Our second attempt to see Stonehenge was a success.  The last day of our stay in Bath we caught a train and headed to Salisbury, then got on a bus that’s specifically for going to the Stonehenge site, complete with audio ports and disposable earbuds to listen to historical information and insights on the way.  

We got there a little early, found seats on the top deck.  Arlie sat down across the aisle from Scott and I.  A few minutes later a pretty blonde lady came up and sat down in the seat in front of her.  She overheard Arlie saying something to us and joined in on the discussion.  My ears immediately perked up as I recognized a familiar accent.  “Where ya from?” I said.  “Arkansas,” she said and asked us where we were from.  As my dad would say, I started grinning like a Cheshire cat.  I couldn’t believe it.  We kept talking and learned her name, Pamela, that she grew up in LIttle Rock, was just a year ahead of me in school (although we went to different high schools) and even knew some of my elementary and junior high school classmates!  What a fun surprise!  When we travel, I’m usually blown away by how BIG the world is.  This time, it was the opposite.  How can both be true?

When the bus started, we plugged into the audio port and learned about Stonehenge as we drove out into the countryside.  When we got to the Stonehenge visitor center, Pamela said, “I’m sticking with y’all today.  I  hope that’s okay.”  We said, “Sure!”  and away we went, now a party of six.  You can either ride a bus or take a grassy trail out to the site so we walked the trail and chatted the whole way.  Sometimes Pamela would talk to the kids, asking them this or that, sometimes Scott or I.  She is a truly delightful and interesting person and we were all blessed to get to know her.  

Stonehenge is an English and World Heritage Site.  Because it dates back to prehistoric times, its purpose is largely a mystery.  Historians assume it was some sort of temple because it is perfectly aligned with the summer and winter solstices.  This placement also means it could also have been used as a planting calendar. There is also a theory that it is located on a ley line, a concept that is debated and not scientifically proven.  As a gardener, I favor the planting calendar theory.  

Stonehenge is also a marvel.  It is hard to fathom how people with no modern tools or transportation could move and arrange such massive stones, some of them from 150 miles away!  There are ten ancient stone circles in England, but Stonehenge is unique in that it is the only one with mantles laying on top of other stones.  These stones are massive y’all.  How did they get them up there?!

We rode the shuttle back to the Visitor’s center and ate lunch.  We decided to skip the museum and head back to Salisbury where we decided to go see the famous cathedral of the same name.  (Well, four of us did.)  John and Abe fell behind to look at something and never ended up going into the cathedral, but Pamela, Scott, Arlie and I all toured it.  

Salisbury cathedral was built in the 1200’s over thirty-eight years by the catholic church.  It has lived a long, rich life weathering many storms – the transition to the Anglican church, the surge of puritan passion and even the threat of collapsing under the weight of its own tower to name a few.  It is MASSIVE and beautiful.  It is also unique in that there is no screen blocking off the altar from the congregation nave.  There is a contemporary font positioned where one of the transepts intersects with the nave that perfectly reflects the gorgeous stained glass windows.  

Besides the impressive cathedral, the complex also has a lovely cloister and chapter house that houses an original copy of the magna carta and amazing friezes – one that circles the room depicting scenes from the old testament and one that arches a doorway depicting the seven cardinal virtues and their competing vices.  

When we left the cathedral, we said goodbye to Pamela.  It was time for her to catch her train back to Southampton.  We had an hour or so to wait for ours, so we headed to get dinner.  We’re hoping to see Pamela again, possibly later on this trip.  She is a musician and was in England for a short time before getting on a Norwegian cruise ship to work for a month as an entertainer.  You can check out her music at https://www.pamelahopkinsmusic.com/

When she was gone and it was just the five of us eating dinner Arlie said, “It was so nice to talk to someone else today!”  And it really was.  But not just because she was someone besides us.  Pamela is just one of those people who you immediately feel comfortable with and like you have known her for a long time.  Our time with her was a blessing.  Wherever you are today, I hope God blesses you with an unexpected friend – someone who brightens your day and reminds you of His goodness.