Oxford

It was agreed that a trip to Oxford would be suitable for the day's adventure, but I insisted on a return visit (pilgrimage) to Marble Arch Station and had to go it alone. Walked through Speaker's Corner on the way.  A light breakfast and we were off to Paddington.  Made it just in time to hop on the train and off we went.  Oxford a very historic settlement, which has become a famous accumulation of colleges. We picked up a guidebook and set out on a walking tour.  Wandered by several churches, including St. Michael's Saxon Tower, the monumental Christchurch and on to Christchurch Meadows, laneways etc.  Found our way to the Bridge of Sighs

which looked out of place to me, turns out it is a modern addition based on an Italian bridge of the same name.  Nearby was St. Helens passage leading to the Turf Tavern.  Arrived there for a pub lunch on a pleasant sunny terrace.  Continued our walking tour inspecting domes and spires, gargoyles and grotesques.  University Church of St. Mary the Virgin was quite interesting where the Oxford Martyrs were burned for upholding their Anglican faith.  Mark started to tire of the ABC's. Some quick shopping and it was back to the train station.  Enroute back to Paddington, all six completely missed Slough.  Back to the flat to freshen up and finish off our cheese. Then we set out to find a pub to watch rugby.  Found the Victoria, but with no TV's so decided to head back to the Monkey Puzzle.  It was there that we discovered no rugby today, but we had a pint on the terrace nonetheless, then back over to Victoria for dinner.  Rather enjoyable meal in a small quaint pub after which back to the flat for a (relatively) ETB.