Ancient Rome, Ducks and Flats



An interesting collection of topics for the day.  Today I decided to walk a different way through the park.  I didn't realize, but the park runs from near the office all the way down to St. Michael's Bridge.  The current bridge is the oldest extant bridge in England, but the location has even more history.  It is believed that the Romans originally had a bridge over the River Ver at this location as early as 300 AD.



From there I walked through the park alongside ancient Roman ruins.  At one point I saw a portion of the old city wall.  Looking at a map of the park there are several other Roman ruins to explore and I plan to look at them this weekend.  These ruins are the remains of Verulamium which was the second largest Roman settlement in England.



Where are all the mothers?



Walking through the park this way goes along a couple of artificial lakes filled with all kinds of water fowl.  I saw Ducks, Geese, Swans, and Coots.  By filled I mean FILLED.  At one point I was walking through a flock of hissing geese who did not want to allow me along the path.  It being spring/summer I saw a large number of baby ducks and geese.



Today was the day I got to go look at a flat that will be available late July.  So at lunch time I walked up the hill towards downtown.  Along the way I spied a "Fish Spa".  I had heard of these back home, but never seen one.  I might have to go there just for the experience!

The flat was in a great location, nestled on a private road/alley amongst the old buildings of St Albans downtown.  It is midway between the office and the tube station to London and was much more spacious then I had prepared myself for after watching House Hunters International back in the states.



On the way back to the office I stopped by the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks for my first Fish and Chips which was quite good with some malt vinegar.  This pub claims to be the oldest one in England, but it is in dispute even though they are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.



While Fish and Chips used to be the national food, I have been told by people in the office, and by a tourist video on the Virgin Atlantic flight that Curries have become the new national food.  While I haven't had a curry yet, I have eaten at several Thai places so far, all excellent.



Ye Olde Watch Your Head



All this walking has started to give me shin splints, but I keep reminding myself it is good for  me.  Tomorrow I change Inn's.  For the next month I'll be at the Comfort Inn and I'll let you know how "comfortable" it is!