Stourhead is one of the most picturesque and romantic locations I have ever visited. It might even be the top. The weather today was drizzly and quite windy at times, but that just added to the beauty of the place. I was talking with Sarah and we decided to come back when we're eighty or so and make it our permanent residence. But I think it would be too cold for me by that time. I wouldn't mind going back in the future, though.
We walked through the gardens and found all manner of delightful attractions. There was a lake, a grotto, a pantheon, Apollo's temple, and beautiful scenery at every angle. I wish my camera could have captured it. We were there for just under two hours, but I could have happily stayed there for at least a full day. I love it.
We then hopped back onto the coach (because buses are the vehicles that transport people around the city and coach drivers are meticulous about what they're called, apparently) and started off towards Wells. I was a little tired, but I wanted to see all the scenery (because the English countryside is gorgeous). Riding in the coach was a little bit rough, though, and I fell asleep to avoid carsickness. The scenery I did see was perfect, though, I realized today that I don't love London as much as I expected to. I mean, I do love it and there's no place in the world quite like it, but I would never want to live here. The country, however, is everything I imagined when I thought of England. It is lush and green, there are cobblestone streets, the houses ooze history but are still lived in, the people are kinder, the cities quieter, and the rain more peaceful. It's just more comfortable for me.
We visited Wells Cathedral and it was amazing to see the architecture from so long ago. Wells has managed to retain its medieval feel, especially in the cathedral, and so it's like stepping through a painting into another realm. The cathedral was exquisite and bright and had the most incredible stained glass. I have never seen stained glass like it before. I don't know that I would want the likes of it in my home, but it was fascinating to look at.
There was also a library in the cathedral. It was one of the most incredible things I've seen here. We started taking to a guide and he told us about the chain library they had up there. Seeing those old books connected to the shelves filled me with reverence and awe and love. I actually started to tear up as he was talking about the books they have there and the scholars who are able to go and study the ancient tomes. Books are vital to this world, you know. They are the truest time capsules we have.
We had a few minutes to wander around the city before we had to board the coach for Stonehenge. We found a little bakery and got the most delicious hot chocolate. It was bitter and a little powdery (which sounds gross but it was amazing) and you know there was real cocoa powder in it. And it was hot which was appreciated. The wind was quite cutting.
Stonehenge was amazing, but it wasn't my favorite destination of the day. The other two were much more fitted to my liking (but that may have been because the wind at Stonehenge was insane! If you leaned into it it would actually hold you up for a bit). It is mind-boggling that people were able to create such an incredible structure that has withstood so many years. And those rocks are enormous. I can't imagine them being any sort of easy to transport.
Because the wind was so strong and cold I didn't want to be there for very long. We took lots of pictures (though not on my camera because my battery was dying) and then returned to the museum and gift shop. Who knew there were so many ways to incorporate Stonehenge into your wardrobe?
Then we came home. My roommates and I went to an Italian restaurant called Zizi's tonight and I feel like I died and went to food heaven. I love Italian food already, but this surpassed any experience I have ever had with it before. I'll definitely be going back before I leave.
Today was practically perfect. The weather created a few adventures, but that made the memories all the more concrete and dear. I wouldn't trade anything for today.
Entering Stourhead
The gardens
A greenhouse
Stourhead mansion/house
There was this cool bike just hanging out by the house. Well it's not really a bike. . . it was a sculpture of one.
Sarah, Kenna, Caitlin, Lizzie, me
This is James. He's the son of one of the directors and is so funny. He also hates cameras so I had to sneak up on him while he was distracted with a camera and a sucker.
A cool archway
I just liked the shape of the vines.
In the middle of their map consulting I called for a picture.
People actually STAY in these houses! Aaaaaaahhhh!
Just one of the views in the garden.
Lizzie's words here, "Is this even real life?!"
Sarah, me
Water lilies!
Okay so you can't tell because my camera was picking up all the light it could, but the trees created a tunnel that was dim and cool and so beautiful.
Tossing pennies into the stream.
On the trail leading up to Apollo's palace. So gorgeous!
And there it is! Pride and Prejudice, anyone?
The view from the top of the hill was breathtaking.
On the trail back down. The cobblestones were slick from the rain so there was some slipping involved here.
For whatever reason I didn't get a picture of the outside of Wells Cathedral, but this is the incredible scissor archway inside.
It was seriously so beautiful.
One of the many stained glass windows
This was a really cool clock. On the hour the horses up on top started going around on a track and the puppet in the top right corner of the picture started hitting the bell. It was so cool.
In the Lady's chapel
These are the worn steps leading to the Chapter House.
In the Quire
More stained glass. It was so intricate!
This is a covering used for the alter. I loved it.
The library! This is the "newer" section. There are people standing by the gate that leads to the chain library.
A stained glass window in the library.
This is the chain library. Look at how beautiful they are! And the best part is is it's still being used today. It's not a museum.
Bet you can't recognize this structure.
It was so windy! My bangs look like I have some weird comb-over action or something.
Me, Caitlin, part of Lizzie
I really like this one.
The aftermath of Stonehenge. It was worth it, though.
Now that it is quite past my bedtime I think I'll wrap this up. England is amazing and I can't wait to see more. After sleep, of course. More tomorrow!
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