STRATFORD-UPON-AVON: THE BIRTHPLACE OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(The Façade of the restored 16th-century 2 storey house of

England's National Poet and the "Bard of Avon", William Shakespeare)

I felt the sudden rush of cold in my body and it gave me chills...

It was the itsy-bitsy raindrops first before the imposing cottony snow flakes came to the scene. Thereupon, the frigid condition and the pearly appearance of snow materialised on my way out of the busy London; I was heading up to the green fields of West Midlands. Coincidentally, as I was on the train zooming its way up, the nippy condition outside was getting extreme. As a result, the unexpected chill was gently creeping inside the carriage through the glass clear windows.

From my seat I felt the developing cold and when I looked outside, the snowfall was getting substantial and thicker. Delightfully speaking, it resulted to the unveiling of a vast field blanketed in accumulated white flurry snow. Then, I became less fidgety on the train as the feeling of the shivery winter season was intensely sensed by my delicate skin. Consequently, I whispered in my mind and I quote, “this isn't the weather condition I'm expecting. I'm anticipating the warm breeze of fresh Spring slapping on my face. Then, I breathed out heavily with a tight hug of my shawl wrapped around me”.

I arrived on time at my destination and the night after...

On my second day in West Midlands, we routed down miles away by car onto the motorway and headed into the abyss of Stratford-upon-Avon. My usual habit of taking pictures of the outside surroundings, whilst in the car, on our way to Stratford-upon-Avon was apprehended by the weather condition. It should have been a great journey on the road if I were able to take a few snaps of the boundless calm fields. We were all snugly wrapped-up as the intermittent presence of sunshine didn't grace my visit. Promptly, we arrived at our destination in the county of Warwickshire, England and were resolute to enjoy exploring the market town village under the steadily drizzly weather condition. It was snowy cold yet a sensationally refreshing jaunt!

The gently sprinkling of fine drops were subsiding when we approached one of the specific access avenues at the town centre of Stratford-upon-Avon. It was called Henley Street which had an elongated road with architecturally levelled cobblestones, low kerbs and flat pavements (making the whole town wheelchair-friendly). It was bordered and brightened up with diverse low-rise buildings which were occupied by their preserved local stores and the pervasive chains of commercial shops. Moreover, it also served as the alternate passageway to Windsor Street or onto the roundabout for Union Street, Bridge Street, High Street and Wood Street. Yes, there were lots of street names to guide you and for you to memorise, too!

(The Erected Visitors Guide Map)

(The Henley Street)

From the ingress of Henley Street, I easily noticed a restored 2-storey rectangular house with a sturdy pitched gable intersecting roof and contemporary loop level spear top metal fence. Historically speaking, the house was built in 16th-century using the traditional half-timbered method and constructed in wattled and daud around a wooden frame. To be more specific, the façade of the house had a woven lattice of wooden strips infixed with a combined sticky material of wet soil, clay, sand, animal dung and straw. For the past years or ever since it was owned and managed by the Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust, this eminent house has been a small museum open to the public and a popular visitor attraction. Moreover, it has been acknowledged as a Mecca for all lovers of literature for it's believed to be the Birthplace of England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon", William Shakespeare.

In spite of the fact that the renowned Shakespeare's Birthplace is a small museum open to the public, the out-and-out admission is still not free of charge. When we decided to explore the innermost Birthplace of England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon", William Shakespeare, we bought upfront our Shakespeare's Birthplace Adult Tickets. Customarily speaking, the ticket itself gave us an entire access from the interesting museum at Shakespeare's Centre; the spruced-up tender rear garden; a significant snoop of Joan Hart's Cottage on the ground floor of the house; the innermost of the main restored 2-storey rectangular house of William Shakespeare and his family; the added 17th century rear wing and ending up to the matter-of-fact detached Gift Shop.

(William Shakespeare's Phrases and Sayings)

(The 1988 Oil in Canvas of William Shakespeare in the Globe Theatre by Philip Sutton, R.A.)

