Recent Wanderings

A couple of weeks ago I went out to Stonehenge and Salisbury for the day. Stonehenge is a lot smaller than I expected, but I think it looses much of its impact by the fact that you aren't allowed close up to the stones - all thanks to past visitors taking bits as mementos. Plus they are covered in all kinds of rare lichen which get damaged by greasy human fingers touching them.

Disappointingly I was not overcome with feelings of mysticism or 'vibes'. It was a stinking hot day, there were screeds of tourists, and I was admittedly concerned about whether we would have time to fit in watching the (ill-fated) England vs. Portugal game. On a less busy day I think it would be cool to drive up and see Stonehenge looming up on the hill in the middle of nowhere (apparently it used to be surrounded by forest).




Salisbury itself is lovely - there is a great weekend market, and there are loads of nice pubs and cafes alongside the river canal.


















Salisbury Cathedral is amazing - even when half covered in scaffolding. It's home to the best version of the Magna Carta, kept in the Chapter House. Now for those of you who have been to Washington DC or who have seen the movie "National Treasure", you will know how guarded and well protected the Declaration of Independence is, in the USA. Well, the poor old Magna Carta is in some shoddy display case that looks like it was whacked together in the days before the personal computer. You almost stumble over it, rather than it beingmade a big deal of - very strange for a founding document. Even the Treaty of Waitangi has a far worthier display. The statue of the photo is of the 'Black Lady', the ghost who has been seen many times in the grounds.

I also went to St Thomas' church and saw the Doom painting. No one is sure who painted it, but it gives quite a powerful image to what happens to the saints and sinners amongst us!