I am currently sitting at my gate waiting for my plane to take off as I write this. I am so emotional. I have no words to describe this trip. It is everything I hoped for and more. The experiences had and the relationships forged are things I will forever be grateful for. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am so glad I got to share it with not only wonderful peers but also wonderful professors as well. Shawn and Susan, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I really enjoyed my time in Stratford-upon-Avon. It was so much quieter than London. After a month of hustle and bustle, it was refreshing to stay in a quaint town, especially one with so much history. I loved staying in the bed and breakfast. Even though I had to move halfway through, thanks a lot, Jazz., I had a great time. I did not have a roommate back in the flats, so it was nice to share space with my friends for a few days!
The town felt historic everywhere you walked, even though there were commercialized places, which I thought was very interesting. I do not know how the town managed to do that, but I applaud them for it. I think they kept the layout pretty similar to how it would have been in Shakespeare’s time, which is why it still felt historic. My favorite part was the walk to Anne Hathaway’s cottage. It felt like I was walking the path that a person back then would have walked.
This trip has taught me so many things about myself. For one, I didn’t realize how obsessed I would become with pistachio- flavored things. The obsession got so bad that I bought a pistachio Jelly Cat dupe in Stratford-upon-Avon. I also learned that I really hate standing up for a prolonged period of time. Thank you, Shakespeare. Your Globe Theatre will be in my nightmares.
The friendships I made on this trip are what I will value most. Switching my major to theatre in the second semester of my sophomore year was one of the scariest things I have ever done. After switching, I was terrified I wasn’t going to be able to make friends. I know, stupid to be scared of the community that welcomes everyone, but I was. This trip helped me come out of my shell and completely be myself. The people in the theatre department and the experiences that we shared truly changed my view on theatre culture. I can confidently say that I am no longer terrified of them, but a friend and forever cheerleader.
I would not want to share this experience with any other group of strangers turned friends. Thank you all. I love you!
Theatre in London U of A 