(William Shakespeare Life's Chart and Family Tree)

(The Parlour on the Ground Floor of the Restored House)

(The Dining Area with the Corner Fireplace on the Ground Floor of the Restored House)

(The Childhood Bedroom with a Chimney of William Shakespeare
on the First Floor of the Restored House)

(The Birthroom Window with Henry Irving's Name
on the First Floor of the Restored House)

(The Adequate Room on the Second (Attic) Floor of the Restored House)

(William Shakespeare's Parents, John and Mary, Bedroom on the First Floor of the Restored House)

(The First Floor in the Rear Wing of the Restored House)

(The Door on the Ground Floor in the Rear Wing of the Restored House)

(The Fireplace on the Ground Floor in the Rear Wing of the Restored House)

(The Food Storage Room on the Ground Floor in the Rear Wing of the Restored House)

(The Tender Rear Garden in the Rainy Day)

(The Back End Perspective of William Shakespeare's Birthplace

with the Angular View of the Rear Wing)

(The Detached Gift Shop of Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust

and the Souvenir Coin)

The modern Shakespeare's Centre greeted us with noticeable phrases & sayings onto the walls and warmly took us back in time by featuring his creative collections of plays, sonnets and poems. It also gave us an insight into his colourful theatre life on a canvas painting and communicated to us through the detailed summary of his life's chart.

Personally speaking, when I stepped in at the centre I thought that it was a terrible enterprise in acknowledging the life of William Shakespeare and where he lived. It was indeed a radically designed contrast to the adjacent well-preserved 16th-century half timbered house. However, the succinct state-of-the-art approach in establishing how William Shakespeare became England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" turned out to be brilliantly and symmetrically beautiful!

FILCOM'S BARRIO FIESTA 2017 IN BRISTOL

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(Photo Courtesy of Bristol Barrio Fiesta 2017's Facebook Event Account)

The United Kingdom is a home away from home for Filipinos who moved here to work and to integrate as they have been living outside the Republic of the Philippines. The numbers of Filipinos who are continuously uplifting the status quo of our image isn't just in the fields of nursing, health and social care but non-profit communities are amongst them, too. These conceptualised groups bound by common interests, works and goals are formed to offer encouragement, support and help with living in the U.K. to Filipinos who are happily integrating into the society. One of many is the Filipino Community (FilCom) in Bristol which patriotically advertises the culture, delicacies and dishes of the Philippines. They also give considerable assistance to the gifted and talented Filipinos which helps to anchor them. 

Bristol has been regarded as the eighth most populous city in the United Kingdom and the most populous city in Southern England. Facts! It has been gaining recognition too when it comes to their own currency, the Bristol Pound; the majestic human harp landmark, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the music & theatre events at the festival in the summer months. Which is why, the FilCom in this independent city will organise a 1-day spectacular event with the theme, “Hawak Kamay” (Holding Hands/I'm By Your Side). The festival sonorously called Barrio Fiesta 2017 in Bristol will grace its audience with dance and song numbers from their talented participants. They may also astound with an appearance of a guest star fresh from the Republic of the Philippines.

On the 24th of June this year from 08:00 to 18:00, the 1-day Barrio Fiesta 2017 in Bristol will actively exhibit skilled and brilliant talents from youngsters and adults; advertise appetising delicacies & dishes from independent business minded locals and much more. So, don't forget the date which will be held at The Park Local Opportunity Centre on Daventry Road, Knowle, BS4 1DQ Bristol.

If you aren't convinced yet and still would like to know more updates and information, here are the useful links only at your fingertips,

https://www.facebook.com/events/741333856031549/ 

http://www.filcombristol.co.uk/ 

The glorious sunny days are just around the corner and Bristol will definitely delight you with their water and green spaces, too!

WHAT'S YOUR ADDICTION?

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

We all have weaknesses in life. It can be a man who is handsome and gentle; a glamorous sexy lady or could be, varieties of clothes, shoes etc. Whatever is your weakness that you might have started collecting or dreaming of it at a very young age?

When I was in my lovely hometown in the Philippines, I didn’t give very much attention to what I look like. Those years, I thought that being composed and confident at work were the most important attributes in life. More important than any of the tangible things that our naked eyes can see. Perhaps, I wasn’t that aware when it comes to fashion or the things I can acquire which would create the glamorous and presentable side of me. However, it all changed, gradually and smoothly, when I embarked into the world of vampires called, The Call Centre Industry!

I can vividly remember that a night after receiving my salary I would head to the nearby malls together with my nephew and niece to buy as many items as I could afford. We would also eat to pocket-friendly fast food chains; watch movies in the cinema and buy tickets for fun rides. After hours of enjoyment, we were all physically tired and burnt-out. Spending to provide as much energy as you can and enjoy the day doesn’t mean exceeding the budget!

