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March 30, 2007
Salisbury
Monday - We got up early this morning to make it to breakfast and let me just say it was the biggest meal I have had in a very long time! Headed down to the bus station to catch a city bus to Stonehenge. We were debating between a bus tour vs city bus to go to Stonehenge, but Scott discovered yesterday that the tourist buses don't run on weekdays during the off season. So the city bus it is. I can't believe how much a bus pass costs - a day pass is 7 pounds (yes I mean pounds). Anyway went to Stonehenge, but I don't really know how to describe it. It is someplace I really wanted to go (or to have been), but being there didn't feel special. Maybe it was because you could literally almost touch the cars driving past on the road or that you aren't allowed anywhere near the actual stone (without special permission granted months in advance). It was just weird.
On the bus ride home we stopped at Old Sarum - the original site of Salisbury. It is mostly just a big hill with some ruins on it. It was interesting and had an amazing view. Well worth the time spent, although we didn't actually spend the money to go into the ruins.
Once we were back in town we grabbed a bite to eat (I found a new lunch that I love - the Cornish Pasty - although the name makes me giggle) and headed to Salisbury Cathedral. The Cathedral was beautiful. It is one of the oldest in England and is unique because it was completed in one generation and therefore in one style. I find it interesting/creepy that the bury people in the floor (and other parts) of churches, but I guess it is as good a place as any. The other interesting thing at the Cathedral is one of the 4 remaining original copies of the Magna Carta.
I have to admit that most of the reason we took the side trip to Salisbury steams from a book that I read (the Covenant by James Michener). Ever since reading it for the first time (in high school) I have wanted to see this part of England (and parts of South Africa).
Tuesday - Another big breakfast today then we sadly checked out. We walked down to the market square (Salisbury is know for their market days) and looked around the Market that was going on. It was mostly Meats and Veggies, but there were a few stalls of random (think flea market) trinkets and junk. I was astounded by the number of butchers stalls! nearly 1/3 to 1/2 of the market. After the market it was on to the train to Windsor.
Posted by Jesse at March 30, 2007 2:18 PM