Oxford, UK
During our two weeks in London, nearing the end of our study abroad segment, Keith and Dan took us on a day trip to Oxford. About an hour-ish outside of London by train, it was far less dense than London both in terms of buildings and tourists.
Unknowingly, we had picked a great day to visit - the Oxford University masters candidates had taken their final exams that same morning and were in the process of shedding their stresses across the city. Quite literally, these fully gowned individuals were partying through the streets covered in confetti, champagne, glitter, sprinkles and whipped cream. We learned from one student that as tradition has it, “trashing” occurs promptly following ones final exams of their degrees. The more you know.
We accomplished 2/3 goals we had for the day. The Ashmolean Museum was closed up (too much whipped cream and glitter running around?), so we detoured to the Oxford Museum of Natural History - in other words, we didn’t exactly have to settle. I know this isn’t true, but sometimes it just feels like every where in Europe is utterly beautiful and historically significant. “Oh, the famous museum you wanted to go to is closed? Well, walk like 5 minutes down the road and go to the other one.”
The Natural History museum should’ve been on the list in the first place - it was incredible. Although relatively small compared to some, the quality of the collection was on par with the best. Around the corner was stop number 2, well timed around noon - The Eagle and Child pub, famous across the world as an incubator for some of 20th centuries most acclaimed literature. Authors JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis frequented the Eagle and Child (affectionately referring to it as the “Bird and Baby”) where they would write together. Some say that some their works may have never been finished if it wasn’t for the Bird and Baby. Anyway, history aside, they’ve got a damn good shepherd’s pie. 100% would get again.
Our last stop was The Bodleian Library, a library second only to The British Library in size and esteem. This for me was the real treat of the day, I think. As we were escorted through the halls and rooms, I remember thinking and feeling as if I were somewhere sacred. The air was quiet and heavy. Everything was old. Everything smelled old. Occasionally the tour guide would throw in some Harry Potter trivia to break the silence, but I had no issue with it in the first place. It was super magical.
Oxford as a whole was pretty magical. Half steeped in history and sealed in time, the other half crazy college town. I could live there… and I’d be at the library if you couldn’t find me.
