Blogs from Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 8

Today was quite eventful! I went with my new friend Alex (yes you read that right I made a friend!!) to the Botanical Gardens. It was cold and a lot of the stuff was dead but a lot of it wasn't. There was a greenhouse and lovely landscaping. Then we went to the Museum of Science or something and saw ancient scientific instruments. The ones for measuring planetary movement were so beautiful although now they'd be considered obsolete. They were as much art as science - intricate measurements, graceful proportions, creativity and ingenuity and imagination marking the beginnings of new ideas. We also saw an exhibit on clocks but it was a bit dull -- apparently they've always told time... Next we went to the Tower and Church of St. Michaels which is the oldest building ... read more

I think I faux-pa-ed today. We were all talking about healthcare in the US vs England and our English student helper mentioned that dental wasn't covered in the UK and I was like "that explains a lot" and then there was an awkward silence during which I defensively insisted that it was a joke. Maybe I need to learn tact while I'm here. I met the lady named Louise who e-mailed me to arrange my arrival. I always pictured her as old and stuffy but she was really young and way hotter than me. Or "fitter" as they say here. Good for her! Apparently Hertford sucks at sports so maybe I'll get to be on a team! The student helper that I insulted said that if I'd every played soccer before (though of course he wrongly ... read more

This morning we did the Oxford Castle Unlocked experience which I admit I didn’t really want to do. I have to say it was a very enjoyable morning and the tour was done very well indeed. I highly recommend this as a way to get an idea of the history of Oxford Castle and jail. We then caught the bus down to Wolvercote. This was where one of my grandparents lived when I was a child and I wanted to show the family the village and particularly Wolvercote Common, where I had spent so much time playing as a child. We walked through the village and on to the Trout for lunch. We didn’t have a reservation but luckily managed to get a table. I was amazed how crowded it was on a cold winter’s day! ... read more

Geo: 51.7523, -1.25582This morning we had another day with Martin of Absolute Touring, this time to Stratford Upon Avon and Warwick Castle as my husband and son were determined to see a real castle whilst in England. We first made a stop at Bladon to see Winston Churchill's grave as my son had developed a bit of an interest in war while we were in Paris! After that we headed to Stratford for a wander around. Martin, the tour guide, gave us complimentary tickets into Shakes... read more

Geo: 51.7523, -1.25582While eating my bowl of muesli for breakfast I managed to break a tooth! The hotel organised an appointment down the road at Fabian's dentist. Luckily by 9.15 I was done with a temporary filling in place! I am so glad that that happened in Oxford and not in Paris – I doubt my French would have been up to it ha ha. We spent the morning exploring Christchurch College, mainly because of my kids interest in anything Harry Potter! We were hoping to see another college or two as well this morning, but the weather was dreadful with strong winds and rain, and we were virtually trapped inside Christchurch until it improved. By then it was time for lunch.I had organised a lunch with my aunt and cousin who I hadn't seen for forty ... read more