On the Isis

Today I got my wonderfully cheap bike that I will get to sell back to the store at the end of the term--or when it starts to snow--or when I realize that it is pretty terrifying to ride next to huge buses that are on the "wrong" side of the road. The point is, I got a great deal and I am sure that it will add a lotto my experience here.

 

 

I took my bike up the Thames River Trail. (Something interesting about this stretch of the Thames is that the locals call it the River Isis) This particular trail is a great way of getting to see the beautiful Port Meadow.

 

That is, until you run the trail runs out and  the geese refuse to give directions to the next bridge.

I did not lose hope, however, and I eventually found my way to group of lost Australian bicyclists. We effectively crossed the entire meadow and decided to celebrate our survival at the Trout Inn as a symbol of solidarity.

 

I found my bridge right next to the Inn and headed home on the more reasonable route.

 
 I found some cool things on the way back.

 

 

 

 

 

I must also mention that Monica, Stephanie and I attended a wonderful gallery today which celebrated the works of many authors who have been through Oxford. It was held at the Bodleian Library and included many original copies of Ms. Tolkien's illustrations of Middle Earth (that she drew for her husband, after he described the map or scene) and a decent collection of C.S. Lewis' notes and illustrations as well. Additionally, there was excerpts from Phillip Pullman, Lewis Carroll, and some of the first copies of the stories of King Arthur. It was quite a visit!

 

 

Quote of the day: "Yeah, it needs a little work" *This was one of the Australians politely commenting on my attempted Australian accent.*

 

   -Ed, 2013