July 29, 2011
This trip is going by really fast and really slowly at the same time. The days are so very full but I can’t believe we still have five whole days remaining. I am trying to stay present and soak up every minute but I can’t help but think about getting back home, too.
This morning, we went to breakfast at this magnificent little garden tea room and café attached to St. Mary’s Church. We ordered our food inside and then took it outside and sat next to the cemetery. There was a grave vault within a foot of our table. And there was a lovely garden surrounding the tiny cemetery with an adorable black Labrador tied up to a wheelbarrow. The food was fabulous and it was a perfect morning.
Immediately following the morning session, we took a cab to The Kilns, which is where C.S. Lewis lived. We sat in the common room with a man named, Kim, who knows anything and everything you would ever want to know about all things Lewis. The more I hear about him, the smaller I feel. His writings were truly just the beginnings of his greatness. He inspires me. Humbles me. And gives me new heights and depths to pray for.
After our tour, we went punting. Which means we got in a little both, similar to a canoe, and a young man took a gigantic pole and stuck it in the bottom of the river and pushed us along. Peaceful is the best word to describe the experience. We even came within touching distance of swans.
Tonight we went to the Sheldonian Theater, which is stunningly gorgeous, and heard the Oxford Chamber Orchestra. It was magnificent. They even played my all-time favorite piece, “Gabriel’s Oboe.” It made me cry it was so beautiful. London’s premiere oboe player played the piece.
Tomorrow, we catch a bus for Cambridge. I’m going to bed now so I can get up early to pack. I am going to miss this city but I do hope to come back someday. I have always felt a special connection to England in my bones. This trip has only reinforced that feeling a million times over.
To view photos from this trip, visit my Facebook Page.
Posted by weblion at 06:24 PM
