I handed in another essay this past week and I estimate that I am now 1/3 done with the work required to get my Master's degree. Yes, it is true--only 1/3 done even though my time in London is over half done. Needless to say, I will be quite busy through June (and also the summer, once I'm back home).

With hopes of possibly absorbing some academic motivation and intellect, I made a trip to Oxford on Saturday. After having been in Cambridge just a couple of weeks ago, I was eager to compare these two cities.

My friend Vanessa (I went to Yorkshire and Bath with her too) and I took the train from London Saturday morning. We signed up for a walking tour at the TI again as I have found these tours to be worthwhile and enjoyable. Our guide was quite old and there were several times where I was worried she might fall on the brick streets and break her hip, but she managed to lead the group around for two solid hours without injury.

Like Cambridge, the city of Oxford is primarily composed of college buildings and student accommodation. It also has claims to many famous people including lots of prime ministers, authors, and scientists. Even though there are lots of beautiful buildings and parks, I think my favorite part of the day was seeing a gray-haired man in a tweed suit and hat (genius professor, I'd like to believe) riding a bike while loudly humming classical music. This is exactly what I hoped to see.

Some sights of Oxford:

Magnolia tree blossoming

Radcliffe Camera-- part of the university's library


The buildings and grounds of New College...
(See also a video of the New College's chapel)

The most famous college--Christ Church.

Vanessa and I ended the day with dessert at a place called The Nosebag (!)