Stratford-Upon-Avon

A very nice way for me to begin my 60th birthday: the 08:36 from Marylebone Station to Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Here is a tip for those coming to Stratford: there are virtually NO direction signs; get a guidebook with a good map. It took us forever to find Anne Hathaway's cottage. It was worth all the frustration, however. And we refreshed ourselves at a tearoom across the street that had tables by the river. Leaves kept falling in our tea; it was splendid.

Here are some pictures from Shakespeare's burial site in Holy Trinity Church.

Shakespeare's birthplace. The entire population of Japan was there that day.

Here is a mime who presents himself as "Shakespeare's Ghost." He/she will stand perfectly still until someone drops coins in his cap. If you are an adult, he bows politely, as he is doing here for me; however, if you are a young child, he lets go with a terrible shriek and sends you screaming to your parents!

A very good day that ended with a visit to the bookshop. For those wondering how I liked the play.....I missed it. Finally found the theatre after the play had started and I never like to go in late. There was a huge crowd of people outside hoping to get tickets to this long sold out event so I made two girls scream with delight by giving them mine.

Tomorrow: The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

Charles