An eye on Oxford...
I took the kids to Oxford on Sunday, to poke around the University of Oxford and surroundings.
It was one of those last minute, spontaneous affairs.
I had been before, in 1982 and am happy to report, it is still as magical as I remembered.
One thing I did learn on this trip, you can not 'do' Oxford in an afternoon, at least by my calculations.
Oxford is like a good book, the kind of book you look forward to at the end of the day.
You need to slowly turn the pages, reflecting on what you just read. It is the anticipation of what is to come that is the most rewarding. Losing yourself in the story is essential.
At this point, my kids would be rolling their eyes.
We had a difference of opinion in what we wanted to do which quickly made me realise,
I need to go back on my own.
The kids wanted to steer clear of museums, cathedrals and historic buildings...
anything that would end up with mother needing to be dragged along.
It was a beautiful day, so we all agreed to appreciate the view from the street.
I am showing my favourite photos, they are not so much 'scenes of Oxford' but personal vignettes.
My eye on Oxford so to speak.
I will start and end with my favourite photos, they remind me of a book I cherish, 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn'. The tree of heaven...
 |
 |
 |
The 'scenes of Oxford' are still to come.
I will save that for another day, on my travel blog, Finding My Way...in England.
If you would like to explore Oxford and Oxfordshire yourself one day, you can research it here.
images~me
great images. i especially love that first one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deanna, it is mine too! :)
DeleteJeanne, We had the chance to spend a week in Oxford about 20 years ago. It is such lovely area. We loved The Ashmolean Museum and touring The University. I believe there was a restaurant, Browns? My daughter, then eight, loved the way they served hamburgers. I am sure much has changed through the years. Your photographs are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteOh Jeanne, you do know "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" is my favorite book. Hope you had a great day. Bonnie
So happy to hear you share a love for the same book Bonnie. I read it years ago, it is one of those that you never forget. I must read it again. I hear great things about the Ashmolean Museum, I will be sure to check it out. :)
DeleteBeautiful! I especially love that second one of the bridge. Love it.
ReplyDeleteOxford is beautiful, isn't it? I've only been once - a day trip the summer we had all that rain, so I'd like to see it in the sunshine!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love your eye!
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful photographs.
Funnily enough, the book I'm currently reading is set in Oxford, which has made me long to visit! So thank you!! This was way cheaper than a plane ticket!
Do tell!! :)
DeleteFabulous photos! Oxford has so much to offer--think it's time for a return visit this spring.
ReplyDeleteGive it two more weeks Debi and I think it will be nearly perfect. :)
DeleteI can't wait to go back again. Did you go in the Alice and Wonderland gift shop?
ReplyDeleteI did Glenda...it was too hard to resist! :)
DeleteLovely photos. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh Jeanne, thanks so much for sharing these, especially the budding magnolia. I was last here with Mr PB in Dec 1994. Having seen 'Shadowlands' about C S Lewis, we were happy to hunt out his old haunts. Have you done that? J x
ReplyDeleteFunny you should say that Jane, I haven't seen it yet and I have it in my DVD collection. I will be sure to watch it this weekend. :)
Deletethese pictures are absolutely beautiful !
ReplyDeletewill have to return for a visit, this is what your pictures do !!
Beautiful photos - so lovely to see an English spring too. Wish I could pop over and explore - sadly NZ is just a little too far away.
ReplyDeleteOne of my very favourite books too! So now I want to visit your Oxford!!! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for the beautiful glimpses of Oxford!!!
ReplyDeleteLove your photos ... hope you return again so we can see more. I was in Oxford only for an afternoon once. We went to the Isis pottery factory of Deborah Sears, then to the Old Parsonage for lunch and back to Northampton. I have always wanted to return. Your photos are lovely. Karen
ReplyDeleteWow! Jeanne these photos are so beautiful! I love the first one and the second is just magical, you are so talented. I cannot wait until we read here at Collage of Life tha Chonical Books has called you and offered a book deal! Your eye and images are so lovely they need to be in print.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the call will come after the move, I am sure you are a bit busy at the moment. How did the magazine sorting go?
Jeanne, you must register to win the Paris Muse photo shoot, for yourself or with your daughters. I first read about at at your friend, Vicki Archers blog, French Essence, then wrote a post today to spread the word because I love the idea. Have a fabulous night,
Elizabeth
Magazine sorting still underway Elizabeth...a slow process...but I have done a great job on my wardrobe! It is called procrastination! Great post BTW! :)
DeleteI wonder why we always skip Oxford while visiting the UK. It looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteOxford is so beautiful I have never been there yet. You take such beautiful photos. The second one is my absolute favourite. I love the sunlight on the bridge.
ReplyDeleteLove your tree grows in Brooklyn shot, it looks really magical. Our next visit to the UK Oxford is on the list, is looks beautiful. Thanks so much for stopping by, Laura
ReplyDelete