Day 8-Student Persepctives

We started our day in Iron Bridge Gorge on the bus by 6:30. After a 3 hour drive we arrived in Bath, England where we had some time to grab a snack before heading into the Bath exhibit. Inside we followed along with audio guides as we were able to take in the sights and learn the history and culture behind the Baths as well as learning that several years ago the Olympic swim team entered the waters of the Bath and were hospitalized with servere rashes and other problems. Looking at the water it isn't hard to see why. The exhibit itself was pretty informational and interesting. Walking through raised some questions about the authenticity and unusual flow of all the parts of the museum.

After leaving Bath the group got back on the bus for a few hour drive to Stonehenge, the mysterious stones. The land around the visitor's center was flat and a vibrant green. To get to the stones we had to take a few minutes bus ride which left us at a path on front of the stones. Following an audio guide and "facts" from our bus driver, we had the opportunity to learn about the burial mounds and ditches surrounding the stones. The inner grounds of the stones are only available on special occasions or to archeologists, as the ground is fragile since the site is so old. The audio guide provided information about the structure and composition of the stones as well as theories as to why this site exists. Despite the mystery behind the site it allowed the group a chance to see a famous landmark and take in the picturesque surroundings.

After a long day of touring and bus time we arrived in our final destination of London.

-Ana Telkamp

Waking up at 5:30 is a tough way to start the day after experiencing a Wednesday night at on the Harper Adams campus.  Despite little sleep, we loaded the bus at 7:00bound for Bath.  Of all the places we have been so far, the town of Bath was one of the most interesting.  The architecture and stone streets take you back in time.  The old buildings surrounding the Roman Baths are neat little shops.  As we were walking down the streets, I noticed lots of Spas and soap shops.  Later after touring the Roman Baths, I realized where the all the spas and soap shops got their inspiration. (Duh!) The baths were incredibly interesting. The structure and architecture of the baths and springs make you wonder how this was possible 2,000 years ago and how is it still here!?  Inside the baths, I learned of how the people took their baths which involved a process of acclimating to the heat, taking a dip in the steaming bath and finally cooling off in the spa.  Who knew there were spas shortly after Jesus' death?
The next stop was Stonehenge which was also incredible!  Again, how was this possible!?  The more I learned about the science and history behind the stones, the more amazing it became.  Stonehenge is a very iconic scene in which I never thought I'd see. Now seeing it in person made the world feel a little smaller to me.  We have been from the top of the UK to the bottom and with each place we visit, the world (agriculture, history, etc.) seem to come alive in such real and interesting ways. 

-Tori Parker



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