Greetings from the Motherland,
This is Tina. This day has lent itself to quite a bit of introspection. This is the world in which I live with my students everyday, and I have been in awe with every step I have taken.....except of course when in proximity of the ghastly bus that chauffeured us from each enriched, historical landmark. Shakespeare would appreciate the irony, right? Our first stop was Shakespeare's birthplace. Before arriving I secretly hoped to be struck by whatever muse might meet me, but I was too giddy to be in the place that I forgot all about the summoning I had planned. Walking through the modest living space made me feel like a spoiled child with my running water and my closets....it was just too much to take in. We then made our way to Holy Trinity Church. Walking up the path, knowing Shakespeare was buried inside, brought tears to my eyes. I know that's corny, but that's just how I roll. The pictures don't do justice to the weight of it all. Shakespeare thought well enough to have his bones and the bones of his family buried in the church, because in his day, after about twenty years, bones in a graveyard would be unearthed and then a variety of vulgar things may have had their way with his remains. Leaving the church was difficult, though the busses seem to be on some blasted schedule that keeps them running ritually. Our next visit was to Anne Hathaway's cottage did not disappoint. The garden was nearly in bloom, but many of the recent frigid days have stunted their coming out of hiding. I can imagine though, the fragrant air must have contributed to the wooing....We did hear after all that Anne was with child when their rushed marriage happened.
At dinner we truly thought about taking root here. Okay, not seriously, but it's really nice to see how the British appreciate history, culture, learning, architecture, and the arts. And what do we have? Vulgar Trump regurgitating rants at the pulpit. But let's be optimistic.
An overwhelming day to say the least. We are excited to see London and find some famous pub so we can delight in some fish-n-chips and maybe the allusive Spotted Dick which I hear is a culinary delight. So far, we haven't spotted it on any menu though Amy said it's just playing hard to get. We will be on the lookout.....
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