Picturesque Bath
I live in Los Angeles, a true American example of urban sprawl. Miles and miles of strip malls and convenient stores. Thinking that a place to be picturesque seems like it could only enter ones mind as a child’s fantasy. Don’t get me wrong, Los Angeles does have it’s moments of beauty. The ocean, natural lush environments in the mountains and amazing desert-scapes. A mediator’s ideal dream. But, one can drive miles around Los Angeles in a desperate hunt for graceful, thoughtful and inspiring design and go home disappointed.
Now, Bath in England, is almost so prefect and so pretty, I was overwhelmed with it’s picturesque beauty. Being an unsophisticated foreigner, my minds eye almost went into over-load. Bath was so charming, so much eye candy everywhere I looked. I really had a hard time believing the City of Bath was real. The only thing that kept me from deciding this city was fake was coming back to my Bath Hotel room every day.
Before I stayed in Bath for a few days, I stayed in Birmingham for over a week. An industrial city. So, when I took the 2 hour train ride to Bath, I expected to see pretty much the same industrial city as Birmingham. But, when the train pulled in to Bath, I felt like I was transported to another era. The City of Bath, originally, was founded because of the natural occurring hot springs. Then, when the Romans occupied Bath, they built the now famous baths and temples. Upon, visiting the Roman baths today, I was surprised just how well preserved the Roman baths are. Many of the original structures are still intact, and the engineering is a marvel to behold.
The city was popular as a spa resort which in turn, the best examples of Georgian Architecture was constructed. Which earned the City of Bath, in 1987, the World Heritage Site. I can see why, everywhere my eyes land is very pleasant to see. As I walked around the City of Bath, I did see signs of modern construction, highrises and a large shopping mall. I don’t know, once these structure are finished, if they will ruin just how perfect Bath is, but even if they do, it’s only two unsightly buildings in an entire city.
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