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.