Getting to SeaTac and flying over was no big deal. Been there, done that. All went as planned except for sleeping on the plane – no go. I flew Business Class after finding out about Business Class Consolidators and getting a really good fare for the flight – nonstop round trips on Delta.
Upon arrival, it’s like any other airport – follow the signs to Baggage Reclaim (as they say here) and go through customs. In London, if you are going into the city, you take Heathrow Express for a quick trip in to Paddington Station where you can easily connect to the London Underground, or “Tube” as they call it. Just follow the signs.
At Paddington, I was initially planning on taking the 4:30pm train to Bath. I looked at the monitor and it said there was a 4pm train. I had 7 minutes to spare, the platform for that train was in front of me, and the ticket machine was behind me. I was on at 3:57. Full train. Standing room only – I got one of the last seats available. Beats not having to stand for 90 minutes.
Upon arriving in Bath, I made my way out front. Across the street was a shopping area, Southgate/Bath, with a variety of stores. I decided to find an ATM and get a supply of cash. In the center was a large TV set up with chairs for people who wanted to watch the tennis matches at Wimbledon. There are a few hanging out watching. And right across from that – the Apple Store! I got a picture but did not go in. I found a cash machine and made it back to the train station to catch a taxi to my guest house, Marlborough House.
Peter Moore, the proprietor, greeted me when I arrived a little before 6pm. We sat down and he showed me the map of town, how to get to the main sites, and where I needed to be for my morning tour. He showed me to my room which is up one flight of stairs, It is a large bedroom with its own bathroom. A big bay window looks out onto the street. After he pointed out a few things in the room, he was off, and I laid down for a brief nap.
Around 8:45 I walked over to “The Hop Pole” for dinner. It was a 5 minute walk. A cute little pub that was comfortably full. I found a table next to a couple who had their black lab in there with them.
I ordered the tomato soup and hamburger. I started out with an Amsetl LIght and then had one of their brews, Bath Gem. That was served true English style – warm. Worth a try once. And once it is. I prefer my beer cold.
The tomato soup was excellent – very tasty. The hamburger was also excellent. The chips were nice and crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. They were sort of steak fry like.
I came back, wrapped up couple of things, and went to bed. The day was done.
Arrival in Bath
Speak Your Mind