We've made it!

Past the headaches of delayed flights, astronomical charges for a cab, a few hectic nights in hostels, and a lot of walking in circles, Blake and I have made it to the UK. We spent the weekend in Oxford visiting a few of his old friends and getting a feel for the slower side of England. It was lovely, delicious, and great fun.


City of Dreaming Spires: view of Oxford across South Park, where I ripped my glove jumping a pointed fence


The texture of Oxford is fantastic.. Old stone, soft moss. Everything is green and grey and completely authentic


Simon and Mina toured us around. We fell in love with the chocolate lace at Patisserie Valerie


Every college in Oxford has its own chapel like this one, St. Mary the Virgin. It is one of the oldest, having been first started in 1250 and gradually added to. The play of light, attention to detail, and craftsmanship of handcarved local limestone of every square inch of the city is astounding.


Oxford is full of small museums and historical places. The History of Science Museum offers several floors of scientific instruments from Newton to Herschel. Some of the very first instruments for calculating angles, explaining the universe, and viewing the stars are on display.


We had High Tea at the Grand Cafe. I've never tasted anything so good as 3 tiers of little egg and salmon sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, and handmade truffles.


Reliving Lewis and Tolkein at the Trout


There are more endlessly historic and beautiful museums, pubs, libraries, and chapels than you can shake a stick at. (no matter how hard you try)


And everything, from the candle sticks to the Gothic domes are ancient, detailed, and so rich


The Duke of Wellington brought back Great Sequoias and planted them in University Park. Our first sighting of the famed American tree. It's sweeping branches skirted down, offering an aromatic shelter from the rain. Don't you want to live up there?


We are back in London, and despite the traffic and crowds, have managed to find all that we need without going crazy (yet). Setting regular eating and waking times has been the biggest problem, as neither of us own a watch and everywhere closes at 5.



More photos: Study Abroad Photostream