Irish Wanderer: July 28 (Day 48)

First off....the Donegal videos are at the end of the post. : ) Yeah, I really did get obsessed with making videos for a while....

Day 48: Jack! J.R.R.! Jack! J.R.R.! JACK!

I'm like Obsessive Fangirl #1 or something....but for a British author/professor/theologian who has been gone for 45 years, rather than some black-eyelinered popstar. That's me.... : )

Got up early and grabbed a roll and yogurt from the local Sainsbury's for breakfast, and had it in one of the courtyards near Christ Church. Then it was time for wandering....I spent a lot of time just soaking in the beautiful architecture and the history (especially that of certain literarians....).

Good morning, Oxford!

An early morning stroll.

Near Christ Church. Here's where I had breakfast.

Still at Christ Church - isn't it lovely?

My first glimpse of Magdalen College, through the wrought-iron fence....

I paid admission to get into Magdalen College. Yes, THE Magdalen. : ) It was founded in the 1400s, and what is known as the 'new building' - built only in 1733 - holds C.S. Lewis' old rooms. Sigh. I was happy. Seriously. Something about chilling where Lewis walked....I know, it sounds creepy, but really, I have this strong....we'll call it affinity, with him, rather than obsession. : ) The grounds were beautiful, too - spent a lot of time just wandering. Finished my visit with cream tea (tea, scone, clotted cream, jam) at the college, then recommenced wandering.

Magdalen's tower.

A narrow path.

The college president's humble abode....

Within the chapel.

The back of the chapel.

In the central courtyard (where, like many other places, you aren't allowed to walk on the grass).

The hall that surrounds the courtyard on all four sides.

There it be, behind me.

The 'new building,' an infant at 275 years old. Here's where Lewis had his rooms!

The covered walkway/porch at the front of Lewis' building.

Can you tell I'm happy?

That's the building that surrounds the courtyard I already showed, with the halls surrounding it. It's across from the new building (I'm sitting on its steps).

There was a wooded park, a placid stream for punting and rowboats, and the Fellows' Garden, designed specifically for use by the fellows of the college (but the public could enter, too). They also keep a herd of deer on the grounds....

Some punting boats, beneath the outdoor cafe (which had delightful tea and scones).

Within the park - so peaceful and quiet.

Down one of the paths.

The stream again, with the new building in the background.

The path made one large circle - back at the point I entered. Off of that path was the Fellow's Garden and its own set of paths.

Back to the courtyard hallwayl.

Marble figures standing guard.

Near the entrance to the college - the president's house again, and another building of unknown usage.

Farewell, Magdalen. *sigh*

Sat on the banks of the stream Allison and I were at yesterday and read Emma for a while....looked at more gorgeous architecture....went back to the Eagle and Child and did some writing (who knows? maybe inspiration could rub off on me?)....picked up my luggage from the hotel that graciously held it at the desk for me as I meandered....got on the bus and headed back to London.

Headed back to the stream, down one of the Christ Church walkways.

This just made me smile. : )

One of the bustling shopping streets.

Farewell, Oxford. Farewell, England. Farewell, Europe.

I have to admit, it was pretty thrilling to pass through London and know exactly where I was at all times and find my way around so easily, including the Tube. Oh, and I encountered two different fellows during my traveling on the Underground tonight that helped me with my bags. First time that's happened in London for me....'twas lovely. Anyways. Then it was out to Heathrow. I booked a pod/cabin. Yeah, those are the two terms they use for these! And they fit. They look like ship cabins, with rounded metal doors and beds 4 feet up and not much space....and are also pod-like, in their minimal space and the purple lighting. Yep, purple lighting. And a TV built into the wall, with movies and music and television....So, I ordered some Asian food, and now here I am, enjoying that and having a spot here until 4 AM. Woo!

The pod, the pod! : ) Yeah, the lighting was purple....this looks blue in the pic, but you get the idea. : ) And I looked through the music on the TV, and started playing Pink Floyd here....hehe.