had been on the tour so many times she knew it by heart.  The best part about it was she was dressed from head to toe, back pack included, in matchey-matchey Green and Grey (one of my favorite combos).  Even her son who she brought for his first visit to Bath was dressed in matching Green and Grey.  I loved it!!  Ok, back to talking about the path.  So this lovely path is gravel on both sides and pavement down the center which wasn't just for convenience it actually was where you would show your social standing.  High society walked on the pavement and lower class walked in the gravel.  Since Bath was such a social scene city anyone who was anyone would come out and walk along this path to be seen or try and see people.  This is also the path where Jane Austen would come out to " get her exercise".  She spoke of this in one of her books also.  As we reached the end of this pathway it opened up on to an impressive sight....The Royal Crescent.

The Royal Crescent 

   This building was built along the very first arched road built in Europe.  This photo doesn't do it justice.  Look it up to see the try grandeur or it.  It's quite impressive.  There also was another area we saw next which has the same arched feel but it is actually in a full circle.  It is called The Circus.  The building follows the beautiful arched look all the way around in a circle.  Check that one out on line too.  The walking tour then walked us back through town passing numerous medieval streets and old buildings.  Bath is known for its Georgian architecture which can be most easily identified by two main points.  First the windows...the go from largest at the bottom level to smallest at the top level.  This is partially because the servants quarters were at the top and they were the smallest rooms.  Second is the queen Anne front and Aunt Sally backs.  Basically this means the fronts of the building are beautiful hence the name Queen Anne front and the backs are just horrible looking, finished very rough and not done with any thought of the ascetic hence the Aunt Sally name...Everyone wants to see Queen Anne but no one really cares about boring Aunt Sally.  They were created like this to save money on designers and contractors.  Expensive to make the front then go cheap on the back.

Streets of Bath

After I finished the walking tour I went and had lunch in a local pub to rest my feet for a bit and regroup.  I decided to just walk  around some more through the streets of Bath and see where I ended up.  The whole town of Bath can be walked from end to end in about 30 minutes.  It reminded me of Coronado in that respect.  It also has a bit of the small town feel even though it is a really social city and has a great cultural and artistic scene.  As I walked I happened upon a great little shop that sold all local made items.  I popped in and shopped around.  I chatted with one of the owners for a while and found out that the basis of the shop it 3 designers went in together on one shop and they sell their own stuff there and also take in other designers as they feel a need should be met in the store.  She was really cool and wanted to check out my stuff.  She really liked my mens stuff and said they are looking at bringing a few pieces in....who knows.  I ended up leaving with some great jewelry and a business card.
The last thing I did on my power packed tour of Bath was a fashion museum.  I went in really excited and left a bit disappointed.  The historical pieces that they had were gorgeous but the new pieces left me wanting more.  There was one great Balenciaga piece but aside from that unimpressive.  There was a fun little section that people could try on historical type outfits like crazy

Wanna Play Dress-up?

heavy hoop skirts and tight corsets.  Or for the kids they had traditional outfits for them to wear.
Leaving the museum I stopped at a few more shops on my way to the bus stop so I could head back to the house.  When I arrived at the bus stop I was hit with an unexpected fact...the bus stops running at 6:30!  What...How can a bus stop running before the shops have closed!  I guess this is truly a small town and I had been in London for too long expecting busses to run till the wee hours of the morning.  Oh well, I grabbed a taxi and eventually made it back to the house and called it a night.  Kid Duty starts tomorrow!