SETTLING IN TO OXFORD

Sunday, April 13, 2008
Oxford, England

Had a wonderfully lazy day. Finally caught up on my sleep and ventured out to see what was happening with the music festival. Grown men and women danced in the streets in worse than silly costume, some by all appearances in blackface, and appeared to be having the time of their lives despite the occasional rain. The French market was open, offering every kind of bread, cheese and pastries you could imagine. I ate at the Noodle Bar. When it came time to pay, the cashier said it was free because my order took so long to get to me. So that justified buying a French pastry at my favorite bake shop in Oxford.

For those who have never been here (everyone besides Kent, Nik and Alex), I should tell you a little about our accommodations. Wycliffe Hall is home to an Anglican seminary. It's an old, higgledy, piggledy Victorian era series of buildings sort of connected by passageways and winding staircases. It must have ghosts because it just feels like it invites them in. We are just north of downtown Oxford, which comprises dozens of tiny campuses, a vibrant shopping area with hundreds of tiny shops, restaurants, bookstores, pubs and businesses. People are walking around town almost all hours of the day and night, and it's very safe, except for a few pickpockets. Walking is the finest entertainment there is here. Every turn at every corner means a feast for the eyes. Hidden alleyways lead to surprises such as the oldest pub in Oxford (ca. 1100), an excellent Thai restaurant, or a candy shop. It's like Track 11-1/2 in Harry Potter.

I'm posting a few photos: Wycliffe Hall from the road, the end building where I'm staying (the Old Lodge), the garden across the street, the Oxfordians dancing in the rain, etc., etc. Tomorrow I get to hear Prof. Chapman lecture again. What a treat!