Short in plot, average in acting, a little dated in visuals, exciting in vocals, and incredible in band sound, We Will Rock You was a rocking, heart-pumping, pulsing tribute to the music of Queen and the remarkable talent of Freddie Mercury. We entered Dominion theatre, climbed the stairs to the balcony level and were treated to a pictorial history of Freddie Mercury up to his tragic end in 1991 from HIV. When the show began, we knew we were in for a fun night of Rock and Roll and it did not disappoint. We left with our ears ringing but our lives enriched from the experience, reminding me of the musical diversity of Queen and Freddie Mercury. Maybe I wanted more music and less dialog or maybe I missed the actual vocal ability and stage charisma of Freddie, or maybe I wanted the band to be on stage rather than hidden in the wings, but it was still a blast and left me filled with the joys of Rock and Roll.
Early the next morning, we headed out to the English countryside for a day trip. After a pleasant drive of nearly 2 hours, we saw it--Stonehenge. The years of hearing about it, seeing pictures, and suddenly the real thing was in front of me. We parked and got closer and Dr. Wyrick with his experience in Archaelogy, discussed the magnificent mystery of Stonehenge. We concluded with the likelihood of its being a time keeper to determine and predict seasons for planting and weather changes, based on the placement of shadows from the sun. The bold and pesante' structure serves as a reminder to us not to take for granted our scientific knowledge, our clocks, and our modern world. It has not always been so easy!
A twenty minute drive brought us to Old Sarum followed by Salibury Cathedral. The castle at Old Sarum no longer has the majestic walls of the past, but the moat is deep, the hill is imposing, and the past comes alive as we walked around imagining a world of power, of battles, and of life in Middle Ages. We went down the hill to the city for a lunch of sausage and mash followed by a quest for a good used bookstore. Walking, walking, but finding nothing of consequence, I happened to glance in a window and saw some beautiful old books. No sign on the door or anywhere but I rang the bell out of curiosity. An attractive elderly lady in her twilight years answered the door. I smiled my most charming smile and said, "Hello, I am from Texas and I love rare books. May I see your collection?" She welcomed me and the two students who were with me.
The word "books" is inadequate to describe this collection. Several thousand rare books of the highest quality I have seen or imagined, resting comfortably on shelves, side by side with their best friends of equal or greater worth, as though Kings and Queens dwelling peaceably together, satisfied with their heritage and their aura of nobility, knowing they have power but never abusing that responsibility, confident and maybe a little pride in their demeanor with an arrogance borne of their natural superiority. Beautiful books inlaid with gold, with plates, illustrations, flawless binding, most dating before the 19th century. An original Coverdale Bible from 1535, a book from 1712 on how to be a Gentlemen, books on the outdoors, books from Ireland, Scotland, and England. History, culture, refinement, monarchy all beckoned me to hold them, teasing me with ownership that was not mine to offer. Ranging from 300 pounds to 100,000 pounds, these marvelous crown jewels sit on their throne awaiting a new owner that may or may not ever be found.
Shaking from that experience, we headed toward Salisbury Cathedral where we were given the gift of beauty and history through the blessing of entering the majestic house of God. Completed in 1258, consistent in architecture, massive in height, rich in detail, and emanating spirituality in every corner, this Cathedral is certainly one of the most beautiful and original structures of its kind as well as housing the original Magna Carta. As we walked through the nave, we learned, we prayed, we listened, and we stared in awe at the arches, the engravings, the stonework, the sculptures, the columns, and the caskets. We heard the sordid tales of murder, the enchanting stories of love, and the history behind the amazing stained glass. We saw the famous Salisbury clock, and the incredibly powerful pipe organ still used each day.
As a special bonus, I learned that Edward Tucker was the organist from 1618-1629, securing my suspicion that Tuckers have always been musical and originated from Ireland and England. Proud of my heritage (in spite of some tough years of the "no goods" back in the early 20th century!), I left the Cathedral honored by my experience and thankful to God for the Cathedrals that remind us of the infinite majesty of God's truth and God's love.
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