Stonehenge
July 15, 2025
South Hampton, Great Britain
London, England
Seeing Stonehenge was a bucket list accomplishment, and it didn’t disappoint! The prehistoric builders built something meaningful and elegant, but the reason for this incredible place is only conjecture; an ancient temple to the sun, a burial ground, a healing place, a calendar for planting and harvesting crops? There are other stone circles around the world, including the Carhendge in Nebraska (don’t bother!). But this was almost as special as the Moai on Easter Island.
Stonehenge is now well managed and supported by millions of visitors yearly who come to wonder at the monumental stones. We have a knowledgeable guide to help us manage the visit efficiently. And we got to taste our first pasties for lunch — the traditional British hot pastry envelopes filled with savory morsels and canned gin & tonics!
What a trip this has been! We really learned a lot about this part of the world, the centuries-long histories of war and resistance to communism, the resilience of the unique cultures in each country. We chose the right time to be here as current political events are unfolding daily causing some anxiety due to the proximity to Russia. The terrible repercussions of WWII and the Cold War are still obvious even tho the cities have rebuilt form the rubble in several cases.
Azamara’s Journey has been a comfortable vessel, the crew provide courteous service with a smile, and the programs and excursions pertaining to the ports we visited were on point, relevant and well-organized, fun and sometimes adventurous. The crew navigated some tricky weather situations that required exceptional sailing skill.
The ship is sparkling clean, but needs to get some work done. We experienced two plumbing issues and electric outlet challenges. The decor is showing its age, but the vibe is one of convivial adults eager to explore and have a good time, and generally facing changes in itinerary with good grace — despite a few grumps in every crowd.
Thank you Azamara!
