Anyhow, today I set off from home and as ever, the train that I had intended to catch had been cancelled. Through a process of self-compromise, I went for my second option. I arrived at Paddington Station in good time and bought that staple of a healthy diet, a sausage roll and a bottle of water. As I waited for my train, I gazed up to the rafters and admired the sharp protrusions of the ceiling supports, presumably there to stop any of those birds with delusions of grandeur from setting up their nests and shitting on those wicked passengers, walking beneath their fluctuating rear ends at the wrong moment.
I caught my train. Unsurprisingly, they let you know that your train is ready for boarding but in the meantime the platform is as far from where you are standing as the Earth is from the Moon.
My journey was uneventful. Stephen King book to wile away the slightly delayed journey. The only event being the Guard politely confronting the lady on her mobile. Fair play to him, we were in the Quiet carriage and to be quite frank, I had no interest in hearing about her future move.
I arrived in Bath and wandered around a bit. Luckily, there are maps almost everywhere ensuring that when you get lost, it will only be for a short amount of time. These maps are curiously circular. This suggests to me that either Bath considers itself to be the centre of the world or else, the places of interest fall either within or on the circumference of this circle.
I found the Francis Hotel which to me looks intimidatingly posh. Instead of a conventional reception desk, you have a concierge desk. They checked me in and explained my room wasn't ready. I was given the choice of waiting or leaving my case. Leaving my case for a few hours was a good choice. I wandered around a bit trying to get my bearings. I am curious how despite its history, Bath still has a high street almost as familiar as any other area. McDonald's still lurks amongst the familiar coffee chains. Fortunately, there are other interesting places to visit.
I went to the Herschel Museum of Astronomy and learnt a lot about the musician/astronomer. Also intrigued by the issue of 'Wonder Woman' (volume 1) issue 51 which featured Herschel's sister. It appears that early issues of 'Wonder Woman' featured a page dedicated to inspirational women. See everybody, comics can be educational.
When I entered the establishment, the staff member explained how to explore the premises and apologised that owing to a broken lock, I wouldn't be able to go outside into the gardens. I was offered a guide book by way of compensation.
As I walked around, I saw the damaged flagstones in Herschel's workshop, he accidentally poured molten glass on them as he was creating a lens for his telescope.
After the museum, I went for a walk and located a crescent but not the Royal Crescent (I don't think with a watchman's sentry post. The bins have signs on them, preventing people from feeding the birds. I am sure the birds will soon be suing the local council.
By way of finishing the day, I went to a steakhouse indulging in overpriced food including a pretty good raspberry creme brulee.
My evening plans have altered owing to heavy rain. As such, I think I will stay in my room, reading, watching television and drinking a glass of complementary wine. Also need to plan an itinerary for tomorrow. Good night!
Barry Watt - 18th September 2017.
Afterword.
The Stephen King novel I was reading was 'It'. A jolly novel about growing up in the company of a killer interdimensional 'clown'. 'It' is published by Hodder.
I stayed in the Francis Hotel in Bath. Very nice hotel.
http://francishotel.com/
McDonald's is a major franchise that I still have no desire to plug, although it serves its purpose. They have a website and I am sure that you can find it if you really want to.
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy was an interesting find. It's hidden down a side street, so possibly only gets occasional visits. Worth seeing!
http://herschelmuseum.org.uk/
'Wonder Woman' is a comic published by DC Comics and stars Diana Prince as the eponymous Wonder Woman of the title. Still considered one of the so-called trinity within the DC Universe, along with Batman and Superman.
http://www.dccomics.com/characters/wonder-woman
Photos.
A 'Polite Box' (whatever that is outside Bath Station).
Shameless discrimination against Gulls.
Fading sign on the side of a building. The past can be beautiful.
William Herschel Museum.
It's a cone and a bit of foliage. Modern art.
Mini crescent. One of several in Bath.
Angel on the side of a building.
BW.
