A highlight of the trip was seeing a Shakespeare play at the Globe Theater. We took a tour of the theater on a previous visit, but did not see a play. On this particular afternoon, we saw Henry IV, part I. The performance was terrific, with the three central characters — Harry “Hotspur” Percy, Prince Hal, and Falstaff — played by women.

Our experience was enlivened by the venue. The Globe theater is a recreation (as best as can be accomplished with today’s knowledge) of the theater in which Shakespeare plays were presented between 1599 and 1613. The theater was demolished in 1642 after the Puritan administration of the time ordered the closing of all theaters. American actor Sam Wanamaker spearheaded the reconstruction on land close to the original site. It was completed in 1997 and, each year, welcomes more than a million visitors who take the guided tour, participate in educational programs, watch plays, or attend special events.

It was a very pleasant way to spent our last afternoon in London.