Ghost Town at 6pm?

On Friday afternoon we arrived in Stratford-Upon- Avon, and we did our first walking tour into town. I was very surprised when I saw everything was closed and it wasn’t even sundown. It’s a very quiet town and everything is very walkable from each other. London is so big, loud, and smelly while Stratford is the exact opposite. Being here makes me feel like I’m in Hannah Montana the movie, but without the farm and trucks.

On Saturday we explored Shakespeare’s house and I was quite shocked seeing how it’s in the town center. Also tripped me up because there was a subway right next door. (I wonder if subway was there back then if William would eat that up? Silly question to ponder about for a sec.) Today we also saw Anne Hathoway’s cottage, they made it seem like Shakespeare lived so far away when he literally didn’t. It’s just hard for me to believe that he wrote most of his plays here. I feel like I would get distracted by all the things happening in the house at once.

My impressions of England did change a tad since being here. I thought it was going to be like another New York, and I was so wrong. Yes, London is a big city, but I don’t feel scared going out on my own like I would in a big city. The tube makes everything so accessible and I can go literally anywhere in this city in thirty minutes tops. The people driving on the left still makes no sense to me, but atlas I’ll be home soon where things are normal. On this trip I had the pleasure seeing at least sixteen shows since arriving here four weeks ago. I believe one hundred percent this trip got me excited about theatre again. Seeing these plays, musicals, and concerts has been so incredible and has sparked ideas in my head about the future. A couple shows I was able to see have been Hamilton, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ain’t too proud, Jim and Joule, How to succeed in Business, and many more. I also did get really lucky and was able to attend Harry Styles’ Love on Tour and Beyoncés’ Renaissance Tour, so freaking cool. Tickets here are so much cheaper than in the states.

This study abroad has honestly been the best time of my life. I would recommend it to literally everyone. If I could go every year I think I would, cause of how much fun I’ve had. I’ve met some incredible friends on this trip that I will definitely keep in contact with. It’s also cool seeing every movie that is set in London and saying “oo I’ve been there!!”. So grateful that I got to come experience theatre in London. See y’all back on campus in the Fall, bye!