Stratford-Upon-Avon: Shakespeare & Kitty-tea

June 19

After a couple weeks in the big city of London, we have now adventured into the quiet town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Notable for being the birth town of William Shakespeare, Stratford-Upon-Avon is a market town just north of London. In comparison, Stratford-Upon-Avon is significantly quieter and quaint. While here we got to tour Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, New Place, and the Trinity Church. It is quite fascinating to see the town where Shakespeare lived, as most of the buildings in town look as if they have remained the same for decades. Being someone who has read and performed many of Shakespeare’s plays, it is interesting to see his hometown, potential spots he may have written in, and how the modern era of people living in Stratford-Upon-Avon have used his legacy in their community culture.

There is no doubt that the town has embraced the legacy of the great poet and playwright. One incredible place I got to visit was the Shakespaw Café. Imagine getting to sit and have a cream tea, while also getting to pet and play with cats. A dream come true. Oh, and the cats are named after Shakespearian characters.

The town as a whole is very different from the bustling city. For starters, the air is breathable and less filled with smoke, pollution, and odd smells of vinegar. And I do understand from traveling to New York and Chicago that those are simply city things, it doesn’t discredit the love I have for fresh air and beautiful trees. The town is also different in the fact that everything shuts down very early. In London, you can pretty easily find a bite to eat up into the late hours of the night. Not the same for Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Staying here in Stratford-Upon-Avon was a great way to end my study abroad here in England. The comfort of staying in a cute little townhome, mixed with the fresh air and large abundance of adorable dogs and cats have made this the perfect way to relax and prepare myself to the transition back into real life. I have learned so much while abroad and truly can’t believe it is coming to a close.