I just arrived back home from a really lovely and rewarding weekend in Stratford, Ontario, home of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. The company that puts on the festival every summer is known as being one of the absolute best, second only to the Royal Shakespeare Company, and they really delivered on that promise. Ever since I moved to Michigan I had been implored by people to go check it out, but didn't get around to it until this year, 11 years into my Michigander-hood, but I was compelled by the schedule this season, which included "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "King Lear." Two very different plays, and two very different interpretations, but both were excellent and made for a really enjoyable weekend. The beautiful sunny weather, the delicious poutine, and the lovely public gardens surrounding Lake Victoria rounded out an excellent trip, and the fact that it was a roadtrip with good friends only helped.
Obviously the highlights of the trip were the incredible performances, but what really made it special were the small, unexpected details, like our discovery of Canada's Balzac Cafe, a small chain of gorgeously-appointed cafes in Eastern Canada. Besides the obvious literary reference in their very name, they actually brew and sell a special Canadian blend called "Atwood Blend," named for Canada's literary treasure and my special obsession. Naturally I got it in au lait form, and took home a freshly ground bag as a souvenir. There is a great cartoon of Margaret Atwood along the side panel, which unfortunately did not photograph well, but the blend is heartily endorsed by the authoress, and proceeds from sales of it go towards Canadian birds and wildlife, hence the beautiful Audubon-esque packaging. The flavor is light and citrusy, and not at all what I would've imagined if I had tried to design a coffee inspired by Margaret Atwood.
Stratford will always hold a place in my heart now and forever because it has no fewer than THREE bookshops on one block, and I visited all of them. I was especially excited to find a pocket edition of "Notes on King Lear," which I bored everyone with over breakfast. I am already anxious to plan a return trip next year.