Good morning!
The Ashmolean
On our fourth day, we chose to head to Oxford to track down the Inklings as well as to revel in being in such an ancient university town. And I don’t know if I was just psyched up for this one or if in fact the town of Oxford, heading from the rail station toward the various colleges … really DOES feel different. The architecture as we walked along reflected the scholarliness and wisdom-thru-the-ages that is Oxford!
Our first stop was the imposing Ashmolean, a museum dedicated to art and architecture. And boy is there tons to see behind the awe-inspiring facade!
Here is just a sampling of the amazing and diverse collection housed in this free museum:
Miracle of St. Nicholas
One of the many “curio” cabinets packed with coolness!
A handmade/handpainted sideboard, designed and created by a 19th century British architect …. isn’t it gorgeous
Hand-knit gloves for the Viceroy in India (1800s) … of Pashmina!
A young woman’s remains with treasures to delight her “on the other side”
Raising a (half) pint to the Inklings!
After two hours or so, wandering thru discovery after discovery, delight after delight, we decided it was time to get some lunch … and what better spot than the Eagle & Child, the pub where the Inklings (including CS Lewis and JRR Tolkein) hung out … discussing their work, getting and giving advice, enjoying each other’s many gifts and talents.
A great blessing (and uber memorable) to sit in the pub where Narnia and MiddleEarth took their shape … where Mere Christianity and Screwtape were drafted … where Sauron was born!
Quote from CS Lewis that sums up the Inklings and their ways …
Drinking a toast to the Inklings … and being in Oxford … and hanging with my buddy!
Entry to Black Friars friary
After a rest and replenishment, we headed toward the Oxford Markets, passing a Dominican friary (just down the street from the Eagle & Child)! We continued on but just couldn’t pass Waterstone’s … FIVE floors packed with books on every subject with lots of comfy chairs and areas for reading as well as a nice spot for a cuppa!
The Covered Market is a fun blend of fresh meats … fruit stands … baked goods as well as shoe and craft/fabric/yarn and jewelry and hiking/camping and other odds and ends. A fun spot to window-shop and people-watch!
Headed back to the train station … reminiscing as we went … another great day!
Tomorrow, our “worst” day … aka, a day out in Plymouth
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