The Village & THAT Assembly of Stones

Danielle braving the strong winds!

Our Bath escapade continued...

Day 3, Sun 4 March: Ah, You mean that's it?
We woke up to the gentle pitter patter of rain outside our window. Alas, we were not to enjoy an extension of yesterday's wonderful weather. But no matter, a little rain was NOT going to dampen our holiday spirits! Whooo-wheee!

After a quick breakfast, we set off for the nearby Methodist church, hoping to catch the service. However, we were too early so in the end, decided to give it a miss. But not before saying a prayer to hopefully 'absolve' ourselves of the guilt. Sheesh.

Having seen most of Bath, we decided to make the most of the rented car by driving to nearby towns/villages. Not wanting to pack in too tight a schedule, we kept it to 2 locations: Stonehenge and Lacock Village.

But this time, we made sure we got directions first before setting off. Driving was smooth-sailing after, and we made it to Lacock without a hitch in 1/2 hr.

Lacock is a tiny village north of Bath. It's so small it doesn't make the 'must-see' list with most visitors. I was wooed by its 'uniquely preserved country village' description on the brochure but more so by the BOLD print that read: Location for films - Harry Potter, Pride & Prejudice, Moll Flanders and Emma. That made ALL the difference and I cajoled Dee into driving there for a looksy.

As we meandered through the windy roads, I slipped into a reverie- of long, lazy walks on the vast grounds at 'Pemberley', gazing upon the pond where Colin Firth stripped and took a dip, unending meadows and genteel ladies carrying pretty parasols.

But Lacock was NOT the location for those scenes. Darnations! No Pemberley? No Netherfields? No pond with half-naked Colin Firth? Oh woe to me! (actually, my indignation's more on Queen Lovie's behalf. Hoho!)

That visit to Lacock, though futile in its 'filmed-on-location' offerings, was not entirely wasted. Visiting the village was like a 'blast from the past'; as if Time had stood still in the 13th century. The shops and houses were left virtually untouched by modernization. We browsed in quaint corner shops, inns and the Townhall - all very charming...

Next stop, Stonehenge.

It was pouring by the time we got to the site. We'd taken a 1.5hr drive from Lacock and were thankfully not lost due to the excellent directions given by Rose's husband. But it was NOT a good day to visit the stones, not that we'd have stayed long anyway. We stared at the monument for 5 minutes, got bored, and headed back to the car. I think the heavy downpour must've dulled our excitement. Besides, the traffic zipping past the prehistoric site at 100km/h was all too strange. The monument is located next to a highway, see.

And I must be helluva uncultured because all I saw was a bunch of rocks. No 'ooh-ing' or 'ahh-ing' from this girl. Nosiree. I couldn't believe we drove ALL THE WAY to see a bleedin' rock formation!

But I guess we can now say 'Been there, Done that', and...'Good Riddance'! Once is enough!

sian ji puah at Stonehenge

On the whole, the trip was still wonderful. Made even more so by the fact that it was spontaneous. But best of all, the 3 of us were together and we had fun! Now what can top that, eh?