Hello, again, blogonauts.

When I was a teenager, I remember seeing my first Shakespeare play ("A Comedy of Errors," I believe). Its dialogue surprised me, because even though it employed Elizabethan English, it could still thrill and entertain a naive teenager.

The Bard nearly perfectly employed the common denominator of human experience. Even in an era that now incorporates astronauts, antibiotics, and Android phones, we still can identify with his characters and situations.

So, when I faced an unplanned day, I decided to visit Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare's home town. It was both to pay a bit of homage and perhaps take in a play. Guide books had vigorously recommended it for both.

However, I had not expected to be surprised with the Stratford's enduring charm. The people are friendly, the town's recreational opportunities are easily accessible to visitors and residents alike, and world-class cultural events are seemingly routine. This small town bridges expertly its literary past and the modern era.

Because the English keep such good records, they have evidence of where Shakespeare's family resided when he was born. His father was a glove maker who, thanks to a dowry from his wife, owned a house-and-shop on the High Street. There are other homes associated with William Shakespeare scattered around town, including his burial site and his wife's family home.

But Stratford is not all about Elizabethan lit. On the River Avon, folks can go punting, rowing, or motorboating. Walking/running paths and parklands abound, and joggers, bicyclists, soccer players, and dogs are everywhere.

The Royal Shakespeare Company is headquartered here, and they operate two large theaters. During my brief visit, I had a choice between Shakespeare's Richard III ("My kingdom for a horse!") or another "horse drama," a reworking of the post Trojan war Greek tragedy, "Hecuba."

There were only 3 seats available (all undesirable) for Richard, so I chose to see Hecuba. It was rivetting! I don't remember when I've had a more intense theater experience.

Hecuba, Queen of Troy, is carried off by the victorious Greeks. Before the war, she had 19 children. By the end of the play, only one survives, and its her least favorite. Not exactly a knee slapper.

I hope you enjoy the photos I snapped while toddlng around Stratford-Upon-Avon. Next stop: knocking on Wales' door.