A UK Jaunt

Week two is under my belt -- well sort of, and I am finally feeling like I have figured some things out, such that routenization is setting in.  This week we went to Stratford upon Avon to visit Shakespeare's birth home, his wife Anne's family home and his daughter's home.  We also attended the play Henry IV at the Royal Shakespeare Company theater on the Avon River, and it was wonderful.  The stage is right among the audience, so you feel like you are really part of the play.  The Dirty Duck was "home" for refreshments when we finished with the play, and it was interesting to hear the students' thoughts and "favorite parts" about the play.  We stayed at different B&B's, mine being Moss Cottage, hosted by Bill and Peter, and it was delightful!  We met a couple from Liverpool there who do not like to admit that their city is most known for the Beatles!  I found them interesting and had wonderful conversation with them!  One of my favorite parts of the sites we visited was the church where Shakespeare was buried.  It was once a Catholic church, now an "English" church, but very old and very beautiful!

Holy Trinity Church

We spent most of our second day at Warwick Castle.  Being my first visit to a "real" castle, I found it very intriguing and interesting.  I cannot imagine having lived there, but it was breathtaking.  Seems the Earl of Warwick tried to hang onto it as long as possible, but eventually sold it to Madame Tussaud so that it could be restored somewhat, and maintained as an attraction.  Our second day ended with a brunch and a visit with one of the Shakespeare Company actors we watched perform the night before.  He was very interesting and very enlightening.  The girls love him (he was cute) and the whole student body asked lots of great questions!  What a treat.  We arrived back into the city at 7 pm, being dropped off at a tube station, then had about a 45-minute ride to our home station.  It was a long day.  I was exhausted. We enjoyed our two-day "jaunt" to Stratford!  

Warwick Castle

I think at 53 I never really thought about having the kind of adventure these last few weeks have given me.  I find myself counting my blessings, in many different ways.  This has been a journey of self-discovery for me. I have met many wonderful, friendly people.  I have conquered things that I never knew I would ever have to, and there is empowerment in that.

London Times

Bubbles

  Well, hello London!  I have been here nearly a week, and I feel like I am just getting things figured out!  Okay, I'm a slower learner, perhaps!   This is "Bubbles" the cat, one of two that lives in my "Home Stay"!  Sorry Belle (the other cat)!  They are both very sweet.  Sue and Esme are wonderful hosts, and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them!!!  I feel very lucky to have landed in such a "warm" environment.
   We are about a 15 minute walk to Cockfosters where I catch the tube into the city each day.  It's a spectacle watching me with my harness for writing, my backpack with 40 lbs of equipment, and essentials like a raincoat, (rain, rain, stay away!),  my Oyster card, and my wallet of "pounds" in case I need cash!  People often stare at me carting all of my stuff, and the looks I have received while walking/writing, being "peripatetic" are countless!  I wish I could take a snapshot of all of the many "faces" people have made while passing me by!  It's been quite comical.  Since it's "peek" season for tourists, the crowds are seemingly unending and all trying to get somewhere fast!
   We have had two very interesting tours so far by Peter and Mike, wonderfully vibrant and interesting guides, and though I'm writing and can't always "take it in" like a tourist can, the walks have helped me get very familiar very quickly.  We have seen the World War II Memorial, the WW II Women's Memorial, the spot where Charles the First was beheaded, Parliment, WhiteHall, the stairs the Brits uncovered while digging that have been "host" to many, many Monarchs.  We have seen the River Thames, the London Eye, Hyde Park, Oxford Street Picacdilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and the Blue Cock there, and my favorite Westminster Abbey!  I am hoping to go to services there.
 

  This is me at the World War II Memorial.  It's right on the River Thames and beautiful.  Yes, that is my writer "pad" made by my husband, Kevin.  Gosh he his so handy!!  And then the 40 pound backpack on my back.  The first couple of days were exhausting, but I'm getting the hang of it.  More when I have time.....  Cheerio!