Last days in Oxford

July 28th 2010 was our last full day spent in Oxford, and despite the general feeling of sadness for our approaching departure, it was a day well spent and very enjoyable. We chose the right things to do to make a perfect ending to our journey so that we could experience our Oxford in its natural glory. After breakfast, the Bridgewater group walked down to St. Mary the Virgin's Cathedral located behind the Radcliffe Camera. We all had our sneakers, inhalers and hydration ready thinking we would be near dead by the time we got to the top- but it actually wasn't so bad. We went pretty early so luckily it wasn't busy with other climbers. To be honest I am not sure how so many people can access the stairwell at once, as it is extremely narrow and spiral, equipped with a climbing rope for assistance. This was reminiscent of Goodrich Castle, although I think Goodrich was a bit more challenging and daunting considering the staircases were more narrow and pitch black-exhilarating indeed. So a few levels and we were at the top of the cathedral looking down on the beautiful architecture and landscape that is Oxford, lit up by the sun breaking through the clouds. This is always fun to look down on the familiar streets and thinking of oneself in context, where you've walked before and seeing it from a different perspective. When you're on the ground you're engulfed by your surroundings, whether hills or buildings and plucking oneself out of it, you're such a small piece of the earth!

Following St. Mary's, Megg, Casey, Caitlin and I walked down High street and found ourselves a punting chauffeur. We got on a punting boat adjacent to the Botanical Gardens, and our chauffeur's name was Rachael. The weather was great and there were several other boats of people enjoying the punt. We punting through a break-off stream of the Thames, a small portion of it that runs through Oxford. There were baby ducks and geese, and even a Pimms boat that one could punt up to and order the delightful drink. We just enjoyed the scenery and the calming ride. Afterward we had a look at the Botanical gardens- one that Tolkien and Phillip Pullman were familiar with- sat under Tolkien's pine tree and saw Lyra's Bench, a bench that was featured in the Golden Compass in Lyra's world. So that was neat. Lots of interesting plants and flowers. For lunch, the four of us took Casey to the Turf tavern. Some of us had been there before, a surprising discovery considering you can't see it from the road. It is like walking into Hogsmeade and suddenly there is this huge pub with multiple rooms each bustling with poeple eating and drinking. For our last dinner, we were served a four course meal with two types of wine, Wadham water and coffee and mints. The meal was a Lamb shank with potatoes and vegetables, followed by a caramelized pear. We had had a Pimms and Sherry party with Dr. Plaskitt before this to say farewell, it was enjoyable to have met her. She took a bag of bones home with her for her dog. Our last night out, we enjoyed some drinks at the Eagle and Child and the White Horse, two of our favorite pubs.

And so the next morning we brought all of our luggage out to the Wadham courtyard as we did in the beginning and returned our keys. One last trip to Blackwell's as well, one of the best bookstores (the retailer of Knowledge) and it will all be missed. Just as it takes awhile to hit you that you have arrived somewhere, so to is it that you have left it. We drove away in the coach bus, rewinding our journey's through the English countryside, back to Heathrow airport and onto the plane. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in England, it was such a privilege to study at Oxford University! I think that it is very important to explore the world we live in, as there is always room to learn the unexpected about the country, oneself and ones' peers. My experiences will not be left forgotten and I am appreciative to those who have aided and inspired me to seek beyond what is readily available.