The Rolled Stone

Sunday I woke up bright and early (yup, 7am) again for another day trip!  This time I went with a slightly larger group from NYU London and we traveled two hours north to Stonehenge and Salisbury. 

In the distance.

Walking up to it

For those of you that don't know about Stonehenge, it is one of they biggest mysteries in the world.  It is a prehistoric monument which they believe dates back to between 3000 and 2000 BC!  Nobody knows the exact reasoning behind the placement of the stones and nobody knows how they got there.  The stone that this giant monument is made of originates from a location quite a distance from its current location.  This means that this stone was somehow dragged from one location to the other - thousands of miles.  All of this is still unknown.

It is quite awe-inspiring standing in the presence of such a substantial and mysterious piece of antiquity.

Pictures with friends:

Stonehenge photo shoot:

Lots and lots of cows!

Two days of countryside made for a very enjoyable, relaxing, and scenic weekend :)

Lines of people

Then came mine and Taylor's album cover photoshoot:

There's fun to be had at the rocks.

The sun finally came out!  It's a bit chilly up there on that hill.

Apparently she thought it looked like a snake...maybe you see it?

Then we got back on the bus and drove another twenty minutes to Salisbury - home of the Magna Carta (or at least one of the remaining four copies - of which there were thirteen).

And there were swans :)

Taylor and Emily

The Mill Pub where we ate a scrumptious lunch along the riverside

Butternut Squash burger with arugula, chutney, and skin-on chips

St. Paul Cathedral's painting of purgatory - this one was restored a little better than the one in my previous post.  Both of the original paintings would have been affected by the Protestant Reformation.

a.k.a. dollar store

A cute tea shop on the side streets of Salisbury

The beautiful Salisbury Cathedral.  Pure gothic architecture.

I was in love with this steeple for some reason.  The best I've ever seen.

Four way fountain.  New addition to the church as a commemoration.  Used for baptisms.

Cool reflection

Stained glass reflection

Stunning carving

The wood used for these benches dates back to the year 1234.  Yes, it's still the original. How crazy is that?!

Representing the crown of thorns

Such an amazing abstract modern stained glass depiction of the crucifixion.  It's actually genius.  You might be able to see it if you look close enough.

I have a thing for old flags.

Taylor and I bought some delicious fudge here.  They make about 300 different flavors throughout the year.  I bought small pieces of the Butterscotch, Apple Crumble, and Maple Walnut.  All were delish!

And then we drove home where I proceeded to take a nap.  Two day trips in one weekend equals a very tired (but very happy) Rachael.  

The same thing is in store for me next weekend and I can't wait!

Cheers!