Oxford

You might think it would be difficult to follow a day of Stonehenge, Old Wardour Castle, Woodhenge and Lacock Abbey.  You'd be right.  We gave it a go, though, and made our way to Oxford.  The first thing we did was park the car outside the town and take a bus into the city proper.  Smart!

First up:  The oldest tower/building in the city, dating from the 13th century.  Old!

It was a bit of a dreary day.  We dodged rainy bits and managed to never get caught out in it.  On such a grey day, I appreciated the bright flowers and foliage against the wet stones.

Proof that I did actually mail postcards from Oxford!  How could I pass up the opportunity to mail something from such a fantastic Posting Box?  These two arrived about a week after being posted.  Others mailed from our little village took their time - almost a month!

Just inside what I think were the main gates was this gorgeous garden, dedicated to the memory of those lost in WWI (if I remember correctly).  Again, with the contrast of the flowers against all that stone.  I love it.

I want this garden at my house.  And a gardener to tend to it, of course. 

Bet you'd like to know what this building is.  Me, too. 

Everywhere we turned, there was a beautiful lawn or garden and, of course, the incredible architecture.  How wonderful it must be to live and learn there. 

Magpies are small birds, yes?

Fitting, then, that this is such a small lane.  Seriously, we're standing at one end of it, looking out the other.

One old building tends to blend in with the rest, but this one stood out to me for what looks like the/a royal crest.  I recognize the lion & unicorn from the massive gates at Buckingham.  Alas, no sightings of the Windsors.

Lee & I had no idea where we should eat, but we knew we were hungry, so we turned to our intrepid guide, Rick Steves.  He led us to The Bear, which boasts of having no right angles in the entire building.  We did not attempt to verify that claim.  Hey, guess what I didn't have for lunch? 

The really fun part of the pub is looking at all of the cut-off neckties tacked to the walls.  Each included the military unit of the serviceman making the donation - we were seated in the late 1960s.  While we were warmly ensconced in our corner booth, we watched the rain fall and people scurry indoors.

Next stop, Blenheim Palace!