On to Stratford-Upon-Avon

The journey was a little complicated.  There were multiple trains, lots of walking, and a couple taxis involved.  Stratford-Upon-Avon is not an easy place to get to.

But we made it, even with the walk with our very large luggage through a shopping mall and a train small enough for the last leg that there were no luggage compartments.

And we even had time to learn a little more about Shakespeare this afternoon. 

We purchased a ticket to see Shakespeare's birthplace and Nash House.  Nash House is currently the site of an archeological dig and a really gorgeous knot garden.  They are currently working to see what else they can discover by digging to the original foundations.

Shakespeare's birthplace was actually really interesting to me, even though Mr. Rick Steves warned us it was a little overrated.  The tour started with videos in different rooms that talked about Bill's (a.k.a. my good friend Shakespeare's) life growing up, his work, and why he was so successful. 

That was before we even reached the house he was born in, which featured volunteers that gave more background about Bill and the house. 

We picked up a few trinkets in the shop, because we are consummate tourists and headed to the Garrick Pub for dinner based on the shop employee's recommendations.  On Sunday's there's a roast dinner special for 10 pounds (a.k.a. cheap!).  It also proclaims itself as the oldest pub in town.

We made it back to the hotel in time for a fire alarm.  We found ourselves the only guests actually evacuated to the parking lot.  Apparently they didn't have the same training in school that we did.

Now I'm contemplating a trip to the hotel gym.  I should mention that this hotel is gorgeous--completely different, more modern, than anywhere else we've been.

Tomorrow we're off to Oxford to explore the land of C.S. Lewis.