“Rain, rain go away come again another day.” Well, no one really expected to spend two weeks in England without rain, and today, day three of our trip, the skies opened up. Having been well advised to bring an umbrella, or a brolly as the locals call it, we put it to use today. Our trudge through the stormy weather felt never ending at times and quite dreary, but the prideful spirit of Stratford remained undamped.
For today’s U.K. adventure we were off to the city of Stratford to gain an education on traditional English culture, specifically the history and influences William Shakespeare had on the city itself. The differences between Birmingham and Stratford were quite apparent. Birmingham is quite modern in regard to its architecture and culture. However, Stratford is much smaller and honors its traditional English roots. The streets are made of cobblestone, the surrounding landscapes are well maintained, and the cafes and shops feature original English cuisine and trinkets. The famous canal known as the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, first built during the late 1700’s, retains its original structure and preserves the historic feel of the city. My favorite aspect of the canal was the traditional boats floating on its waters.
Of course, the star attraction of Stratford is William Shakespeare, and we learned much about his family, friends, and career in the entertainment and writing industries. While the facts shared during our Shakespearian tour seemed endless, a few points stuck with me. Shakespeare’s fascination with nature revealed by the landscaping of the city, his personal garden, and throughout his writing. The importance of religion and superstitions among the people of Stratford was highlighted in our tour of Joan Hart’s Cottage, she was Shakespeare’s sister. In her home, the tour guide explained that residents would sleep sitting up to prevent “demonic presences” from entering their souls through the mouth. I hadn’t heard that one before, but perhaps it’s emphasized for the benefit of us tourists.
To conclude the day our group went to a local restaurant called Edward Moon. This eatery serves authentic English cuisine. What makes it special is its historic location. I ordered an apple and raspberry lemonade, bacon steak with chips, and a marbled brownie. I had doubts regarding the 6oz bacon steak, for it was the first I’ve heard of such a dish. However, it was presented beautifully and tasted divine.
Despite the inclement weather throughout the morning, the day concluded in satisfaction and tranquility. Now I just have to figure out how to sleep sitting up!
Until next time, cheers!
