Oxford

It’s been so long…  I studied in Oxford in the spring of 2000.  It was one of the most shaping experiences of my life, and it was fun to return to the city again 13 years later.  I enjoyed showing Luke where I lived (The Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies on Shoe Lane), where I went to school (Keble College), where I went to church (St. Ebbes), and all of my favorite little places throughout the city.

Keble College

The dining hall where I ate many a meal.

Here I am at my old residence, 13 years later, and the Lamb and Flag Passage we took daily to walk to Keble.

The Sheldonian Theatre, Bridge of Sighs, and Christ Church

Afternoon Tea at the Randolph Hotel

Bath, England

Our next stop was Bath, where we toured the ancient Roman Baths at night as they were lit by torches.  With the mood lighting, the steam coming off the pool, and a view of Bath Abbey in the background, let’s just say this was a romantic museum. 

Bath at night

The next morning we did what people have been doing for millennia in this city: we took a bath.  Bath Thermae Spa is located in a modern building (see below) not far from the ancient Roman baths.  Together, Luke and I soaked in the warm (92*F) mineral-water Minerva Bath with a lazy river to carry us around the pool; we cleansed our pores in the steam rooms (with four different aromatherapy scents) followed by cold refreshing showers; and we relaxed in the steamy rooftop pool as we looked down on the city skyline below.  True relaxing like the Romans did!

Bath Abbey

On our last night in Bath we enjoyed a comedy walk through the town.

Everyone’s celebrating!

Downton Abbey

We admit it: we are among the millions who are big Downton Abbey fans and wanted to see where some of the show is filmed.  While the spires of Highclere Castle usually get the spotlight, anytime one of the show’s characters ventures into Downton village, the town of Bampton gets a chance to shine.

St. Mary’s church in Bampton

Bampton’s church has been the setting of Grantham family weddings.

I’m standing at the gate where Lady Mary entered the churchyard for her wedding to Matthew Crawley.

Right beside the church is Churchgate House, the exterior film site for the home of Isobel Crawley and her son Matthew.

Just outside the churchyard walls is a huge tree and park bench that shows up in a number of Downton Abbey episodes.

Next comes the Bampton Library which serves as the exterior for Downton Hospital (picture Mrs. Hughs walking up for a cancer checkup).

Bampton is a pretty little village.

Luke and I at Highclere Castle.  No photos are allowed inside, but it was fun to see the library, the dining room, the bedrooms, the grand oak staircase, and the large saloon – the heart of the house and the setting of many famous scenes such as the Servants’ Ball and the concert for the soldiers.  What a delight to visit this beautiful estate.

Thornbury Castle

So… Luke and I just had the great privilege to spend a few days away from our kiddos, celebrating our 10th anniversary with a trip to England. 

We started off at Thornbury Castle, a genuine medieval castle with thick stone walls, low doors, and stone spiral staircases.  Built in 1521, it has been a residence of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Queen Mary II.  We felt like royalty as we walked the grounds and gardens, enjoyed a leisurely meal in the wood-paneled dining room, and retired to our bedchamber at night.

Breakfast in our room the next morning, along with the daily paper announcing “A prince is born.”  How exciting!

Oh, and I’m proud to say that we packed everything for 10 days in two carry-on bags and a purse!

Fun with Cousins

Happy Birthday, Dear America!

       

      

  

The Summer So Far…

June has already come and gone, and there are plenty of pictures taking space on the camera.  I thought I’d share a few of my favorites from here from the past month here.