Leaving London

We left London and headed to a much smaller place in England: Stratford Upon-Avon.

Because I had enjoyed the city so much, I really didn’t expect to find nearly as much enjoyment in Stratford. We arrived and I immediately fell in love. It was such quaint little town and you do not have to look very far to see the history at all. Everything is cobblestone and brick, and it was so much more peaceful and quieter. Shawn told us that everything closes early because this is a “sleepy little town.” I loved that, it was so cute and perfectly in tune with my old soul. After all the hustle and bustle of the city it was nice to spend these last few days relaxing and taking everything in.

Everything we saw was remarked on how cute it was. Everything from door handles and walls to monuments and parks were covered in flowers and Shakespeare quotes.

We went to Shakespeare’s birthplace and the house that he purchased for his family and where he wrote over half of his works. From these places I learned a lot about his own story and how it might’ve inspired his writings. I learned a lot about his family, which I enjoyed and found valuable. It gave me a wider picture of who he was and what life was like in England all those years ago. The second day we went to Anne Hathaway’s cottage which was my favorite part. The gardens were picturesque and the epitome of peace. I would’ve loved to sit under one of those trees with a book and listen to the bee’s buzz. It was cool to see all the Shakespeare quotes that were connected to everything we were seeing. I found a lot of quotes that I connected with and that made me want to read more Shakespeare. He’s always been one of my favorites but by following in his life’s footsteps I felt more connected to him and his work. We went to trinity church where he was buried. It was strange to think that one of the most influential people in our world’s known history was laid to rest under the stones in front of my feet. I wondered what he would think when he was alive if he found out that we had traveled 4,490 miles to visit him and his home four hundred years in the future. The whole town seemed to be dedicated to him and his honor. Everything was Shakespeare themed, I enjoyed it there.

All the things we did here were a calm and sweet way to end the trip, such as the cat café and the butterfly house. It was a nice way to reflect on all the ways I have personally grown and changed since I arrived in London. It was time that I was very grateful to have with the people who I have connected with and grown to love on this adventure.

I couldn’t be happier that I faced all my fears, stepped out of my comfort zone, and came on this study abroad trip. It was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself and the best month of my life. I am going to miss it so much; I know my heart will be broken in the coming weeks. I know I’m going home, but I must leave a home that I’ve found in this place to get there. I leave a big part of me in London and take a new part of my heart back with me.