Stratford-Upon-Avon (aka last blog post!)

I have really enjoyed these last few days in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Was much as I loved London and it’s hustle and bustle, the small community town vibe of Stratford has been a relaxing change of pace. We have the cutest little Bed and Breakfast, I wish we had more time to spend here if just for the room! Plenty of outlets and a kitchen for us to use, its so nice. The owners make a delicious breakfast, English or what I got which is a giant croissant they bake. Tea, of course, which has been so yummy. And I will miss the milk here in England, it doesn’t even compare to our sad, watery, drugged up milk at home. Stratford is such a nice place to be, with so many cool Sharkespeare sites. We have gone to Shakespeare’s birthplace, his graveside in Trinity Church, and his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage. These were very cool to see and be around, and I know only more exciting for those of our group that love Shakespeare so much. To be honest I have trouble imaging him walking around in Stratford, but I have been trying to picture it. I can however understand why he spent so much time here though. When I was walking around near the river, I thought how nice it would be to read here. I know that if I was a writer I would find Stratford the perfect environment for my creative juices. I can totally understand the peace and tranquility that fueled his mind to write his comedies, histories, and tragedies. We got to see The Merry Wives of Windsor and King Lear (performed in Ukrainian, which I talk about in another blog. Merry Wives of Windsor was really fun! The costumes and set were more modern than Shakespeare’s day, and like someone said it really did feel like a 50’s sitcom. So while it wasn’t a classic rendition, it was still very entertaining. I particularly liked the relationship between Mrs. Paige and Mrs. Ford. When the characters were putting on their schemes that were so funny, the actresses seemed to be genuinely cracking at their own joke. It really felt like they had a lot of fun putting on this perfection, which is something that really makes a show for me. The other actors were brilliant too. I was initially hesitant about Falstaff, but he won me over once the Wives started tricking him. I think he did a great job and don’t want to detract from his performance at all, but I couldn’t help but think after we saw Ian McKellan portray Falstaff in Player Kings, what his performance of this show would have looked like. But I digress. We had great seats too, apparently better than they’ve ever had according to the surprise and glee from Shawn. That helped the performance too of course, to be able and see the actors faces closely. (Though it’s not a big theatre it wouldn’t be too bad from anywhere.) I am so happy we’ve ended on Stratford, I think it was such a great note to end on and allowed us to start to say our goodbyes in an more peaceful, beautiful place. However I will say if you ever want to do a little rowboat on the Avon, don’t. Get a motor boat if you can because rowing sucks and I literally got a blister on my hand. But memories, that’s what I told myself to feel better! And do I have some great ones. This was such an unforgettable experience and I am so grateful to have shared it with these people I love. Now I have to stop writing or I will cry and I cant, I’m about to go have a delicious Sunday Roast!