Stonehenge
STUDENT TRAVEL JOURNALS
Melissa Radtke
2-5-00 WEEK 3
At around 10:00 AM on February 5th, the group arrived at Stonehenge
with much anticipation. Many Americans have absolutely no idea what they are
in for when they go to see this massive structure. The reason is that most U.S.
citizens only know of its existence from books, movies, and stories. Stonehenge
itself is actually quite mysterious. Its approximate age is about 5000 years,
built in the bronze age. It must have been a seriously difficult undertaking
for them, for these stones are not originally of the 
area’s
bedrock, and technology for them was very limited. They had to have come from
elsewhere, most likely hundreds of miles away! Most likely the huge stones were
brought to the site by boat and chiefly from there by manpower. These early
peoples began building it in approximately 2900 B.C. There were constant alterations
being made to it, and it is believed that it had little changes made to it after
about 1600 B.C. So, this circle of stones must have been quite important to
them, considering they worked for so long on it. The purpose for these stones
is uncertain. It is believed, however, that they were used for viewing the stars,
and for telling time. It is a known fact that on Midsummer’s Day, June 20th,
the sun aligns with the stones in a perfect way, suggesting that they were erected
to have a purpose dealing with the sun and specifically on that day. However,
regarding their purpose, there is still much speculation. Presently, many like
to believe that these stones had some outside purpose . . . such as alien communication
or that they were built by "E.T," or other extra-terrestrial life
forms. But, that is not the most commonly-held opinion. Stonehenge is most likely
a human-made structure, one of great importance, and a great feat of early builders.
It was a privilege for our group to see it.
As the coach rolled up the side of one of the many green hills of the English
countryside, a few of the enormous stones came into sight. Throughout the bus,
everyone gasped upon seeing it, in total awe of what stood before us. We all
knew that we were in store for something the likes of which we have never even
imagined we’d ever witness.
Once the coach stopped in the lot, and we all got out. We were informed that
we only had 30 minutes to explore. Everyone rushed to the gate, grabbed a phone-like
device which served as an automated guide, and began the "tour." Stonehenge
is now roped off for several feet around it. This is a security measure, since
there has been damage to the structure in the past. But, everyone really wanted
to get just a little closer, or inside the stones themselves. The whole
group took numerous pictures from many different angles, and just basically
walked around it in a complete circle to see each and every possible view. The
whole thing was just breathtaking, and even the cold and wind didn’t seem to
really bother anyone all too much. Strangely enough, many of us were surprised
to find that there was an entire field of sheep grazing practically at the front
door of Stonehenge!
At the end of the tour, everyone piled into the gift shop, and bought yet more
souvenirs to take home. Stonehenge had a really nice gift shop, which many people
weren’t expecting at all. Most of the group expected just a bunch of stones
in the middle of a field which were wide open for the public to come and see.
Although the stones are now protected and roped off, it was still a privilege
to be able to see Stonehenge, and an experience that none of us will soon forget.
It is wonderful that "English Heritage" is taking steps to preserve
and keep these incredible monuments intact for many future generations to wonder
about and enjoy.