6/12 - Somnium or something like that

What I did:

I found myself awake with Michael and his family busy and doing everyday morning things. I was right in the middle of everything. Then, suddenly Michael’s wife came up to him and me and did not look pleased. This was the first time I had met her, since she (and everyone else in the house was asleep the night before). She asked Michael why he had let me sneak in last night, and as I thought about it I began to remember not coming in the front door. She was very angry and clearly wanted me out of there as soon as possible. Michael and I had intended to have a nice chat before I left, but we saw this was no longer possible. The kids were still running all around, all four of them (but I thought there were only 3?). So, I started to get my things together. Michael apologized, but did not say much else, I could tell he was a little beaten. It seemed like it took me forever to get everything together, and before I knew it Michael and his wife were leaving. She was expectantly watching me and waiting for me to leave with them, although I really did not want to have to walk out with her too. Anyway, I finally got it all together and walked out and tried to remember where I had parked my car…

Then, I heard a knock on my door startling me to consciousness. I woke up to Michael’s voice asking me if I wanted any coffee or tea. He could tell he woke me up, and felt kind of bad and said that it was 8am. He asked if I had a good night and all that, and went to get me a cup of tea. I got out of bed and began to clear my head. I became less and less confused as I realized my dream had given way to real life and I was not yet kicked out of the house. Michael came back and told me where the shower was and told me that he would be heading off to morning prayer in about 30 minutes and invited me to join. I said I would love to and before long we were walking back to the cathedral.

I was actually really excited to do this. I told him that I often use the Book of Common Prayer in my personal prayer life, and he explained to me that that is pretty much what we would be using today. We got there and he explained some parts of the cathedral to me (I promise he is one of the most energetic, fast paced guys I have ever met, but in a really great way that breathes life into everything around him). It was time for prayer and we went into a pretty small room with about 10 people. We went through the daily office, which was a little different than what I usually do, I guess more true to the origins. But it was great.

We walked back and talked a lot. He offered me some breakfast and we continued to talk until about 9:30. He explained that he had a very important phone call about his new job that he had scheduled and could not miss, so unfortunately I would have to leave. But not before he drew me a map of Gloucester of where to go and loaded me down with 2 new books (and the promise of a third in the mail to my house). I bid my farewell wishing I could have spent much more time with him, but extremely grateful for the time I did have.

I walked around Gloucester a little, which had definitely transformed from the night before. There was now a very busy city center with tons of fresh produce stands and the like. It was great. A very rich atmosphere. But I didn’t stay long before heading to the train station and pioneering my way to Bath. (I had no clue how to get there).

I made it, and with no big problems. I walked around Bath for a while and finally got my bearings. I made my way to the Roman Baths, and decided to go through them. It was cool, I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would, although I still have mixed feelings about all the modern construction around the baths to allow for the museum to be there too. Then I walked back to the river Avon and walked around it some, slowing down a little and thinking about my next move. I finally decided to just stay in Bath through dinner and head straight back to Fleet. I also randomly came across a little maze, or labyrinth in the ground. At first I passed it, but I realized that I really wanted to do it, so I doubled back and went through it!

Then, I walked back through town to find the Royal Circus, which is a bunch of houses built by some architect. It was also cooler than I expected, although I could not get really into it. I kept walking around, just to see where I wound up, and I found some Botanical Gardens in a park. I walked around a lot, and finally decided to get some dinner and head back. I ate right out front of Bath Abbey, and it was fun to just stay there a while.

Then, I headed back to the rail station ready to get home and lay down. It went fairly well, except for getting off at a station too early and having to wait an extra 45 minutes or so. But I made it back and now it is time to pack and get ready for the next stop.

What I learned:

The first train I was on would have been a great one to play “Hey Cow!” on. See Andy Roberts for details.

People really like taking pictures touching statue’s butts.

Waking up is really surprising when it relates so closely to your most recent dream.

Dreams can be deceiving when they relate so closely to real life.

Roman Bath water is pretty gross, but that does not stop ducks from stopping by for a dip.

I was surprised how much I remembered about typical Roman bath houses from Latin class. But these also had kind of a temple area added to them with a Sacred Spring.

The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father) has many different variations in wording.

British towns really have upheld city centers for a very long time. I couldn’t help but notice in the middle of Bath where all the activity was, were the Roman baths, which were there years ago, a huge abbey was after that at some point, and now, the area is still busy. But, I think it is most interesting how the dynamic of why people gather there has changed. It is the same spot, and people have come there for ages, but always for a different reason.

Rachel (Michael’s wife) is really a very, very nice person as is the whole family. All three kids were great, and although I was offered a chance to drive a car last night, I still have not ever driven here in England.