Stonehenge/Salisbury

I had a nice day on our coach trip to Stonehenge and Salisbury (Land of the Steak?)  Stonehenge is impressive if you think try to contemplate how and why the stones are in that arrangement.  Some theories given on the audio tour are: aliens, Merlin, and/or The Devil.  Though probably not true, they are entertaining!  It isn't as big as I had imagined it and it is a shame that you can't touch the stones.  The experience was sort of like my grandparents trip to the Grand Canyon - "Yep, looks just like the pictures," they said, then left.  Same thing with Stonehenge.

Next, we went

to Salisbury Cathedral.  It was similar to Westminister Abbey, but this time we were able to take pictures of the inside. The ceilings are soaring way up overhead, with gorgeous stonework and elaborate stained glass windows.

Stephanie and I ate a picnic lunch in the grassy area out front, then toured the town.  On Tuesdays they have a market in old downtown.  It was a lot like a flea

 market/garage sale with fruits and vegetables, odd clothing, (including an underwear stand), and random car mats. 

Next, we wandered into the local library.  It was  in a renovated office building, but they made it really homey with kids artwork and colorful displays in the children's section.  I asked the librarian in that area about some good titles to

 share with my girls back in the U.S.  She was very happy to talk to us and was quite surprised by our blank looks when she

 mentioned some of the popular children's literature authors in the UK.  Some of her suggestions are: picture books by Julia Donaldson (Room on a Broom was her favorite)and The Whisperer by Nick Butterworth; The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton; The Horrid Henry series by Francesca Simon; and books by Michael Morpurgo.  It was interesting to talk to a British librarian and to hear what books are popular with children over here.