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Everybody's heard of Stonehenge, but
few people know Avebury is the largest prehistoric monument in Europe
with a 28-acre stone circle. It's been called "one of the
six most mysterious spots on earth," and the existence of a village
in its midst adds a dimension of incongruity. |
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Wise Owl conducts a guided tour of the
stones and shares some of their sacred history.
Here's a webcam
view.
|
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Yeah, there's a wisenheimer
in every crowd. |
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Our reception is being hosted in the
haunted Red
Lion Inn -- the only pub in the world standing inside a stone circle. |
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Everyone gets seated, and the merriment
begins. |
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Steve peers down through the clear panel into the 86-ft. village
well. Perhaps he hopes to spot a skeleton or two? |
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The newlyweds enter and silently light
a Unity candle, symbolizing their new life together. |
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The wedding cake looks scrumptious,
with its sugary roses and tiny mandorlas. |
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Everyone ordered whatever they liked
from the menu, so we all enjoyed something different. Vicky Jo
slipped back into her traditional white wedding garb. |
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Robin's brother Malcolm offers up an
exquisite toast. (Eventually I'll transcribe and post it -- but it
was a treat for the newlyweds, who were charmed with his
eloquence.) |
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Time to chop up that cake! |
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Robin and Vicky Jo daintily nibble
confection from each other's fingers. |
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The chocolate cake was excellent -- which was a
relief since it had been ordered six weeks previously sight-unseen (and
untasted!) from overseas. The newlyweds are sated, and VJ enjoys alcoholic cider,
her favorite English beverage. |
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Awww... Michael couldn't stay awake for
dessert. (Don't worry -- he'll get another chance at cake later
back in
California.) |
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Vicky Jo and Robin are just warming
up! Hey, you can rest when you're dead -- we want to dance
with happiness! |
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Fortunately, our coach did not turn
into a pumpkin, though I think all our guests did. Back to London
now, and everyone leaves England
on the morrow. What a day it's been! |
