Stratford-Upon-Avon

On Sunday morning we got on a train and went up to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see some family of mine. We left the hotel around 9:30 to catch th 10.17 train at Marylebone. Come to find out, once we arrived at Marylebone train station, they didn't have a train at that time on Sunday. We were redirected to Paddington Station and got a train there.

Here we are in Paddington Station.

We were on the train for about 2 hours and arrived in Stratford around 1:30pm. My cousin Vivien and her mom Hazel picked us up from the train station. We went to pick up Vivien's son, Alex at work and then went to Downtown Stratford-Upon-Avon. Stratford is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and also the place in which he is burried. We went to see Shakespeare's grave and then we went to have lunch at a pub called the Mucky Duck. This was the first pub we went to so it was very enjoyable (although I was slightly disappointed when we did not get any bee's thrown at us ;0). ). After lunch, we walked around some more and went to the house that Shakespeare was born in. It was beautiful!

Shakespeare's Grave

In the front of the house the Shakespeare was born in.

Standing on the Avon river. It looked like a scene out of a book or movie. So picturesque!

Anne Hathaway's Cottage - she was married to Shakespeare.

And here is a picture of the family - Hazel, Vivien, Alex, Nicholas, and me.

We went to the train station at 8:45pm and got back to London around 11pm. It was a fantastic day and I am so greatful to have been able to spend some time with my family.

Here is a little side note: I am writting this blog on Tuesday evening even though it occured on Sunday. I found out this evening that my English grandmother (living in the states) passed away on Monday, September 22, 2008 - the day after I visited her side of the family in Stratford. She had been very sick with Alzheimer's disease for the last few years. Even though we all knew it was coming, it is still very hard to deal with her death. One of the things that is the most difficult for me is that she always wanted to take me to England, and I finally get the chance, and she passes while I am still here. It seems very ironic and surreal, but I am greatful to have been able to spend time with her family, remembering her in a positive way. I am glad that I did not see her in such poor conditions and I am so happy I am now able to remember her so fondly. I will definately make this last day here count - in her memory!

In Loving Memory of Cindy Clark: 1921-2008