Stonehenge, Salisbury, and Bath

Last Saturday we took a bus tour into the countryside. We visited Stonehenge, which was basically just one of those things to check off the list. It was interesting, though, to think that the stones had probably been in the same exact spot for over 4,000 years! I always wondered how the stones on top had stood so strong for millennia. Like many "magic" tricks, the answer is surprisingly simple. Much like the way your hip joint works, there's basically a ball and socket. (In nephew talk, it's like a giant Lego.) They sculpted a round knob on several of the bottom stones which stand vertically, and then sculpt a socket out of the stone that lays flat across two of the bottom stones.



Next we visited Salisbury, which is not the birthplace of Salisbury Steak! It is, however, very rich in history, and is home to one of the largest cathedrals in the United Kingdom. Salisbury Cathedral is spectacularly beautiful. The intricate Gothic architecture, combined with its sheer size is pretty captivating. We also enjoyed some delicious fish and chips for lunch at British pub The Cloisters, which has been operating since the 1750s.



Finally, we visited the Roman baths and the Jane Austen center in the city of Bath. Don't pronounce it like you're taking a "bath," though. It's more like "bawth." Unfortunately, we didn't really have any time to go through the Jane Austen center, so we had to settle for a quick stroll through the gift shop. We did, however, walk over to Jane Austen's house, where she lived for a few years in her 20s. There's now a dentist's office there. Anybody looking to open a dental practice in England? (hint, hint)