Today and in the coming years, my weakness in buying clothes, bags and shoes will be forever part of my existence on Earth. As a matter of fact, when deciding what to wear for a certain occasion or just a stroll around the high street is no longer giving me a fuss because of my collections. They are like jewels that luminescence my aura, thus giving me confidence when walking!

It can be called addiction by others but for me, it is a passion for fashion that is yielding favourable personal effects to my own well-being!

*Photo courtesy of Google Images

MY VISIT IN THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF ENGLAND

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

I was away for a couple of nights as I travelled to the South West of England. The Southampton bus from Victoria Coach Station took me and the other 19 passengers to Winchester!

As there were only 20 passengers boarded on the bus, the inside was very spacious and cosy. No one sat beside me, as each row was occupied by one! It was good to see the streets of London as we made our way-out of the city. One of the streets we passed that impressed me was Brompton Square. A place where most of the designers' shops can be found. It was like being in gay paree! The journey took me an hour and 10 minutes and a few of us disembarked and the rest traveled to Southampton.

I am finally on the ground of Winchester, THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF ENGLAND!

The statue of King Alfred was very visible and close to the coach station. This is why they called the station KING ALFRED STATUE COACH STOP. Now we know! I waited for my friends to arrive and stood beside a red building, pretending that I wasn't feeling anxious and afraid. While waiting for them to arrive, I observed that the place was also a tourist destination.

Once we met, we went to the King Alfred Pub located in Hyde Street to fill our hungry stomachs. We sat in the garden and waited for the waitress to serve the ordered fish and chips as well as my favourite lasagne.

When we finished eating our meal and partially satisfied our hunger, we toured around rather than go directly to their place. We passed a posh school good for silver spoon children. Just a few steps from the school was the preserved Jane Austin's house. As we walked on, we entered a portal that led to the PILGRIMS' CHOIR SCHOOL BUILDING. This hall is used by the schools for lessons, practices and rehearsals. Opposite of the building was the right wing of the WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL.

(Top to Bottom: Pilgrim's Choir School Building and Winchester Cathedral' right wing)

WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL was built in 1079 and is now the major landmark. The right wing of this Gothic building was used in the film 'Harry Potter'. It was not just a holy place as it was also a graveyard and a freedom park for families and visitors. I took a few pictures of the Cathedral including a fully grown PINK CHERRY TREE. It was a magnificent man made structure that is central to the history of WINCHESTER.

(Top to Bottom: Cherry Tree and Winchester Cathedral)

After being amazed by the Cathedral, we walked and passed a SQUARE occupied by restaurants. This square was a short cut onto the HIGH STREET with an ancient clock that had been renovated. At the end of the passage was the statue of Bishop Wykeham known to the locals as MARKET STATUE.

(Top to Bottom: Square and Market Statue)

The street wasn't wide as it was elongated! It was occupied by shops and eating places. We mingled with the crowd and walked uphill to the HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COURTS. This court had a rounded shaped area in front and is used to prosecute high-profiled criminals in this country. On the side was KING ALFRED's GREAT HALL use as an OATH TAKING OFFICE for people who met the qualifications of becoming naturalised British citizens.

(Hampshire County Courts)

There was a marbled sculpture that celebrates Queen Elizabeth II 50 years reign, called QUEEN'S JUBILEE COMMEMORATIVE SCULPTURE. And adjacent to this sculpture was a preserved medieval castle.

(Queen's Jubilee Commemorative Sculpture)

It was a lovely day! We passed and saw people in BROADWAY GARDENS enjoying the warm sunshine that penetrated their skin. Spring flowers were blooming and added colours to the green atmosphere. Grasses were trimmed well and trees were no longer bald. It's already Spring, the breathing of fresh air was enjoyed without the worry of the freezing weather like in the winter. It was nice to see how people appreciated a sunny day in this county and in England, as a whole.

(Broadways Gardens)

It is not a big county, however, there are interesting places that I admired and was fascinated by, too.

Just a few minutes walk there was a gently flowing river that snakes its way through mid- Hampshire. It is a premier chalk stream that has a total length of 28 miles, the RIVER ITCHEN. It is a natural habitat for all forms of animals. The river served as a boundary, the right side was a relaxing place where you can sit on benches while looking at the crystalline river. The other side was occupied by big and posh houses with beautifully-maintained rear gardens. As they loved their gardens, one of the house owners was refurbishing and redesigning his backyard to make it more attractive and he had a concept of creating a bench over the river. I couldn't wait to sit and dip my feet in the water!

