One of my favorite sits was in idyllic Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s hometown. I love British literature, culture and history. Was in London just before and had seen Macbeth performed at Shakespeare’s Globe.
My sit dog turned out to be the most charming and social I’ve ever met, a border terrier. He loved to sleep and cuddle. We hung out together all the time, because he behaved well everywhere.
We walked all over town, among the lush grounds along the River Avon and in the countryside, and took a river cruise and a ferry together. We stumbled across various festivities in the lovely, sprawling parks riverside. They included dragon boat racing and an Indian new year’s festival. He was unfazed by crowds and noise, even fireworks.
We’d walk among beautiful gravestones from generations ago, cloaked in moss. They rested in the churchyard of Shakespeare’s baptismal and burial site, where he also was married and had his children baptized. We’d go to historic pubs, cafes and restaurants and everyone loved doggo — he’d get pets and treats from the staff and customers. We enjoyed Sunday roast together in a hotel restaurant courtyard.
My sit hosts were thoughtful, offered me bottles of wine and groceries. Beautiful, clean home with a lush backyard, an easy walk from the lively city center. Well-appointed guest room and bath, with top notch bed and bedding. Space for all of my things. They offered to pick me up and drop me off even an hour+ away, if I wanted. Left me a painstakingly hand-mapped book of the many walks. They were trusting and easygoing. We traded lovely updates.
To get to Stratford-upon-Avon, I’d booked a sightseeing tour from London that took us through the gorgeous Cotswolds and multiple historic Shakespeare sites. Once in town, I enjoyed afternoon tea, a favorite of mine. And when I left the sit, my host kindly drove me to historic Warwick, where I stayed over and did sightseeing, including Warwick Castle.
In Warwick, I stayed at a hotel above a pub, which is a fun experience for an American who loves British culture. The pub hotel reminded me of the Downton Abbey era and such, when travelers would stay in them. It was so quaint that rooms had actual keys with giant wooden key tags. The friendly pub staff did all the hoteling services and the pub served a great full English breakfast.
Today, I fly from the U.S. to do the sit again. Thrilled to do that, even though I don’t normally do repeats, favoring fresh experiences. Excited to seeing my lovely sit dog again, whom I’d clone if possible. Sitting for ~two weeks, like last time.
