As Frances was going to study for her MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology at the Bath Spa University College, we went with her to see the famous World Heritage Site in Bath with the ancient Roman baths and the 18th century sandstone buildings.
Flying with Aer Lingus on an Airbus A320 we arrived Bristol in lovely sunshine and went by train to Bath.

Bath, August 2005

One of the first places we went to visit was the Royal Crescent. This imposing row of houses has around 30 apartments of exclusive style and class. Roger was considering buying an apartment...
This was Nicholas' first trip abroad with the Travelling Bears, and he felt humble and grateful.
- Ah, Roger said. - That feeling will stop once you've become a globe trotter like me...

Bamse was very impressed by the Royal Crescent. Nicholas was impressed by Bamse learning English.
- You were nearly 40 before you started. Do you find it difficult?
- Well, I keep repeating all the new words I learn like pram, pastry, cinnamon, cuff links etc. - and I'm still trying to work out how to use ostentatious in the right context without offending bears (or people).

Bath, August 2005

McBear, Roger and Tom sat down at the River Avon to watch the river boats and the famous Pultney Bridge.
- This could be a splendid destination for Tom Teddy Tours, Tom declared.

We all went to see the famous Roman Baths, but before we entered the baths, we had tea and cakes in the lovely Pump Room. Yummy-yum, but Roger stated that cakes are not good for your figure. However, while the rest of us were leaving, Roger for some reason stayed.
- Wauvvv, he said to himself as he had spotted a huge raspberry on one of the remaining cakes. - A single bite couldn't harm my figure....
When Roger finally left, the raspberries on all the tables seemed to have suffered a sudden extinction!

Bath, August 2005

Bath Spa is full of exciting attractions like the imposing abbey, which can be seen from the baths. McBear was sorry he forgot to buy books about Bath at home.
- I am sure you can buy books here in Hughes & Hughes or Hedges & Figs, Roger suggested.
- It's actually Hodges Figgis, and they are only in Dublin, McBear corrected.
- Oh, okay, whatever, but at least Hughes & Hughes must have some books...

There are many old statues above the springs and baths.

Bath, August 2005

The remains of the ancient Roman baths were located in the basement.
- Yuk, the water stinks! McBear said!
Roger started giggling.
- It's like the water at home after you've had your monthly bath!
- Weekly! McBear corrected and muttered.

We studied a model of the baths as they probably looked like in Roman times.
- It's really a pity I forgot to buy books, McBear said
- I still believe you can buy some in Hedges & Figs, Roger pointed out.
- It's Hodges Figgis!
- Stop correcting me! Roger gave out.

Bath, August 2005

Being an Aquarius, McBear had a big wish to go and see the house of William Herschel.
- And Herschel is the guy who discovered Uranus in 1781? Roger asked.
- Yes...well, actually Uranus had been spotted in 1690 and even before, but Herschel re-discovered it and realised it was a planet.

Next morning Roger went out early to do his usual run. He then sat down at a duck pond nearby. One of the mother ducks was very upset.
- What's wrong? Roger asked.
- It's people!!! she complained. - They leave litter everywhere, and my poor children suffer from swimming in dirty water!
Roger felt sorry for the mother and started feeling he might have a mission. Only action from a courageous hero bear could solve a problem like this. Roger started making plans for the future....