Oxford

When we woke up today we had all intentions of going to Stratford-Upon-Avon, but the weather forecast called for heavy rain. So instead we decided to go to Oxford. I'm quite sick of train riding at this point, but there's no other way to get around, so off went on a 2 1/2 hour ride. I thought Oxford was the main university, but I now realize it is made up of 13 different colleges that fall under the one name of Oxford...even though they each have their own individual name.

Oxford is also the home of Alice in Wonderland!!! Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) created the story to entertain little Alice Liddell while they were on a picnic at the riverbank in Oxford. There was a little shop called Alice's Store, which had so many wonderful Alice in Wonderland things. Come to find out that the store used to be a candy shop where the real Alice bought sweets. The store is also used in the book (it is the Sheep Shop). I bought the cutest bag and other such wonderlandish items. So excited!

All of the colleges were closed to visitors, so we only got to glance into some of the courtyards. Let me tell you, they look nothing like ASU. We also went to the oldest library in England, a few book stores, saw Einstein's blackboard at a museum, and wandered around the city enjoying its splendor. I really wish we could have spent more time here. I would have loved to take a ride down the river and take a tour of Christ Church (where Dodgson taught). The river was beautiful, with tall trees and grass and ducks. I was half expecting a white rabbit to come hopping about with a waist coat and pocket watch. Sadly, no rabbit.

We ate dinner at M&S. I don't think I've mentioned Marks & Spencers yet. It's a grocery store (sort of) that sells the most wonderful sandwiches and treats for on the go. We love it and ate there almost every day we were in London. Plus, Hank is addicted to the lemonade. Jokingly (but not really) Hank suggested sending a case home with us. It must be good lemonade.