Thursday, York-Coventry-Stratford-upon-Avon

We had a late departure today at 8:30.  We drove to Coventry to see the Cathedral of Reconciliation.  Coventry is an industrial city and was extensively bombed during WWII.  Only the steeple and some walls remained of the cathedral, but the people rebuilt and dedicated their cathedral to reconciliation – forgive and forget. 

Lots of photos better than mine - click HERE.

The new cathedral.

We had a stop at a roadside truck stop sort of place again.  They have a lot of these here.  I got a chicken sandwich and a Victorian sandwich to go as we aren’t having a real lunch stop today.  A Victorian sandwich is a coarse cake, split horizontally, with a cream filling, and a layer of strawberry jam and then cut in wedges.  Really good.

Our next stop was Anne Hathaway’s house (Shakespeare’s wife), a thatched roof cottage with beautiful gardens, both flower and vegetable, though a little past their prime. The original cottage was very tiny, but had been added on and added on – all in one long row.

Again, better photos than mine, click HERE; and you can even click on the heading "inside" to see photos I wasn't allowed.

On to the main part of town where we had time to tour Shakespeare’s birthplace (Stratford on Avon), and walk around the town shopping area which is very touristy.  Shakespeare’s home seemed very large and roomy for the period. Again, better photos than mine HERE, and you can click on the "inside" heading.

I loved all the flowers.

Flowers and statues everywhere.

Of course, you knew there would be a street light.

Our coach picked us up at 3:45 and brought us to the hotel, which was very conveniently located within walking distance of the town.

I dropped my bags and went for a walk to take pictures of the River Avon, the boats, the flowers, and the swans, ducks, and Canada geese.  A little inlet has spots for canal boats to tie up for the night.  People were sitting on their decks eating, talking, and reading. Some of the canal boats looked as if the owners could use them like travel trailers on the water. Judging from the plants, etc., I think they spent a lot of time floating around.

Adjacent is a garden area with a wonderful statue of Shakespeare on a high pedestal surrounded by some of his characters. Unfortunately, the sun was at the wrong angle for taking photos.

If you cross the bridge and walk along the banks of the river, you come to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Click HERE. The best shot I could get.

I loved the birds and the people who were feeding them and themselves with picnics in the big park under the trees.

But watch where you step.

Better photos HERE. And HERE. And HERE.

Farewell Stratford-upon-Avon, farewell Great Britain. Parting is such sweet sorrow. Homeward bound tomorrow.

We had our not-very-exciting farewell dinner at the hotel.  Time to pack. 

         To be continued. . . . .