three thousand one hundred thirty-eight miles: Oxford Invasion

Hiya!

My dearest apologies for not blogging in the past few weeks. There's been adventures to the Claverton Weir, London and Wales, papers week, poetry readings, themed dinners, plus my school placement and volunteering at the Julian house. I've been so busy that I haven't had enough time to devote to my blog. But these are just the scenes for next week, today we're going to discuss Oxford.

http://helpfors.narod.ru/GreatBritain/Oxford/university_college.html

From September 17th - 23rd, ASE invaded University College, in Oxford, which some may say is the oldest college in the Oxford University system. Once we arrived we were shown to our rooms. Yet again I received a quirky room with lots of character, that began to grow on me just as my home at Prior Park has. It was tucked under the staircase with low, dormer ceilings, crooked, black beams decorated the walls. I felt a little bit like I was entering a cave, but the charm grew on me. I also had this room to myself, and it was not only one room, but also included an attached living room. I grew a bit lonely without my housemates constantly around.

Sleeping in the Christ Church Garden

After lunch (finally a break from cooking for myself) we had a welcome speech from the Dean, and a walking tour to get us acquainted with the city. Proceeding the tour Sarah, Amy, Manda and I went on a little shopping spree and took a detour to get ice cream on our way to the Christ Church Garden. We united with the rest of Prior Park for dinner at the Nosebag (the best vegetarian-ish restaurant I have ever eaten at), and finished the night at the Univ Bar at the dance they put on for ASE.

Attempting to Rotate Punters

By far the highlight of the weekend was punting on Sunday. Punting is basically steering a boat with a long metal pole along the river, like they do in Venice. I may have not been the best at navigating our boat via pole and our group may have had a few collisions with trees and shrubs (not to mention one terrible incident including a sleeping duck) but we did successfully make it around the loop. And managed to have a few good laughs.

Dysfunctional Punting

During the week I did not have my education placement or tutorial and therefore had plenty of time to devote to exploring Oxford. On Tuesday I walked to the Museum of Natural History where they had tons of dinosaur, elephant and other bones, and taxidermy animals that kids could touch. However, I was most interested in the fossils. I also wandered into the Pitt Rivers Museum of anthropology and archeology. I was fascinated by all of the artifacts that were on display, particularly the musical instruments, children's games, and body art. I loved Pitt Rivers so much that I had to go back again another day.

Amy and I in the Ghost Forest exhibit at the Natural History Museum

I also packed in a Tour of Christ Church, home of Harry Potter set locations, including a staircase. *gasp* Okay so I'm not a huge HP fan, but it was still pretty cool. ASE also offered an Indian Food Evening, which is easily becoming my favorite ethnic cuisine. Nan om nom nom nom nom.

Fish and Chips at the Eagle and Child

The rest of my week included trips to the Ashmolean Museum, and the Museum of the History of Science, not my fave museum. We dined at the Eagle and Child, where CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien used to meet, and drank cider at the Turf, where Bill Clinton was accused of getting high. Scanning local book stores to read poetry. And a lovely walk through the botanical gardens. Our trip to Oxford concluded with a formal dinner in the Univ dining hall with our tutors and staff.

Prior Park Ladies

En route to Bath, ASE brought us to Blenheim Palace home of the Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Although our tour guide left something to be desired (i.e. personality) the house and gardens were exquisite. Of course Amy, Sarah, and I took time to frolic like small children: climbing trees, playing Pooh sticks, and rolling down hills. We also discovered the Temple of Diana, the Rose Gardens and a small waterfall. Although the entire week was incredibly lovely, I am quite excited to be back home in Bath.