Take Bath WIth Romans and Jane Austen

Take Bath with its Roman past, limestone buildings, and scenes right out of Jane Austen novels on a beautiful late fall day and you will find a small city that you can stroll through and find respite from the stress of the big city. Our trip began with a comfortable coach that left London early in the morning and just about two hours later, we rolled merrily through the verdant hills that surround the city of Bath. Natural hot springs and a sense of spiritual wonderment attracted the early Celtic tribes to the area. Later, the practical Romans built a public bath system directly over the source of the naturally heated water. After centuries of neglect and ignorance of its existence, residents in the late 18th and early 19th centuries began to call attention to the supposed restorative powers of the waters, an astute move which according to our stalwart guide, soon turned Bath into the Las Vegas of its time for both the rich and those seeking the famous.

The cool morning start required the warming properties of a cup of hot chocolate to begin the day. Alina revels in the sun's rays while waiting to be served her very own cup before heading out the door minutes later for the city tour.

The dapper and knowledgeable guide known as Russell G described the city ordinance that mandates the use of the local limestone in all construction, new or old. The relative ease of working with limestone permits intricate carvings and shapes, he explained.

Carved angels climb the ladders on the towers of the local abbey, also made of limestone, naturally.

It is easy to get around this city and Ashley visibly enjoys walking the charming streets of Bath.

Ellen imagines the perfect composition before raising the camera to her eye and releasing the shutter.

Just outside the steps of the Jane Austen Center, a bonneted mannequin scans the street in search of a rich suitor.

Joan and Erwin find autumn the most suitable season for embracing the beauty of falling leaves.

Almost of all of the city's buildings share limestone from the same local quarry. A couple amble past a building that showcases the three orders of columns on all three stories: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

After a visit to the Fashion Museum, Alejandra and Ashley jauntily make their way across a leaf-strewn square.

The gentle curve of the Royal Crescent residences was conceived with a larger plan in mind, and the Georgian architecture shows off its inherent simplicity and regularity of proportions.

A moss covered Roman statue still stands watch over the ancient baths.

Wait, there's more! See additional Bath trip photos on Megan E's Flickr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31293029@N07/sets/72157608756686023/

Shakespeare, Twain and Defoe in One Day. Unreal!

Russell Grant, a practicing actor (not a waiter) and Blue Badge guide, gave a rousing lecture on the history of British theatre. Here, in this morning session, he points out one of the few existing portraits of William Shakespeare. The image projected on the left side of the screen may possibly be Shakespeare in his youth. When seen side by side, there are indeed clear similarities. Known not only for his popular plays, but according to Russell, Shakespeare is also credited with coining thousands of new words in the English language, many of which are still in use today. That's unreal! (Shakespeare came up with that one, too!)

In the afternoon, Ms. Reber leads a class discussion on the week's writing assignment, with Brian and Nick listening attentively to Ashley's response.

Ashley gives her reaction to one of Mark Twain's short pieces. Authors Twain and Daniel Defoe both wrote stories and novels about the English people around the late 19th century and the early 1700s, respectively, and their writings were used as the basis for an assignment exploring the travel writing genre. Note, too, Ashley's new Pashmina shawl in pale yellow color, the perfect fashion accessory for our graying weather.

Paul reads an excerpt from his journal which compared his experiences in New England with those in (old) England, while Jose appears to be swan-necking (a colorful British term describing the act of reading over someone's shoulder. This unwanted act, which allows one to read the daily newspaper without charge, is often performed while commuting to and from work on the Underground and is generally frowned-upon behavior, and then only if one is actually caught free-loading, that is). Thanks to AIFS staffer Kieran for this valuable insight.

Megan compared her experience while riding on the Tube with earlier perceptions of what she considered ought to be proper social etiquette. Hint: Liberal use of the word "Sorry," will usually diffuse any sticky situation...but run like heck if it doesn't!

Alex tries to find just the right words and is simultaneously shaded from an excess of fluorescent room light, thanks to Ross's enormous hat.

Paper + Glue + Paint + Idea = Art

Our collage and composition class actually began back in California with a classroom visit from Judy G, an artist and Golden Paint Co. representative who showed us how to use and mix their richly-pigmented paints and artists' materials. We were given some lovely tubes of paint to take with us to London too!

Now we are on the University of London campus, in a room with a view from the fifth floor, and Stephanie experiments with some designs.

Each Monday morning, although we have a good time with glue and paint, we really have to work at making unique compositions.

Ana created this poetic postcard that reflects our current weather conditions.

In this composition, Mary makes a connection between British beef and...!

Televised Election News Available In AIFS Office

American students could stay in touch with the election results while studying abroad, thanks to thoughtful AIFS staff who remember our penchant for watching the telly. Strangely enough, Mr. Obama was observed taking what seemed like the better part of a quarter hour to complete the voting card. Was it really that difficult to choose a president?

A Sign of the Times

This US presidential campaign sign managed to find its way to London

A Tour of the Old City

Our first ride on the Tube together, but not our last.

Young minds being shaped and molded.

The entrance on the left was once used by nuns of a particular order (and whose name I have already forgotten) who were said to have led a colorful existence, in clear opposition to the authorities. As for the one on the right, you'll have to guess at what is behind the door.

Ross, Jacob and Brian each follow the beat of a different drummer. Well, at least on this tour.

An intrigued Alejandra.

Sandy and Ana hear about the strength and political power of the Guildhalls.

Stephanie and Alejandra are just happy to be here (in London).

We just saw the theatre production of The Thirty Nine Steps, and this area of Leadenhall looks so much like a movie set with actors milling around.

Alex seizes the moment to make new friends under the Leadenhall Arcade.

Ever so stylish, Alina and Kiah take to the streets of London as if they have lived here for years.

Oh my! It's getting chilly here.

Paul and Jacob concentrate on architectural details found on the pickle-shaped building designed by Sir Norman Foster.

Despite adverse weather, students are committed to learning more about London's history.

If you don't look up every once in a while, you will miss the incredible architecture.

The intoxicating mix of new and old is what brings us to London.

A handsome Ivan contemplates what it would take to live in London for the rest of his life.

An angelic appearing Ana looks to the sky.

And here it is again, that incredible juxtaposition of the modern and the historical.

It Snowed!

With almost no warning, the temperature dipped below all forecasts.

The next morning, there was still plenty of snow to go around.

Snow remained for the rest of the day in some parts of the city.

A First Tour of the City

On the coach with some students who are still dazed from the big time difference, while others have managed to escape it and look none the worse for it.


A familiar building in the distance.


Receiving a (good) lecture about the Queen and Buckingham Palace from our Blue-Badged tour guide, Bob.


There aren't any royal guards watching this gate.


Two guys with very warm hats.

In front of the Queen's residence, Kiah dressed in style for Her Majesty and for Alex the photographer. The Queen actually arrived just moments later.


Bob makes another important cultural point.


Kitted up for the English weather.