The City of Dreaming Spires

Kurt and I went on an Oxford adventure today and it consisted of beautiful English country-side views (complete with a lot of sheep), Krispy Kreme donuts, exploring buildings from the 1200's and sipping a cup of coffee in the very place The Inklings sat every Tuesday from 1939-1962 chatting about who knows what (but it had to have been cool).

While Kurt had lunch with an Oxford professor, I wandered the pebbly streets and stared at the oldest buildings I've ever seen. My American brian was on overload. I've discovered that England has a crazy way of making you want to curl up in blankets with a glass of wine or tea and read any and every old book you can find. I just want to be taken back to a time long long ago, and today I nearly was.

Gotta love Tesco

Aren't these fantastic?

Colorful streets, this picture doesn't do justice.

Lemon Meringue Pie Donut; good thing we only bought one each.

School uniforms are so cute & Harry Potterish

It was really great to travel outside of London for the first time since arriving in England. Somedays while living in London I feel like I'm on a field trip that will never end. Although I'm seeing and doing fun and exciting things, I'm tired, disoriented and hungry for the familiar atmosphere of home. Today though, I feel completely exhilarated. It's like someone hit the refresh button and everything is clearer. I'm seeing the big picture and how blessed I am to be here experiencing a different culture. I read my sister's blog this week on being thankful. And if I were to make a list of all the things I'm feeling grateful for right now you'd probably stop reading.

But along with visiting Oxford, I will share one other thing I'm thankful for: I've found great comfort this week in realizing that although I left all of my earthly family behind in the States, I have eternal family here. And meeting and getting connect to more of my sisters and brothers is truly awesome!

Michaela Rae

P.S. If you were living in England, which book(s) would you be reading in your leisure time? Today I decided to re-read The Hobbit. I'm also hitting the local library tomorrow to find A Severe Mercy. I could pick up whatever you suggest as well!

Try a new adventure this week? Link of up to Try New Adventures Thursday.