Stratford Trip Day One

We went as a group to Stratford-upon-Avon right after our walk through Kent country. We would be absent from London for a few days. This was the strictly Shakespeare trip. Only everything Shakespeare we would obsess ourselves with, and absolutely nothing else . . . well maybe a little more of something else every now and again. Here follows day one of our Stratford trip:


Here is Coventry Cathedral, the most popular cathedral to visit in England, which is saying something. What you see are the ruins left over from the cathedral.

And here you can see the new cathedral built next to the ruins.

The reason why this cathedral is so popular is because of the symbolism and powerful story it has. The cathedral was bombed during WWII, leaving only the walls standing and shards of stained-glass. While surveying the damage, a certain bishop had an idea for the cathedral. Instead of doing repair work, he thought the cathedral should stand in its ruins, as a symbol for strength and victory over death. In the above picture, this bishop added the words right over the altar "Father Forgive." Not "Father Forgive Them," but "Father Forgive." It was a message meant for both sides of the war.
Coventry Cathedral now stands as a symbol of forgiveness, comfort and hope; the hope that all wounds may be healed after the strife is over.

This was the only surviving artifact after the bombing.



This statue is called Reconciliation.





These are figures carved out from glass and have been placed within the window. Apparently it took five years to complete this window.

This statue is of Michael overcoming the Devil. It's another symbol of victory over evil.

This site is probably one of my favorites because of the powerful story behind it. It's so sad and so touching. It was a dreadful thing for me to leave. I felt as if I was leaving a friend in need behind, and missing out on the opportunity to be comforted by the following scriptures written on the walls of the new chapel. Even as I am working on this post, I felt I should play some quiet, reverent music. My song of choice: Claire de Lune.





Our next stop on our way to Stratford was the Kenilworth Castle.


Constructed in the time of King John II. I am a mess now because I can't decide whether I like this castle or the Dover Castle better! This one was better in one way: you can climb!





And climb was what I did! I don't think we were technically allowed to climb, but how can you not??? Those rocks make for perfect gripping rocks.





This was John's backyard. Dezi had a bit of a picnic whilst overlooking the countryside.





If I were to write a book and select a picture to go in the book, it would be this one. I mean, just look at how important and pensive I look!

Our last stop before reaching Stratford was the Mary Arden Farmhouse. This historic site was thought to have been Shakespeare's mother's home. They later found out that is was actually down the road from this farm in a very boring little cottage. So, they decided to make this a tourist site anyway. It was quite pleasant with all the farm animals. I felt like for a moment I was in Utah again! Except for the few people dressed in Tudor clothing.


Did anyone else think of Malcom in the Middle when they saw the goats? After seeing that show, I'm hesitant to approach goats.

It wasn't till this moment when I realized I could watch pigs all day long and stay entertained. They would occasionally chase after this hen that was in their pen, and bark like dogs. It was very funny to watch. I think that's the only reason the farmers keep the hen in there, to give those poor pigs something to do.

Horses! In case you haven't noticed yet, I love horses. I've been starved of them for quite a few years and really gravitated towards the horses at this farm.

They were so nice!

This is the bed and breakfast we stayed in while in Stratford. It was very pink and very floral. But it was adorable and lots of fun!