Bath and Chania, Crete Aug 2019

We left it so late booking this Med cruise, that we had to fly from Bristol.
Not a problem.
We could have a day in Bath first :)
The M5 was a bit tedious but we arrived in time for an afternoon of spa-ing.
Bath's rooftop open air Thermal Baths  (Britain's original thermal spa) were the perfect start to the holiday, they are definitely worth a visit. Powerful water jets on my shoulders, tame saunas but blinded by steam in the steam rooms, amazing fragrances and the bliss of crushed ice to cool and exfoliate...it was lovely. 💙💙💙 (OMG I've done some hearts!)

History of the Spa

There is archaeological evidence that there was human activity around the hot springs on which the City of Bath is built at least 8,000 years B.C; but probably the place was too mysterious, with steam emerging from a hot, lushly vegetated swampy area for any settlement to take place here. According to legend, Prince Bladud, who had contracted leprosy, was cured after bathing in the hot muddy waters. In gratitude, Bladud founded the City of Bath around the springs in 863BC.  As documented by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his 12th century ‘History of the Kings of Briton’, Bladud proceeded to become the 9th King of the Britons and supposed father of King Lear.

We had really, really enjoyed it. (We kept the "hooty" flipflops)  Little did we know there would be a similar facility on board Explorer 2 with its sauna, steamroom, fabulous infinity hydropool and tubs of crushed ice. What a bonus. Something to remember for future bookings.

The AirBnB was 3 miles from Bristol Airport, a great find by the Husb.  We were able to walk into the village for pubgrub and a pint that night(don't tell the vegan B+B lady we had pie and chips) and then early next morning Richard from the B+B gave us a lift to the airport and we left our car in his drive.

The flight (we hate flying) was pretty awesome, smooth, on time and with brilliant views of the Alps (THE ALPS!!!) (in-joke if you're not a spinner) and we were soon on deck with Peter Crouch and a BookAboutaBear. By 3pm Husb had had 2 beers and I was halfway through a Salty Sandwedge (oooeeerr) and before I knew it I was tucking into a Beef Goulash (whaaaaat?) as it was the only garlic free option in the menu. Since when did prawn cocktail and roast pork warrant the addition of garlic?

I can't believe we booked a holiday when England were playing Australia in the 3rd Test of the Ashes at Headingley (WHAAAAT?) As it happened the opening day was delayed due to rain and Steve Smith was ruled out due to concussion.... but then it became dramatic...

The amazing Jofra Archer took six for 45 as Australia collapsed from 136-2 to 179 all out on a dramatic, rain-affected opening day at Headingley

Anyway we went for dinner in Sheffield United colours.

But first...cocktails and the thrashing of Husb at Score Rummy LOL

Then tomorrow...Crete.

CHANIA, CRETE. 

Friday 23rd August 2019

A nice little place...and look... new spinning bikes haha!

I could burn my AliHolli logo on those :)

There was a lovely walk round to the lighthouse.

"I'll take the  high road and you take the low road... lalala"

This had to be done.

This, however, was a bit tricky.

Before re-embarking we had a few hours on the local beach which had good waves to leap in (bit of a surprise and a bonus) and lovely frondy sunbeds. It was all very pleasant.