Stratford (26 July)

Outside of 37 Hyde Park Gate, our fine flat. We had the whole second floor.

Today we checked out of our flats in South Kensington and boarded the bus again. We had a two-hour ride to Warwick Castle. Now, we’ve gone to lots of different castles, but they are all presented differently. The highlight of this one was the little shows they did. First we saw them launch a trebuchet (one of those huge catapults). Then there was an awesome birds of prey show with three beautiful eagles (don’t ask what birds of prey have to do with castles). And then they had a 30-minute jousting tournament with pretty good actors. It included various chivalric exercises like fencing, jousting, and other things that don’t have a single-word name and take too long to explain. It was complete with real horses, the enemy riding into the scene on a Viking boat, and more.

Then we headed toward Anne Hathaway’s house (the house she grew up in) a mile outside of Stratford. Anne Hathaway was Shakespeare’s wife. It was really interesting to see how the home was constructed and to walk on the grounds. There were some gorgeous gardens and woods. I almost wanted to compose a Shakespearean sonnet while strolling around.

Hathaway cottage

Next we went into Stratford to Shakespeare’s home. He was born there and resided there for the beginning of his life. At age 18 he married Anne and lived next door. After that was when he moved to London. This place was lovely, too. I especially enjoyed learning about his father’s profession as a glover. This is why Shakespeare has about 70 references to gloves in his works.

Shakespeare's parent's house

After checking into our bed and breakfast, we divided up and got dinner. Many of us ended up walking along the river, watching the rowers and the swans and listening to the tolling church bells.

Avon River

Being goofy while on our stroll around the Avon. These stones apparently were a part of some traditional game that we didn't know how to play, so we made up our own.

Even though it’s sad to be living out of a suitcase again, it’s fun to be on the road. There’s lots to see and my time will go quickly, I’m sure.