WINTER DAY TRIP TO OXFORD

Similarly to when I wrote about Bath in autumn, I always get wistful for Oxford in February. When I was an expat, which feels like hundreds of years ago now, I took a beautiful day trip to Oxford. Believe it or not, it actually feels nice to 'escape' London here and there. Luckily, the British train system makes that very possible. Oxford seemed like an obvious choice. It is a classic, while still having the convenience and vibrancy of a small city.

Oxford is easily reachable from London by train. The station is also a short walk from the city centre. Within minutes, you are entering a world of literary poets, historians and scholars. Also, just regular people and students. Lots of students! Oxford, to some's surprise including mine, is not really just one big university. It is instead made up of many unique colleges throughout. There is of course, the obvious landmarks. The stunning Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera should be a point of interest for all travelers. The architecture in Oxford is breathtaking. It is nicknamed 'The City of Dreaming Spires' due to its unique skyline and building structure.

When I visited Oxford, it was a crisp, sunny day, which was so nice. But I could tell that Oxford would thrive on a dark, gloomy day. So, weather should not be a problem no matter when you visit. That being said, I was enjoying the hints of spring. The blue skies and sprouting flowers were gorgeous, and every corner seem to turn into a  whimsical side street. There are also so many bicycles in this city.  There were many coffee shops and markets, ideal for students looking to study or grab lunch between classes. Myself, I started off by sitting at Starbucks. Before my day ended, I would visit another coffee shop and order a croissant, of course. Oxford is also a great place for shopping and browsing, providing a nice mix of brand and independent shops. 

The one place I couldn't leave without seeing was 'The Bridge of Sighs', acting as a skyway for Hertford College. Located on New College Lane, I finally found it after quite some time searching. But, luckily for me, getting lost in Oxford is actually an enjoyable experience. An interesting story about Hertord Bridge, its actual name, is that it is often compared to the 'Bridge of Sighs' in Venice even though, contrary to popular belief, it was never modeled after it. Funnily enough, it actually looks like a completely different bridge in Venice, the Rialto Bridge. I hope I didn't lose you there. But either way, it is an enchanting sight. I personally think Oxford and Venice comparisons are fair, as they are both cities full of beauty and rich history.

I could have easily spent more time in Oxford, but even one afternoon left lasting memories. From world-class mueseums and churches, to botanical gardens and famous filming locations, there is so much to do and more importantly, be inspired by.