Sara Came to Visit!

Good afternoon friends! Hoping everyone had a lovely break this weekend- I sure did. Sara, my roommate from University back in the states came to visit! Conveniently we're both studying abroad this semester; she in Edinburgh, I in Bath. I picked her up from the station on Thursday night, and she's staying tomorrow evening! That's a whole four nights, you guys.

The past two weeks have been absolutely exhausting- everyone in the program had papers out the wazoo. My last one was due Thursday at 5, so to celebrate my friends and I made sangria and bruschetta at one of the our houses in Prior Park. It was so fun just to be with everyone- listening to music, chatting. I think we were all in a daze and not quite sure what to do with ourselves though.. It was one of those moments like wait, how did I spend my time before writing papers all day? But soon after I left to go cause a scene at the station and jump up and down with my best friend that I haven't seen in ages pick up Sara. We spoke a mile a minute all the way back to my flat.

The next morning we woke up and went to brunch! Of course I had to take her to Bills. Its just one of those places that will never get old. After sipping our coffees we left to go explore the southern part of Bath. We went to this vintage store and that secondhand shop, sifting our way through loads of records and things, and sweaters that were basically free. We came back for the afternoon and did a little homework-- it still exists, unfortunately. That evening, after catching up on the newest Downton Abbey episodes, we went out to a pub to watch the football game with some friends. The game ended with a win, and the night ended with us singing Britney Spears along with the night's open mic act. All good fun. 

Taylor and I introduced Sara to the Markets on Saturday morning- again, something that will never get old. Everything was so fresh and wonderful. Our lunch consisted of homemade shortbread cookies and fudge samples, and we purchased spinach pasta, cheddar cheese & apples for later. Can't complain. I still can't get over the fact that Sara was there with me, nonchalantly drinking coffee & strolling through the market stands like we've done many a time before, except only being on the streets of downtown Fredericksburg. Bath instantly became my home all over again.

We spent part of the afternoon walking through the Bath Abbey. I had never been to the top before, so up we went, all 212 stairs compacted in the teeniest of spirals, to the very very top. We learned of the bell tower and clock, all closed behind little Willy Wonka doors or something of that nature. The tunnels of the church were essentially not made for anyone claustrophobic or over three feet tall. Sara and I, being both, had quite the time. But our cute tour guide and the view at the top made it all better. 

^^^peeping at the views. 

^^^celebratory we made it! photo.

^^^side 1& 2. (our rubgy field!)

^^^side 3 & 4. Have I mentioned how pretty it is here?

We went out with friends again Saturday evening, sharpening up our foosball and dart skills at a place called the Pig & Fiddle. It rained the entire night, so we eventually just gave up on staying dry. In the end, it just made more sense to take a long walk in the rain with some buddies. And for the record, there's something quite magical about walking in the rain along the Royal Crescent at 2am.

The rain that continued into Sunday morning/afternoon/evening made our plans for us, as the grey clouds turned our thoughts of baking, drinking chamomile tea & hiding under cozy blankets all too welcoming. So we did just that, along with a bit of studying and reminiscing over photos taken freshman year. I don't think I've ever laughed so much. Word to the wise:: when you find a friend that can make the muscles in your stomach hurt from laughing so hard, make sure you keep them around.