Today’s quote: “Mind the silent assassins.”
We took a train to Oxford today from Paddington Station. 120 mph. Wow, not like the metra trains around Chicago. We didn’t realize until after we were settled in our seats that the little red lights above our seats meant they were reserved. Another passenger told us that not everyone shows up for their seats, and luckily they didn’t, as by the time we realized this it was standing room only until the next stop (we were more careful on the return trip).
Arriving in Oxford, we walked to the City Center to find Footprints Tours for an 11 a.m. walking tour. Our tour guide was a recent history graduate of Oxford and gave us a great informative and funny tour. Although more of the university than normal was off limits due to it being exam time, we got into the chapel at Trinity College and were able to walk around the gardens there. Trinity College was founded by Thomas Pope. He had no children or relative to carry on his name (to be remembered), so in order to be remembered, he had his remains buried to the left of the altar. Yep, you see him in the glass cabinet. Hard to forget him right there! For a closer photo with........something in there, go to the gallery. We didn’t get too close as Kathy didn’t want to have nightmares.
The tour lasted two hours and flew by. We know a lot about Oxford now, which is where the aforementioned “silent assassins” — bicyclists — must be watched for so you don’t get hit by one. Even if one forgets to look the opposite way than in the U.S. for automobile traffic, the oncoming sound is still there as a warning. Not so with bicycles moving at a good clip.
After the tour we ate at Turf Tavern, the pub where Bill Clinton “did not inhale” any illegal substances. Our tour guide said it was clearly the best in Oxford and his favorite. Next we walked around Christ Church college and gardens and past that college’s cathedral. Then it was on to the Ashmolean Museum, which belongs to the university and features art and archeology. Kathy went in (lots of pretty blue glass there!) while Jack stayed outside to watch the crowds. It was interesting that this museum is advertised as “free” but when you walk in there is a person standing by a big clear box making sure you put in a 5 pound donation!
We walked quickly back to the train station to head back to London before rush hour (and price increases!). Time to start packing up to fly to Dublin tomorrow.
