Barack Obama makes surprise visit to Stonehenge after NATO summit - and bumps into gobsmacked family

[flamingdem]

Teajahists: "I told you he's a PAGAN!11!


Barack Obama tries his hand at rock ‘n’ stroll as he tours Stonehenge today.

The US president took time out from the Nato summit in South Wales to visit the Wiltshire stone circle.

But if he’s a sun worshipper he’d have been left disappointed at the grey sky.

Mr Obama chatted with a passing family. He said: “How cool is this? Spectacular. Knocked it off my bucket list.”

Heather Sebire, English Heritage's Stonehenge curator, gave the president a tour of the site.

She said: "Mr Obama was fascinated by the story of the stones, what we know about them and the mysteries that have yet to be solved.

"He asked lots of questions about how old the monument is, how long it took to build it, and what was its purpose.

"He described the atmosphere around the stones as 'really special' and his visit to Stonehenge as 'a highlight of my tour'.

"He particularly loved seeing the colour and texture of the stones. It was a beautiful still evening and it was a privilege to show the US president around this unique monument which continues to inspire and intrigue people."



http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/barack-obama-makes-surprise-visit-4173291#ixzz3CTmzSUM3
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[msongs]

1. visited stonehenge in 1963. no fences, guides or tour busses. 3 of us were the only ones there nt

[MindPilot]

25. I'm surprised I didn't bump into you there!

Actually I believe I was there in '64 and it was with a school trip to the Isle of Wight. But yeah, the car park was little more than a wide spot in the road, and there was no one else there. You just stopped, got out and wandered around the rocks. Absolutely amazing place.

[homegirl]

49. I had a similar experience

While driving from London to Wales with my husband and two children. It was late December, the location was deserted and the mystical feeling was like vibrations in my soul. Never forgotten.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. I think it's great he got to do that!

There have to be some perks to being President. After all, it's a very stressful job.

And this is one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

Way to go, Mr. President!

[flamingdem]

8. Yes, and by doing so he charmed many Brits

well done! They like their rocks..

[zappaman]

3. IMPEACH!!!!

The world is going to hell in a hand basket and this guy is wandering around looking at rocks???
Does he ever work.

IMPEACH!!!!!

*This message brought to you by every Republican*

[flamingdem]

7. .. when he's not golfing

[littlemissmartypants]

15. I am so confused. nt

[littlemissmartypants]

16. .

[ShadesOff]

55. all work and no play...

As they say, make republicans grumpy old men. The president should see the world to help him make inspired decisions about our common welfare.

[flamingdem]

58. yes indeed and welcome to DU

[ShadesOff]

69. thanks

This is a great way to chat!

[Jamaal510]

62. Except they never really work, either.

They just block stuff and hate-monger.

[ShadesOff]

63. exactly

Why do we allow them to continue this behavior?

[roguevalley]

4. you have to see it in person to really appreciate it.

I'm glad they are moving the road and making it more secluded from modernity

[progressoid]

5. "Take a last look a one of man's most curious creations"

[flamingdem]

6. Oops!

[unblock]

10. hey that's my babysitter!

ms. beverly.
or, when she couldn't hear us, ms. beaverly.

[littlemissmartypants]

17. .

SMH.

[unblock]

26. hey, i was like seven at the time lol!

[Tarheel_Dem]

9. Even his "down time" is work. I'm glad he got to do this.

[flamingdem]

12. But it was obligatory

since he's a Pagan!

[Tarheel_Dem]

14. !!!

[littlemissmartypants]

18. Oh yeah?

Where is the :whiteObama: smilie?

Love, Peace and Shelter.
Lmsp 🙅🙌🙆🙇





Insert Your Preferred Disclaimer Here.

[Nay]

35. That's right!! Real Christians would never go near those devil-worship

heathen stones!

[Cha]

30. Aloha Tarheel~ I just added some pics of

President Obama at Stonehedge..

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=5494542

[Jeneral2885]

11. UK weather

Is great for the visit. No suit, no tie, just another stroll around...

[flamingdem]

13. Well they did say it was a grey day

but luckily it wasn't raining!

[littlemissmartypants]

21. But

Was it a grade A day?

[flamingdem]

24. Yes I believe it was!

Looks like everyone had fun

[littlemissmartypants]

36. I believe it too.

When one is mired, a change of venue can do wonders for the soul.

I am glad he is able to visit these lovely artifacts as my proxy. The example he sets which promotes thoughtful reverence and resilience is needed.

Topping off the day with serendipitous play with the family was not, but for the clouds, grey, but great.


Gade A indeed.

Thanks for your post, flamingdem.

~ Lmsp

[flamingdem]

41. How true! He's a teacher for sure

and always interested in learning, this time about the stones! Nice that they appreciate him so much in England.

I'm appreciating these last years and these details will be our memories.

[littlemissmartypants]

19. Thanks, flamingdem.

Kick, kicketty.

