Ever since I first heard of it, I thought it would be cool to see Stonehenge, although I didn't really ever put it on the bucket list. It was one of those, if I happen to be in the neighbourhood, I'll probably drop by, but not sure what all the fuss is about. Just a bunch of big rocks in the middle of a field, yes? So when my friend, London, said, "Do you want go and see Stonehenge?" I thought sure, I'm kind of in the neighbourhood. Didn't realize that a 2-hour drive (half of that trying to get through a few miles on the M25) was "in the neighbourhood" in England. Problem here is that none of the roads go in a direction that makes sense, they all go in circles.
Anyway, we finally get there, the sky is mostly cloudy (what? in England they get cloudy skies? Note the extreme sarcasm), and somewhat dreary, but it's not raining nor windy nor cool. So hopefully I will get some good pics. I had spent a fair bit of time on the plane coming across the big puddle reading through the manual for my "new" Nikon D7100 that I've had since Xmas and not really taken the time to figure out how to use. Now is a great chance to try my hand at some manual settings, especially some of the cool, built-in special effects. If things don't go well, I can always go back to Auto.
First, I want to make note that English Heritage has done an amazing job of protecting this amazing site while still providing an opportunity for the masses to view it and wonder. Free wi-fi allows for the download of a free audio guide to a smartphone or tablet, An Exhibition area displays video of the history of the site, the skeletal remains of a man found during one archaelogical excavation, and reconstructed Neolithic huts similar to what might have been used by people working on the building of Stonehenge. They have completed a major landscaping project that has restored the terrain surrounding the stones to grass, Although no one is allowed to go near the stones, and therefore my one wish, to be able to stand in the very center to see if there is truly a magic there, is not to be granted, it is still an enchanting place.
There is a bus that takes visitors every 5 minutes throughout the day along the 3-mile route from the visitors' center to the area of the stones, although there is also a walking path for those that choose. We opt for the bus simply because we have arrived later in the day than expected, and we wish to have more time viewing the stones and taking photographs, listening to the audio guide and learning what is known about this mysterious structure.
The bus arrives at the site, which is atop a hill. Every direction you look, it appears that you are looking down or across. Which makes sense if the stones were indeed used for the purposes of measuring time by the sun, although the purpose of it remains a mystery to all. Perhaps it was intended to be a compass for alien air traffic control, or a spaceship landing site? Maybe it was a giant gathering place, like the Colisseum in Rome, for the myriad of Druids that lived in the area. Maybe it was simply intended as a permanent shelter, a neolithic condo, that was never finished because the original intention and design was lost when whoever designed passed away. Whatever the purpose, it was important enough to the people that died in the construction of it, to risk their lives. All comments, thoughts and ideas are welcome here.
At any rate, walking around the stones, marvelling at how they came to be here, why, and by whom were they transported here and assembled, was quite the experience. The gray matter is still working on it, and probably will be for quite some time to come.
After returning to the visitor center, the gift center called to me, and we wandered about, looking for treasures that were not just cheap souvenirs. I find a lovely silver charm of the stones, and then we notice a display of local wines and liqueurs, samples of which were being offered. Never one to turn down the chance to try something new, beverage or otherwise, we learn that one of the offerings is something neither of us have heard of - damson gin. Now, gin I know of, it goes great with tonic. But what is the meaning of damson? As we learn, the gin is soaked in damson plums (now it rings a bell), and the gin takes on the unique flavour of the fruit. We try it, and instantly two bottles find their way into our possession. It is divine! And of course, all the more desirable since it is unlikely to be found anywhere else. Easily, anyway.
A final selection, yes I know, a bit cheesy, but it's hard to turn down a t-shirt that reads "Stonehenge Rocks!" Another wonderful day!
Anyway, we finally get there, the sky is mostly cloudy (what? in England they get cloudy skies? Note the extreme sarcasm), and somewhat dreary, but it's not raining nor windy nor cool. So hopefully I will get some good pics. I had spent a fair bit of time on the plane coming across the big puddle reading through the manual for my "new" Nikon D7100 that I've had since Xmas and not really taken the time to figure out how to use. Now is a great chance to try my hand at some manual settings, especially some of the cool, built-in special effects. If things don't go well, I can always go back to Auto.
First, I want to make note that English Heritage has done an amazing job of protecting this amazing site while still providing an opportunity for the masses to view it and wonder. Free wi-fi allows for the download of a free audio guide to a smartphone or tablet, An Exhibition area displays video of the history of the site, the skeletal remains of a man found during one archaelogical excavation, and reconstructed Neolithic huts similar to what might have been used by people working on the building of Stonehenge. They have completed a major landscaping project that has restored the terrain surrounding the stones to grass, Although no one is allowed to go near the stones, and therefore my one wish, to be able to stand in the very center to see if there is truly a magic there, is not to be granted, it is still an enchanting place.
There is a bus that takes visitors every 5 minutes throughout the day along the 3-mile route from the visitors' center to the area of the stones, although there is also a walking path for those that choose. We opt for the bus simply because we have arrived later in the day than expected, and we wish to have more time viewing the stones and taking photographs, listening to the audio guide and learning what is known about this mysterious structure.
The bus arrives at the site, which is atop a hill. Every direction you look, it appears that you are looking down or across. Which makes sense if the stones were indeed used for the purposes of measuring time by the sun, although the purpose of it remains a mystery to all. Perhaps it was intended to be a compass for alien air traffic control, or a spaceship landing site? Maybe it was a giant gathering place, like the Colisseum in Rome, for the myriad of Druids that lived in the area. Maybe it was simply intended as a permanent shelter, a neolithic condo, that was never finished because the original intention and design was lost when whoever designed passed away. Whatever the purpose, it was important enough to the people that died in the construction of it, to risk their lives. All comments, thoughts and ideas are welcome here.
At any rate, walking around the stones, marvelling at how they came to be here, why, and by whom were they transported here and assembled, was quite the experience. The gray matter is still working on it, and probably will be for quite some time to come.
A final selection, yes I know, a bit cheesy, but it's hard to turn down a t-shirt that reads "Stonehenge Rocks!" Another wonderful day!
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