In which I have my first travel disappointment and address the spelling of the Bard's name...

As I planned for London, I read a fabulous book called The Six Wives of Henry the VIII by Alison Weir. In learning about homeboy's eight wives, I also learned about a Tudor palace: Hampton Court. Excited to visit some of Henry's haunts, I did the Google. In addition to visiting the palace, I was going to have the opportunity to see the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show where "Shakespeare's comedies will feature in a series of gardens...while the rose marquee will take on a Midsummer Night's Dream theme." I planned to visit during the magical hour of light (the hour surrounding sunset) and take pictures to satiate my growing addictions to both photography and Tudor England.

In a fit of excitement, I bought the tickets early and had them shipped to me. Just a week ago, I received my course schedule for the program in which I am participating. Alas...the very night I'd planned my excursion de fleur I have to be a groundling at The Globe for a performance of Henry IV, Part I. (I know, I know...terrible alternative.) I called over to the UK hoping and praying for a transferable ticket but, alas, it was not to be. (Side note: It is really so much more pleasant to be told 'no' in the lilting, lovely accent of a British woman.) I shall have to shell out another $22 if I want to see Puck in the garden. The Hampton Court Palace ticket was a separate purchase, and one that (thankfully) I can use any time within seven days of the date on the ticket.

Now, as to the spelling of Mr. Shakespear, um...Shakespeare...um Shakspear? I know the spelling in the opening quote to my blog is the not the more commonly accepted 'Shakespeare.' I could explain, but instead I will just share an excerpt from Bill Bryson's Shakespeare (a fabulous read for anyone, not just Bard aficionados):
More than eighty spellings of Shakespeare's name have been recorded, from Shappere to Shaxberd. (It is perhaps worth noting that the spelling we all use is not the one endorsed by the Oxford English Dictionary, which prefers Shakspere.)

So there it is...and off I go.