Aaahhh, the Bard

Today, our last day in Britain, included a visit to Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace and home of Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway.  It was yet another fulfillment of an English major’s dream to walk in the same village in which Shakespeare walked.  Having seen a Shakespearean play in the New Globe Theatre in London and having walked in Shakespeare’s home town, I can leave England with joy in my heart.

A wooden carving of Shakespeare. The split in his head indicates his dilemma to be, or not to be. (Really! That's what the plaque said!)

A wooden carving of Shakespeare. The split in his head indicates his dilemma to be, or not to be. (Really! That’s what the plaque said!)

Really scary Shakespeare! I'm not sure who buys this poster.

Really scary Shakespeare! I’m not sure who buys this poster.

Fun with Shakespeare.

Fun with Shakespeare.

It was bittersweet to say good-bye to so many new friends with whom we’ve spent the past twelve days.  Some we might see again if we visit the areas in which they live; most we will not.

Our travel group in front of Anne Hathaway's house.

Our travel group in front of Anne Hathaway’s house.

It’s been a wonderful tour of Britain and I can now clarify some terminology:  The single country is England; the island is Great Britain and includes England, Scotland, and Wales; and the United Kingdom includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Tomorrow we will board the train in London and will travel beneath the English Channel to Paris.