I’m part of generation BBC (Born Before Computers) – and proudly so, I must add! And it fascinates me how much technology has changed and taken over our everyday life.
Do you remember (waaaay back) when Windows XP was the most common operating system, particularly the desktop wallpaper which had a few really tall stones arranged haphazardly in some sort of circle? It was the default scenery that dominated most computers while I was starting my career in computer science (before it was called IT and when both TV and computer screens had a protruding behind).
Not long ago when I was visiting my friend in London, I learned that ‘that picture of a stone-thingie on everyone’s computer’ was a real place and one of the top tourist attractions within reach – just 2 hours away. I was thrilled and spontaneously arranged to go see what it looked like up close.
Stonehenge is said to be one of over 4,000 stone circles built over centuries past, around England and the surrounding regions. Like many historical sites, there are varied theories about its origins, development and purpose.
They say it was a building project spanning over 1,500 years on a location that was originally a burial site around 3,000 BC. Some of the stones reach a height of over 9m and weigh over 25 tons and are said to have been transported from as far as 240km away!
As you can see from the photo, Stonehenge is real and standing beside the ancient, well preserved monument was intimidating because of its gigantic size in real life! Yet, it was intriguing just imagining how long the stones had remained intact, withstanding extreme weather, the elements, wars, etc. from time immemorial!
Now history was one of my favourite subjects in school to learn, but quite tiring when it came to all the facts and figures to be crammed and regurgitated for exams. It would have been so much more fun to visit places and ‘feel’ the history, by walking through it and around it!
Next time you are in London or nearby, consider adding this on your list of ‘to do’. For a comfy schedule, I’d recommend you set aside a day and join one of the many organised bus tours available as it’s cheaper and easier as all is arranged for you.
It is well worth the time commitment of about 5-6 hours (4 to cover the return journey and 2 for hanging out there to experience walking back in time while you learn, imagine and marvel).
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