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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. |  |
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. |  |
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. |  |
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. |  |
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. |  |
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! |  |
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. |  |
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! |  |
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! |