Today we explored Shakespeare’s land. Stratford-upon-Avon was a beautifully designed city, from the adorable cafés to the lovely shopping centers lining the streets. The atmosphere felt charming and welcoming, almost like stepping into another time period. One exciting part of the day was that we also experienced our first train ride of the trip. Although it may seem simple, it was really fun to experience transportation in a different country and watch the scenery pass by through the windows as we traveled to the city. It made the day feel even more adventurous and added to the experience of exploring England beyond just walking through the cities.

After taking a tour around Stratford-upon-Avon and stopping at famous locations associated with William Shakespeare, we enjoyed lunch, or honestly, what felt more like breakfast. During the tour, we saw the church where Shakespeare was baptized and buried, along with the place historians suspect he attended school as a child. It was surreal to walk through a town filled with so much literary history and realize how much influence one person’s work still has on the world today. It was especially neat being there because so much of the content in my English classes throughout high school revolved around Shakespeare and his works. Reading plays like Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth in school never made me imagine that one day I would actually stand in the town where Shakespeare lived and wrote. Being able to connect classroom learning to a real life experience made the day feel much more meaningful and memorable.

Now, let me go back to that “breakfast” I mentioned earlier because it deserves its own paragraph. It was genuinely the most delicious thing I have eaten during this entire trip. I ordered French toast made from the dough scraps of croissants, smothered in elderflower and strawberries. I know, your mouth is probably watering right now. Every bite somehow tasted both light and rich at the same time, and honestly, I think I could eat it every single morning without getting tired of it. One of my favorite parts of traveling has been experiencing different foods and cafés, and this little meal definitely earned the top spot so far. Sitting in the café, enjoying amazing food, felt like one of those simple moments that you know you will remember long after the trip ends.

After reuniting with the group, we toured Shakespeare’s Birthplace. That’s right, we stood on the very floor Shakespeare once stood on. It was also the location of his birth and his father’s workshop. Walking through the home made history feel so much more personal and real. Instead of just hearing stories or reading information from a textbook, we were actually surrounded by pieces of Shakespeare’s life. The house itself was preserved beautifully, and it was fascinating to imagine what life may have looked like during that time period. Seeing the workshop also gave insight into what daily family life might have been like for Shakespeare growing up.

What stood out to me most throughout the day was how much Stratford-upon-Avon values preserving its history. Everywhere we walked, there were reminders of Shakespeare’s impact on literature and culture. Yet despite all the tourism and popularity, the city still felt peaceful and authentic rather than overly crowded or commercialized. It blended history with modern life in such a unique way. Today reminded me that literature and storytelling truly have the power to leave a legacy that lasts for centuries. Even hundreds of years later, people from all over the world still travel to learn about Shakespeare’s life and experience the places connected to him.

After we returned from Stratford-upon-Avon, I spent a little time shopping and wandering around the area before heading back for the evening. It was nice to relax after such a busy day and pick up a few things to remember the trip by. As exciting as today was, it is also a little bittersweet because now it is time to pack up and prepare to travel to London for the last few days of the trip. It honestly feels strange that the trip is beginning to come to an end because the days have gone by so quickly. At the same time, I am excited to experience London and see some of the most iconic places in England before heading home. Overall, today was not only relaxing and enjoyable, but also incredibly memorable because it allowed me to experience history in such an immersive and meaningful way.