from Princeton to Oxford

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Jousting at Blenheim Palace

Friday 18th August, 2017

We drove up to Blenheim Palace on Friday morning to watch their annual jousting event. It was really entertaining! We started off with a jester show, and then the jousting tournament began. The performers staged it nicely, and the palace backdrop was sublime. We did get rained and hailed on a bit (note the towering cumulus clouds in the background), but otherwise had an enjoyable day. The kids even got to try their hand at archery afterwards.

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Ashmolean Museum

Thursday 17th August, 2017

The Ashmolean Museum displays many of the interesting artifacts in the Oxford University collection. It was founded in 1677, after an initial donation of "curiosities" donated to the university by Elias Ashmole. The first museum site was in the building that now houses the Museum of the History of Science. The current site is much larger.

The kids had a good time for about 90 minutes. There was quite a variety of displays, along with some hands-on exhibits that kept them interested. We still only saw a portion of the galleries, and the gallery with the original "curiosities" was closed for remodeling... so I'd love to go back sometime!

Fun for the kiddos

Wednesday 16th August, 2017

Our kids were so happy to host friends from Princeton. All four of them had a fabulous time playing together. And as we all know, happy kids mean happy parents. Cheers!

Dinner in the garden

Sailing paper boats in Hinskey Stream

Farewell at the train station

Magdalen Bridge punting with friends

Tuesday 15th August, 2017

After our walking tour of Oxford, a punt was a perfect way to end the afternoon. D joined us when he was finished with work and was happy to don a boating hat for the occasion. We started at Magdalen Bridge and punted along the River Cherwell. Pimms cups were passed between boats. The kids enjoyed themselves. Fun for all!

Boating hats were required

Pimms-ing!

Passing around the Pimms

Can't get enough of the Radcliffe Camera

Tuesday 15th August, 2017

Here are two more pictures I took that I love... every time I see the Radcliffe Camera, I smile! It must be its pleasing architectural roundness. That combined with the golden Oxford sunshine (when shining) makes for a beautiful photographic composition.