A conversation with Our Founder
Our Marketing Director, Emmeline, enjoyed spending some time getting to know Jean Spearman, Founder of As You Like It Tours (AYLIT), on a deeper level. Forge ahead to read their conversation.
Emmeline: How did you catch the travel bug?
Jean: As one of 8 children, I seldom traveled growing up. I remember going to the airport to pick up a grandparent or other family member and being incredibly envious and intrigued by the idea of getting on to an airplane, being above the clouds and stepping off in a different world. The travel bug and the “lifelong love affair” with the UK began when I spent a year in Exeter on a Rotary Club Scholarship. I got my Master’s degree in Education, traveled extensively around the UK and Europe, and made lifelong friends.That was truly life-changing for me!
Emmeline: What was it like growing up with 7 siblings? Where do you fall in the line?
Jean: I’m 4th in line and the 3rd of 4 girls, so I’m definitely a “middle child”! We only had 1 full bath and 1 half bath growing up, which seems unbelievable now. Our house was messy, noisy and full of love from both my parents…and my mom is an amazing cook. It was fun!
Emmeline: What’s your funniest or most embarrassing travel moment?
Jean: Like many travel stories, this one is only funny in retrospect. Cheryl and I were in Atlanta’s huge international terminal, checking in for our overnight flight to London. There was an incredibly loud, whiny toddler in line at the British Airways desk, and I said to Cheryl, “Man, I’d hate to have to sit next to that kid on a redeye flight.” Guess who ended up on the same flight and right across the aisle from me? Yep, that kid. And yes, he whined and cried almost the entire flight.
Emmeline: What would you say to the young parents flying with kids? Any tips?
Jean: Great question. The main reason I think the story is funny is because out of the whole huge international terminal in Atlanta, I ended up on the same flight. And on a huge plane, I ended up right beside the little tyke. No judgment from me if you have a fussy child on a plane. Their ears hurt, they’re confined, and they don’t know what they have to look forward to at the destination.
Emmeline: Do you have any tips to mitigate this for people who don’t want to be surrounded by crying kids during a long flight?
Jean: I would definitely say to avoid the bulkhead seats on the international flights, because they cater to families with young children.
Emmeline: Why did you choose the name “As You Like It Tours?”
Jean: I “stole” the name from Shakespeare and also from a delightful book, which I’d highly recommend called England As You Like It by Susan Allen Toth. I chose the name because one of the key distinctives of our tours is that we structure our days, our meals and our sightseeing activities to allow each participant to do the things that they enjoy most.
Emmeline: What’s your favorite food?
Jean: This might sound crazy, but my very favorite food is fresh baked bread, especially in the UK or France, with lots of butter. Yum!
Emmeline: Where’s your favorite restaurant or grocery store where you find the very best fresh bread?
Jean: I love Gail’s, a little bakery and coffee shop close to the hotel we stay at on our “recovery night” in London. And the St. Ives bakery, with meringues as big as your head (never tried the meringues but their bread is yummy!)
Emmeline: How would people describe you?
Jean: Maybe you and Cheryl can answer this better than I can! I would describe myself as an outgoing introvert, which means I enjoy being with people and have never met a stranger, but I recharge my batteries with “alone time.” I love deep conversations and can lose track of time when I’m having one. That’s why it’s great to have you and Cheryl to keep me on task!
Emmeline: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Jean: Taking long walks with or without my dogs, spending time with my husband and grown children, cooking, and reading. I especially love British Literature and historical fiction.
Emmeline: I have so many follow up questions! What type of dogs do you have? And how many children do you have? And what’s your go-to dinner recipe that you love to cook?
Jean: I’ve got two rescue dogs...one is a Border Collie mix and one is a mini-Australian Shepherd mix. I’ve got three grown kids…Emily, David and Meg. The girls live out in L.A. and David lives in Salt Lake City. As far as easy cooking, I’ve got a great vegetarian taco soup that’s an easy go-to. Maybe I’ll share the recipe in the newsletter one of these days!
Emmeline: Where's your favorite place you’ve ever traveled to?
Jean: That would have to be Cornwall. My first time in England was in 1984-85 as a Rotary Scholar, and I spoke to Rotary Clubs throughout Devon and Cornwall. I was absolutely blown away by the beauty, charm and history of both counties, but when I began As You Like It Tours, Cornwall drew me back over and over. The stunning coastline, the fabulous holiday houses that we book, and magical places like St. Michaels Mount, Minack Theatre and the SouthWest Coast Path never get old for me. If it wasn’t so far from my kids and my 89-year-old mom, I’d probably love to pull up stakes and live in Cornwall.
Emmeline: Do you have a favorite book?
Jean: I absolutely love The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher. Set in wartime London, Cornwall and the Cotswolds! I’ve read it quite a few times. The character development, dialogue, and the vivid descriptions of the English landscape, flowers, food, and more make it a delight. I’ve probably read it 6 or 7 times. There’s also a great audiobook version, narrated by Hayley Atwell.
Emmeline: What’s your best travel tip?
Jean: I’ve got two: 1 - Invest in really comfortable, waterproof, lightweight hiking boots or walking shoes with a good tread. I finally did this last year, and I regret not doing it sooner! I got a pair of leather, lightweight waterproof Keen hiking boots from the Elkmont Trading Company in Clemson. They were pricey but worth every penny!
2 - Put your phone down and really soak in the moment, the view, the outdoor street performers, etc. before you worry about recording with photos or videos. And if you’re traveling with others, share your photos via airdrop or a shared album.
Emmeline: What do you want people to know before they decide to travel with As You Like It Tours?
Jean: Being in a house with a small group of people that you may not know can sound intimidating. I’d like people to know that strangers will become friends, that you can have plenty of alone time, and that it’s so fun and relaxing to make a beautiful house your “home away from home” while you sightsee and experience new things.