Oxford

It was a lovely morning and we were up early, so we went for a walk before breakfast, something we like to do on holidays, but rarely have the time to do when we are traveling. Bute Park was lovely. The squirrels were romping, the ducks were paddling, and all the Spring flowers were out.

Drove straight down the motorway to Oxford and checked in. Our hotel is opposite the ground at which Roger Bannister ran the first 4 minute mile in 1954. Walked into the town and found the indoor market for lunch. No denying that it's a student town. Wall to wall students all through the city, in the shops, the market, the parks, and punting down the river. Those doing exams today were dressed in black suits with carnations in their lapels, some with mortar boards.

Several of the colleges were open for visitors so we had a tour of the grounds of St John's, including a visit to the chapel. Walked through one quarter of the town past the University Parks, lots of colleges, and the statue commemorating the martyrdom of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, at the hand of catholic Queen Mary at a time when the state religion changed every time a King or Queen did. He is best remembered for writing the first Book of Common Prayer for the Church of England.

Had a rest in our room late afternoon while watching Australia's second World Cup match, then went out for dinner at Rohan Water's house. Rohan and his family are across from Melbourne doing a term's research at Oxford.