UK Roadtrippin' Part 2

Sept. 28 - Llandudno to Oxford

For the third day of our road trip, we made the four hour drive to Oxford. For a change of pace (instead of sightseeing), we spent the afternoon visiting old friends of Tom's grandparents.

Tom, Cyril, Mabel and I.

Cyril and Mabel are in their early nineties, and met Tom's grandparent's (on his dad's side) while traveling in the mid 1980's. They became fast friends, and over the years exchanged correspondence in a series of letters and cassette tapes. Cyril and Mabel came to Canada once in 1986 when Tom was about three years old; apparently Tom had a penchant for untying Cyril's shoes. Tom's grandparents travelled to England and returned their visit in the following years.

This was essentially the first time we'd met Cyril and Mabel, and we had a wonderful time listening to their stories and hearing about their life experiences. They told us about their children and grandchildren, and many of their travels. They also recollected how they were on a holiday when war was declared in 1939.

The couple have a lovely home in Oxford with a beautifully manicured garden. There is a bird house and birdbath, autumn crocuses and giant sunflowers.

Sept. 29 - Oxford to London

In the morning we took a walk around the town of Oxford. Tom and I were under the impression that there was one University in Oxford, but it is actually comprised of multiple colleges. For example, some Oxford University Colleges are, Exeter College, Brasenose College, Trinity College, Wadham College, University College, etc. The list goes on! The town is teeming with students. Students walking, students cycling (and barely any with helmets!), students jogging... Students, as far as the eye can see!

Old buildings of Oxford University Colleges.

Next stop... Stonehenge.

Some images of Stonehenge.

I think the interesting thing about Stonehenge is how little that is known and understood about Stonehenge. There are many theories about how Stonehenge was made and what it was used for, but no one knows for sure. However, I did learn from the audio tour that at last count there are over 90 varieties of lichen growing on the stones!

Stonehenge was the last stop on our UK road trip. We took our beloved Vauxhall Astra back to the car rental place at Heathrow, and made our way into the city. After nearly two hours on public transportation, we regret our decision not to take a taxi. We thought it would be cheaper to take the tube from Heathrow, but after forking out 42 pounds for train tickets (i.e. $70 CAD), we're not so sure.

Have I mentioned that it is sweltering out here? Tom and I thought it was going to be cool fall weather, so we brought lots of layers and pants. Today it reached at least 29 degrees! Don't believe me? See for yourself! Exhibit A:

Note that the temperature in the top right hand corner reads 29 degrees.

I think we might have to do some shopping to resupply ourselves with summer clothing. At least the hotel has AC.

We are now enter the London portion of our trip, wish us luck!