Dancing with an Englishman

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Consider Stonehenge checked off the list of "Places to see before you die". We toured the giant tourist stones in the rain, which Im learning is not actually typical of England. The audiotour left me unsatisfied...still no answers to "Who moved these 45 tonne stones?" Why did they do it? And even more importantly, "how in the world did they get them here?" The audiotour only provided the answer of "giant rafts" and "probably for the sun god". The amazing thing is that one-third of these rocks are buried beneath the ground, and the concentric circles were probably erected hundreds of years apart from each other. We need more answers.
More impressive to me than Stonehenge was the Salisbury Cathedral, voted England's second most beautiful cathedral. I havent seen the first, but Ill have to disagree and say Salisbury takes the cake. It was massive, and upon inspection, you can only utter, "wow". Exactly the desired response, according to the Church of England. The sheer magnitude of cathedrals and churches of this time (and some still today) was to impress upon the puny humans the sheer power and majesty of God. Salisbury is unique because it was built, starting in 1220, in a period of 28 years--most cathedrals are built over at least twice this time because of a lack of funding, issues with the builders, plagues etc. We had a wonderful tour guide (that made our audiotour at Stonehenge look like moldy bread) who guided us through the cathedral's bowing columns made of snail shell and the knights buried beneath. Salisbury is also home of one of the five remaining Magna Cartas from 1215, which was the "foundation of democracy and provided the basis for many constitutions". In laymans terms, it enabled women to say "no" to someone who wanted to marry them, and declared the people free to choose to worship in the Church of England...more about that later.
That evening was concluded with a charity fundraiser Barndance that raised money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. We really got a kick (pun intended) out of watching the English dance, dressed in plaid shirts and jeans. The caller was excellent and made me realize that the fun in Barndancing comes from the fact that everybody is equally as terrible. The partygoers all asked, "isnt this what you do at home?" Adam and I laughed and told them all about our life in Texas riding horses to school and sleeping on hay bales. There was even a pig roasted on a spit over an open fire for dinner.

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Comments

[Stephanie Perry]

Photos
I am loving all your photos...keep them coming girl! Warm Wishes, Stephanie

[Kevin]

Look out England
Looks like the Untied Kingdom has finally been blessed with your wonderful presence, curious camera, and graceful gift for words. You seem to be having an absolute blast! I enjoyed reading all your blogs as much as you seem to have revisting your journey while writing them. Have much more fun and stay safe, tell Adam hi....though he doesnt really know me..haha...keep writing so we can keep reading. luv kev.......ps...im super busy...cast in "I Am A Camera"....i play Clive (American, Tall, forties, drunkish) hehe

[Nancy]

Time in Petersfield
Appears as if you had a great time with the Whitehorns. Tell us all. Where are you guys headed next? Or maybe you don't want to leave! So glad we could hook you up. Be safe. - Love from VA. Beach

[Ashley]

i love your mode of transportation and the food....AMAZING!

[Eman]

Oh snaps!
Hey Rachel, your pictures are awesome! It looks like from the pictures that you two are having a good time but you know what, me and dude thought if adam was a good boyfriend he would have moved Stonehenge around to spell your name or atleast impressed you with his massive strength by knocking a piece of it over. Weak! Anyways, I am curious about the people you've run across. Or have you heard any crazy stories or legends? Oh and if you get to Norway, ask about me, I am kind of a big name over there. Well tell Adam I am well on my way with earning enough to buy my ticket to fly over the pond, I just cashed my lottery ticket and am now 2 dollars or should I say 2 pounds richer! I've gotta go decide whether I should spend or save my riches now. Adios. -Elliott

[Amy Snyder]

BMW
Little sis! I love the BMW and all the pictures you have taken! Looks like you are having the best time! I will miss you this weekend at Homecoming! Be safe

[Kristina]

Wow Rachel, it looks like you're having tons of fun. I just now got a chance to get on here, and I am amazed by all the things you have seen (and I am only to this entry)! You went to Salisbury? I agree, that is the most beautiful cathedral! And the town around it is super cute, too! ;-)