"The struggle is real."

Oh boy. Today took many days to come to a close. We left London at 6:45 am for Stratford-upon-avon..... hooray.

We actually stopped at some really great places on our way. Unfortunately, I was a little disoriented what with the off and on napping and the 15 minute bus rides in between stops so I'm lookin a little rough in the pictures. 

Our first stop was at Coventry Cathedral which was hauntingly beautiful. The church was bombed in the second World War and many believe that the British government was aware that the bombing was going to take place and did nothing to prevent it because they didn't want the Germans to know that their code had been broken (super long sentence). The cathedral's mission is reconciliation and they even have a sister cathedral in Germany.

 I love this statue. And there is a matching one in the German sister cathedral.

And then we went to Kenilworth Castle which was first built in the 1120's and then constantly remodeled over the next few hundred years by its different inhabitants. Some of the exciting things that happened here.... The tennis ball incident between Henry V and the Dauphin happened here. Edward II was forced to abdicate here. And, most excitingly, Robert Dudley was given this castle by Elizabeth I! Robert Dudley and Elizabeth loved each other. I'm convinced of it. And she could never marry him because she was the queen. 

Gardens that Robert Dudley made for Elizabeth I

And then we went to Warwick Castle. Wow there was a lot to see and learn about. Warwick was central in the War of Roses in which the Earl of Warwick supported Leicester and lost his life. One of the previous owners was stabbed in the belly by his manservant because his master only intended to leave him 20 pounds a year in his will. Owie. And then there was this woman named Daisy Greville who was the Countess of Warwick. She was the mistress to lots of guys including the prince and her husband was cool with it. Fun stuff.

The bird show was sick

 'MURICA EAGLE

The most amazing view from the tallest tower. Beautiful!

 Only princesses between the ages of 3 and 8 are allowed in the Princess Tower? I'm sorry, but do you know who you're talking to?

 More bird show! Ernie the owl was being grumpy.

And then after 4 1/2 hours at the Warwick Castle we got to our cute little bed and breakfast. And then we saw As You Like It. It was a long day. The struggle was seriously real.