OXFORD

Our first full day in Oxford was indeed full. Bursting even.



We started with a visit to the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, which is filled with art and artifacts from Europe and Asia, from ancient times to the 19th century.



The campus of Oxford University and the city of Oxford overlap and merge in places, so much so that sometimes it's difficult to tell what you are looking at or experiencing. Is this Mr. Tumnus from The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis? Or perhaps an inspiration for him? (See the lamppost in the background?)



We visited St. Mary's Church, an Anglican church, that was filled with beautiful stained glass and religious furnishings. It also had tower that afforded us view of the Radcliffe Camera (pictured).



The Norrington Room in Blackwell's Bookshop is the largest bookselling room in the world, and was awesome to stand in. I also bought a book there!



We visited the Oxford Castle Prison, which was in use from 1009 to 1996 in incarcerating individuals, as well as made our way to the top of the Castle Mound.



We participated in an evensong choral service at University Chapel (Worcester College Chapel). Although "participated" may lead one to believe we had an active part in worship. We did not. The congregation's role was limited to a couple of spoken responses, so it was quite different from the way I'm use to worshipping. Let's say we experienced worship. It was lovely, just not what I'm used to.



The day ended with dinner at Banana Tree, an Asian-fusion restaurant. I had Teriyaki Soba Noodles with Steak. It reminded me of Nuea Yang and was excellent. I also had a Korean Drug Egg, which was not quite what I expected—it was less hot than I imagined, a bit sweet, quite a bit umami, and enjoyable. Schweppes Lemonade provided just the right amount of "beverage support."