[littlemissmartypants]

20. Kick. Thank you. nt

[PSPS]

22. Re: The picture

This is off topic a little but, since both my parents are now gone, I see pictures like this (of a young family) a little differently. I can imagine that being my mom and dad at a time in their lives when we children were that little (my parents had four boys.) Children usually can never imagine their parents being young, but I've noticed it isn't so hard for me anymore since they died.

[flamingdem]

44. You reminded me that I went to Stonehenge when as a child

when my parents were together, it was magical. A long time ago when a tourist could wander around like Obama did.

[Iliyah]

23. Oh my, corporate media start your trashing 3..2..1

How dare him!

Anywho, glad he got a chance to see the ruins.

[Rose Siding]

33. boom. Dana Perino...

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/dana-perino-obama-stonehenge

"But remember this is the White House that says they're not that worried about optics?" Perino continued. "Today, to show the President of the United States standing alone amongst the rocks, by himself ... I would have asked David Cameron or somebody to walk with him. Get some staff or have some — take the pilot, whatever you have to do so you don't have to, he's standing alone. I don't think that's a good optic."

For what it's worth (probably very little), Obama was shown with others while at Stonehenge, a fact that Perino briefly acknowledged. Presumably she wanted more group photos.

[flamingdem]

46. That's how Pagans worship!

Seriously it's wonderful to see him by himself with Stonehenge. Memorable.

[Uncle Joe]

27. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, flamingdem.

[Cha]

29. Hey Uncle Joe.. I just added some pics of Stonehedge if you're interested.. and

it seems like you would be.

[Cha]

28. I'm so glad you're doing this story, flamingdem.. pics of the President at Stonehedge..

President Barack Obama greets a family in an adjacent field as he visits Stonehenge



Rosalie Birch @rosaliebirch
Follow
Bloody hell, just drove past Obama in his helicopter at Stonehenge! I've practically met him. #tenousclaimtofame
7:14 AM - 5 Sep 2014 29 Retweets 24 favorites



More pics at Stonehedge..
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/09/05/president-obama-visits-stonehenge/

[Uncle Joe]

31. Thanks for the pics Cha, I love history and Stonehenge is a most remarkable site.

Mahalo, Cha.

[Cha]

32. You're Welcome, Uncle Joe.. pretty historical!

[Tarheel_Dem]

37. I wish he got to do more of this. He's lost weight, and he often looks tired. I worry about him.

[Cha]

40. Prez does need to fatten up a wee bit but I think he was looking

more relaxed and healthier yesterday when he visited the school kids in Newport, Wales.. so much more so than before he left..

http://www.democraticunderground.com/110225320

Tarheel~

[flamingdem]

42. Here's a video - woo hoo!

Jolly good show!

http://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/nation/2014/09/05/15158745/

[Cha]

50. Mahalo, flamingdem! "Welcome to England.." the President.. "It's not just any part

of England!" Lol

That was so enjoyable.. thank you!

[davidpdx]

60. He's always been a bit on the thin side

My guess is he really needs some much deserved rest after he finishes less than a year and a half from now.

[littlemissmartypants]

48. Really nice. Thanks Cha. nt

[Cha]

51. You're Welcome, Lmsp!

[Historic NY]

56. I've been there its amazing....

[Cha]

57. Lucky you, Historic, NY! And, I use to live

in the Middle of New York State and have visited some of that Historic NY you're talking about..Also Amazing!

[freshwest]

61. Love all these pics, plus the school children saying hello in the Welsh school.

[Quayblue]

68. I like seeing when he's just being himself

I find him to be genuine. I think American society finds it odd to see people who truly believe in life and working to fulfill the dreams of others....

Glad to see him as he is.

[madokie]

34. This man makes me Proud

what more can or should I say

[flamingdem]

43. These will be our memories

a few years from now sigh, going to miss this potus, he's got it going on.

[madokie]

47. Yes

[seaglass]

38. That reminds me of my fav Stonehenge song :-)

[BillZBubb]

45. My favorite Stonehenge song is in Spinal Tap!

[KoKo]

39. Thanks...Nice Post. K&R

[riversedge]

52. Pres Obama stands straight and tall--just like the stones...

even after all the #Republicans have thrown at him.

[flamingdem]

59. Good observation

No wonder I like this, he's in harmony with the design. Plus, yes he's still standing all after all that repuke garbage.

[sheshe2]

53. Thank you flamingdem, great OP!

Love that he got a chance to visit. Beautiful images at your link.

[heaven05]

65. this photo

saved for posterity. Thank you.

[MADem]

54. Teajahists: "I told you he's a PAGAN!11!

You are hilarious!!! A++++~!!!!!!

[Douglas Carpenter]

64. that's cool - but I'm sure Fox and Friends will have some spin as to why this is bad for the country

[muriel_volestrangler]

66. Fox News has got there already

see http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=5494466