Cemya Buchkovich: UK Day 3: Oxford

Near the end of Day 2, Paul finally arrived from India, increasing our courage and prompting us to expand our exploration outside of Two Mile Ash areas of Milton Keynes. So on Day 3 we hired a taxi for the quick trip to the train station and hopped on the bus (80 minutes or so). To Oxford. Kelten LOVED the bus and was in bus-loving toddler heaven during the 20 minute wait for departure. He also behaved rather well on the bus ride, at one point crawling up into a seat next to a complete stranger and falling asleep. Sorry no picture to post at this time. After his quick siesta we reached Oxford. Initial reaction: WOW!!!. Talk about architecture and believe me when it comes to architecture I have no idea what I am talking about, but it was magnificent. We met a nice man on the bus who gave us a small tour before taking his leave while we explored what we could of the Bodleian library. We then ate lunch at a wonderful and historic pub Turf Tavern for our first fish and chips experience of the trip. After lunch we set out to visit all of the many small colleges comprising the town. Each was unique from the outside and had a small charge to enter. We only paid admission to visit one recommended by a friend, Magdalen College. It was wonderful. One cool thing was the chant choir practicing for their services. Absolutely beautiful music. There was also a large cloister surrounded by full bloom hydrangeas with fascinating and unique (sometimes a little creepy) gargoyles. I took plenty of pictures not posted so ask if you are interested. We made our way towards Christ Church College, another beautiful campus and ended at Oxford Castle, dating back to the Norman invasion. We then boarded the bus and headed home to conclude Day 3. Oxford exceeded all expectations and we highly recommend it.