WEATHER: Partly sunny and warm. Wore t-shirt and shorts for the first time in ages!
Our housesitting assignment is an easy 30-minute walk to the City Center. We walked in to start learning our way around.
On our way, we walked over one of the canals that flows through the city. We have rented a "long boat' like this one for a few days in September.
Unlike most universities, Oxford doesn't have a campus. There are many, many colleges scattered throughout the city. There are a lot of tourists here, especially students visiting from other countries. Everywhere you turn is another college or university building.
We stopped at this pub for lunch, Oxford's oldest, built in the 1200s. Years ago, the owners purportedly had a pet bear, hence the name. Inside, the ceilings are low with dark, exposed beams. There is a collection of 4500 neckties displayed even on the ceiling. It is a favorite spot for academics. Our homeowner told us of a story of visiting the pub one day. A fellow was sitting nearby, reading and chuckling to himself. When he stepped outside for a cigarette, she sneaked a peak at the book. He was reading an ancient Roman poet---in Latin---and laughing at the 2000-year-old jokes! Wow....this is Oxford!
This is one of the libraries with a courtyard.
And another beautiful college...
We stopped at the bus station to inquire about buses to the nearby Cotswolds. We hope to make some day trips while we are here.
DINNER: We cooked a frozen pizza. George couldn't figure out the oven, and accidentally put it in the broiler instead of the oven section, resulting in blackened pizza that smelled up the house. He was in the dog house!
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