Spontaneous Stonehenge Adventure

“Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.”

I love to travel. I love adventure. I love to explore. When given a few bonus nights in Europe, my lips curled upwards and my eyes burned bright.

Due to a malfunction on my plane back to the States, I was detained in Athens for an extra night. The following day, I was re-routed through London. This time, the fires in Athens delayed my flight. When I arrived in London, British Airways gifted me with a free night at a hotel, a dinner voucher, a breakfast voucher, and transfers to/from the airport. When I travel, luck carries me through my journey.

On my flight from Athens to London, I did not realize I would sleep abroad. Instead of resting, I read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Stonehenge was mentioned, and I fantasized about exploring the mysterious rocks. I wondered where they were. 

When I landed, I went to the ticket counter to see what flight I was on. I was booked on a plane for the following day, and all I had were the clothes on my body. I would be traveling for two days straight in the same outfit. The airlines gave me a small, travel pack to get me through the night.

As I looked for my bus, I started plotting my London adventure. I pulled out my list of sights I missed during my London layover on my way to Greece. When I boarded the bus, my plans instantly changed. I saw a huge billboard saying, ‘Stonehenge: 2.5 hours from London.” My heart pounded, as I realized how close I was to the rocks I fantasized about.

After checking in, I went to the concierge desk. I asked if they could book me a tour to Stonehenge for the following day, which would get me back in time to catch my international flight. They pretty much laughed at me, as they explained I was an hour outside of London, and traffic is unpredictable. I would risk missing my flight, and they would not help me. Frustrated and exhausted, I retreated and got dinner. My mind raced, forcing me back to the concierge desk to see if the new guy could come up with a creative solution.

I was loosing steam, but I did not want to waste my night in London. I went to my room to revive myself with a shower. As I pulled on my jeans, my toenail popped off, and I got a band-aide from the front desk. I felt defeated, and I purchased a Hop On, Hop Off pass for the following morning from the concierge desk. At 10:00 p.m., after flying all day, I finally caught a double-decker bus, then a train into the city.

     

On my way to Piccadilly Circus, the “Times Square of London,” the dots connected in my head. The curiosity I experienced on my flight made my body tingle. I remembered seeing Enterprise at the airport and making a mental note there were rental resources available, if needed. The billboard of Stonehenge was confirmation to follow my passions. The unhelpful concierge attendants were reminders to trust myself. There were times when I have been led astray by following the advice of others rather than acting on my instincts. All the signs were pointing me to my desires. My eyes sparkled, as my brain worked out a plan. In that moment, I knew I would get what I wanted, the mystical rocks.

Travel Tip: Do not always follow the advice of others. Trust your gut. Take risks.  

     

   

After an hour train ride and quick bus trip, I arrived at my hotel at 2:00 a.m. I connected my iPhone and pulled up Stonehenge, then Enterprise. For a fleeting moment I worried about driving in traffic on the opposite side of the road. I squashed those fears by reminding myself I rent cars every week for work, and I drove on the opposite side of the road in Iceland. I knew I could do this. Enterprise had cars for $200 pounds for the day. I wiped out half my points and booked my rental for free. Pick-up time? 6:00 a.m.

   

   

I was too excited to sleep and snoozed my alarm when it dinged at 5:00 a.m. I got off to a late start, but I grabbed breakfast, returned my Hop On Hop Off pass, jumped on my free transfer, picked up my rental, and made it to Stonehenge 40 minutes after the site opened. I wanted to walk and check out the exhibits along the way, but I knew my time was limited. I jumped on the bus, and off to the stones I went.

   

   

As I explored the Stone Circle, I stepped back in time by 4,500 years. I was filled with awe and wondered what inspired an ancient civilization to create the circle. What is its purpose? I wanted to sit in the middle of the stones and meditate at sunset. I wanted to touch the stones and feel their energy vibrate through my body. I wanted the stones to suck out any stagnant stress within me. I wanted answers.

   

   

I circled the stones and listened to the recorder, which explained the structure. I wondered when the mystery of the stones would be revealed to me. I meditated. When I closed my eyes and opened my palms, I could feel the healing energy vibrating off the stones. My throat became congested, and I lost my breath. I had never experienced this, and I felt something powerful was happening deep within. After I breathed through this blockage, my soul was at peace. I knew I released negative energy trapped inside of me. I lost myself in my practice. I lost myself in the mystical, healing energy of the stones.

   

A few hours later, the crowds started to surround the stones in masses. I knew I experienced what I needed, and my time to leave was approaching. I knew I learned a few lessons in my journey to this mystical structure. Reluctantly, I made my way back to the bus.

   

   

I also explored the homes for the Stonehenge builders and museum. The houses were recreated based on archaeological remains of evacuated buildings. This area was a place where people gathered to celebrate and conduct rituals, while they built Stonehenge. I wondered about the rituals. I wondered about the people. I wondered how they knew to create this spiritual, mysterious structure. I wondered what they intended to leave behind. A lesson? A message? A place of healing? A mystery? I can only speculate…

  

Some of the best adventures are those that are unplanned. When you follow your heart, passion will overcome obstacles. The best feeling is living in the moment and being true to yourself. My adventure to Stonehenge reminded me of who I am, and what I am capable of when I push through fear and pursue my dreams — recklessly.

   

Facebook post July 25, 2018 – Gina Pacelli:

When I am determined, do not tell me I cannot do what I desire. I will do it, anyways. If my eyes are bloodshot from lack of sleep, help me find a creative way to accomplish what I want. I will figure it out.

Yesterday on the plane: Counted my vacation days, as I wondered if I would sleep in Boston or London.

At the airport: ‘I think I’ll do the Hop On, Hop Off pass to see the rest of London.’ Plan A

Tags: London, mystic rocks, Piccadilly Circus, stone circle, Stonehenge, travel, wanderlust