South Hampton, UK

Day 99 of this voyage finds The Vista docked in South Hampton, UK. When our itinerary was initially changed, those who had booked either the 180 day or 120 day Around the World "2026 Global Wanderlust" adventure were given an option to disembark in Singapore and rejoin the ship in South Hampton. Travel expenses to and from those ports were at the passengers' expense. Those who chose to stay aboard were given a future cruise credit since we were not getting what we had initially bought. All of this is to say that The Vista was at about half its capacity from Cape Town to South Hampton. The ratio of crew to passenger was almost one to one. Result: we who stayed became hopelessly SPOILED! A seat or reservation in the eatery of one's choice available, no problem; laundry returned less than thirty-six hours after submission; elevator door opening almost before one could release the call button; one's favorite seat always available at the shows; and the list could go on and on. Then came South Hampton and we are once again at capacity. We didn't know how good we had it.

While masses were pouring onto the ship, some sixty to seventy of us vacated for an excursion to Stonehenge. What an experience! This is something I have heard of most of my life, but never in a million years expected to see. Our wonderfully informative guide spent most of the trip telling us of the history of Stonehenge - or what is known of it. After seeing it, I, like everyone else, am still trying to comprehend who built it, why they built it and most puzzling of all: HOW did they build it? Over the course of the past 4,500 years or so, it has changed/deteriorated somewhat from its original design. Nevertheless, the remains absolutely, positively deserve its status as one of the great wonders of the world. I can hardly comprehend that there was a Stone Age, let alone accept that this structure was built then. Like the pyramids, the Coliseum, all those Greek Temples I visited last fall, Stonehenge is an engineering feat! Their tools: rocks and sand. (Or so our guide said.) Even getting those large boulders atop that hill is a marvel. (They had no wheels. No pulleys. No ginormous cranes. Little but manpower. Was the entire population of the world enslaved to build this marvel?) Then, to set some upright with still others atop the vertical boulders - unfathomable! Too bad those upstarts of the Bronze Age disrespected this marvelous creation. What a wonder to behold!!!!

The English countryside is as beautiful as that of France. Love, love, love those hedgerows serving as fences! Stupid me, I did not realize there was so much undeveloped land in the UK. Previously, I had seen London and the thoroughfare from London to Dover to board my very first Oceania vessel for a trip to Rome. Our guide stated that much if not all these fields were controlled by the military, the Crown or the landed Gentry. Okay... guess I won't be buying a half acre or so for a second home.

Most interesting, thought provoking, enjoyable day spent with good friends Ron and David! Next up - Ireland!

Today is Someday! Live It!