(Top to Bottom: Owner's Garden and River Itchen in the City Centre)

The city exploration was exciting and visiting historical places was very instructive. As we were quite tired and wanted to rest our weary bones, we headed to the car park and drove to their place!

It was a lively and warm Saturday!

I dressed the vegetable and tuna salads for our breakfast and prepared the table in the garden; we all ate together like a family. We had a friendly conversation that made me feel so comfortable being with them, it was like having an extended family in this county. It was a pleasant feeling to meet them who warmly welcomed me into their lives. 

When we finished our breakfast and we're ready to go, we first visited a private estate with big houses and showed me those ample houses. Then, we drove to a beautiful Georgian town called Arlesford and parked closed to the old pond which is fed by the RIVER ITCHEN. The crystal clear water ran quietly and flows into the Southampton water. There was a house mill erected over the pond and located a few steps from the pavement. It is owned by a family, who were delighted by the lovely weather in their garden. We passed a number of visitors enjoying their exploration of the pond while we were walking along a narrow footpath. It terminated on a highway with Georgian houses and restaurants. An uphill walk led to a pub, the edifice was very basic but the backyard was breath-taking. It had a panoramic view of a lake and a closed island made of wild tall grasses (bulrushes). There were white swans at a distance and the grasses served as their nest, to raise and nurture their offspring. We left this delightful setting by backyard gate and it led us to an uphill street.

 

(Top to Bottom: Old Pond in Arlesford, House Mill and Pub's Backyard)

As we parked the car near the pond, the strength of our legs and propulsion of our feet were well used in walking, from one area to another. We entered a private property where the oldest train in Hampshire is to be found. The train is still functioning and is used by a group of people who booked for a vintage ride. There was also a group of MORRIS DANCERS performing their traditional steps. It was delightful to witness their costumes and the chanting music they played on their instruments that made my feet boogie.

( Morris Dancers)

I thought we would drive back home when we headed to the car. However, they showed me a few preserved and historical places that were used in many international films. We passed pastured lands and I saw big bulls too.

We stopped. I changed my sandals to boots before we cross a footbridge that had two flowing rivers. The water that flows was part of the RIVER ITCHEN; what a well-rounded river! There were 2 footbridges, one took us to a family restaurant. We saw a father and son trying hard to catch big fishes, they even dipped in the water wearing waterproof trousers in the hope of luck! When we reached the footbridge that was connected to the restaurant, we took a few pictures but didn't go to the end of the bridge. On our way back to the car, we passed a few couples and group of youngsters, then drove to a petrol station that was just a few metres away from their place.

 (One of the Twin Rivers)

I enjoyed the placid lake, the island grass, the twin rivers, the wooden footbridges and the animals. I am thankful to see all of these gifts created by nature.

I like the modernity of the High Street but the wilderness refreshed my second day in Winchester!

 (Top to Bottom ,Clockwise: High Street, Broadway Gardens, Winchester Cathedral and Queen's Jubilee Commemorative Sculpture )

It is time for me to leave my friends place as I was ready to go back home!

My travelling bag was packed with used clothes in a plastic bag; my personal kit was zipped properly and a magazine inserted in one of the pockets.

We had breakfast, bowls of cereals with milk and cups of hot peppermint tea. Very healthy and reviving! A few minutes prior to my departure time, we left their place. It was just a 4 minute drive to the King Alfred Statue Coach Stop.

The bus wasn't on time so while waiting we had a nice conversation in the car. A few passengers sat on benches with their beloveds. The bus arrived and was already occupied with passengers from Southampton. Most of the rows were filled but I found a vacant aisle seat. It moved-off slowly and we all waved our hands to our family and friends.

The bus snakes through the City Centre before it reached the motorway and zoomed to the City of London. There was a friendly atmosphere, the driver behaved like a tour guide. He chatted and shared information while driving, mainly touches of history about the places we were passing. He was not just a driver as he was also a sensible, thoughtful person.

I was awake the whole journey and pre-occupied with my pen and notebook. I always look outside as it gave me ideas on what to write and remember. As I was quite busy, I didn't notice that we had arrived at Victoria Coach Station. I stepped-out into the bustling terminal and found my way easily to the exit.

Victoria Train Station was a few blocks away and I carried 2 different-sized bags while following the street signs in order to catch and board my desired train back home.

My journey to Winchester was educational and refreshing!