We wrapped up our trip in the same manner as William Shakespeare back in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Here we were able to visit his childhood home and get a small glimpse into the world he grew up in. Trying to picture such wonderful and extravagant stories coming from such a simple home feels impossible. Anne Hathaway’s cottage was beautiful. I could have lived out in that garden. New Place is no longer standing, but the story of its transformation, reconstruction, and deconstruction was certainly a riveting tale.
The town itself was absolutely adorable. It was a complete switch from the bustling of London. All the little stores and cafes were calling my name. I poked around in a couple of antique and thrift stores on my own. But what good is a thrift without a sweet treat afterwards? I made my way to a little crepe shop and had a delicious strawberry and nutella crepe along with a cappuccino. Later on we visited a cat cafe and met all the Shakespearean cats they had there. I got the pleasure of enjoying cream tea with Nick Bottom. The cat cafe was certainly not the only Shakespearen themed establishment. On every corner there was a Shakepeare themed library, coffee shop, or souvineer store. As quaint as Starford-Upon-Avon was, it was definitely full of its tourists and known for one thing in particular.
Our stop in Oxford on the way was also absolutely wonderful. We all stumbled upon the Oxford pride pirade. Their drumline got me moving! Exploring as much of the campus as I could was so cool. The plants and vines growing on so many of the buildings was beautiful. A few of us went and enjoyed yet another afternoon tea. Of course we picked through anqitue shops, but best of all we had delicious food. I had one of the best bowls of ramen I’ve ever had. It paired so well with the dreary weather as well.
William Shakespeare signing off.
Theatre in London U of A 