Wednesday in Bath

Today we began our work with our first concert in Bath.  After a sumptuous meal for breakfast, we boarded the bus and rode the 12 miles or so to Bath - the second most visited city in the United Kingdom next to London. The city is a wonderful example of Georgian architecture, most of whose structures were built to serve the aristocracy and those with aristocratic hopes as they came to "be seen" at the baths. 

We arrived at the Abbey excited to begin our work!  As we entered the cathedral, the man minding the door announced, "The Choir has arrived" in a most distinguished, British accent - and the fun began!  The abbey was truly beautiful.

We entered the abbey and awaited our instructions before beginning our rehearsal.  We were lucky enough to be allowed 15 minutes to find our voices in the room before the concert started.  A good crowd was already gathering.

After rehearsing for a bit, we began our concert.  Apparently we had anywhere from 80-100 people sitting down to listened - superb!  The choir sang fantastically, and clearly enjoyed the sounds they were creating in that fantastic space.  Kudos to all!

After the concert we quickly changed our shoes and ran off to a tour of the Roman Baths - truly fascinating.  Even in ancient Rome, this was the place to come, be seen, make deals, find a spouse...the "Las Vegas" of its time, as our guide John told us.

After the tour of the Baths, we went our separate ways for lunch.  Larkin, Angus, Daniele and myself went to the Pump Room - ooh la la!  A very elegant meal complete with beautiful napkins,smoked teas (a new one for me) served in a beautiful room.

Afterwards, we were treated to a walking tour of the city.  Some of the highlights - The Circus, where the richest of the rich lived:

 The Royal Crescent:

 We then took a tour of the assembly rooms, where people came to socialize and meet interesting people.  Several of us took a tour of their costume collection, which included some fabulous outfits from movies such as Young Victoria, Elizabeth, Shakespeare in Love and Gladiator. Kate Greer was kind enough to let us "play Barbie" and dress her in some period costume...

Afterwards, we had a bit of free time before returning to Bristol for dinner and a free evening.  After another sumptuous meal (we are truly blessed in that regard), a group decided to go see the Harry Potter movie - we needed a low-key evening before our residency began in the morning.  I think the adults were more frightened than the young choristers...

Tomorrow our residency at the cathedral begins - pray for us as we continue our ministry!