Spontaneous Oxford Trip

Boy, am I in a happy place. It's only noon on Saturday and my weekend has been so full. Full of little reminders that life is meant to be enjoyed.

Flower fields were to our left and right.

Happy husband

Kurt and I made a spontaneous trip to Oxford yesterday. We rented a car just for the day and hit the open road. It's been rainy the last few days but we didn't let that stop us. We even managed to roll the windows down between showers. Road trips are one of our favorite past times and we've ached for them here.

We visited the house C.S. Lewis lived in and his grave site, took soppy photos in front like proper tourists should. As strange as I often think visiting grave sites is, it was actually a neat experience. I think it's healthy to reflect on death and the life we hope to "leave" behind, and it's an understatement to say that the life Lewis lived is inspirational. Later, we ate dinner with a friend and went to a debate between a student and college professor over God's existence. Debates always make for an interesting Friday night. ;-)

As if Oxford wasn't fun enough, this morning I had breakfast with friends at Le Pain Quotidien (luh paN koh-ti-dyaN, ha!) in Wimbledon Village. I so wish I'd taken my camera. The restaurant was amazing, cozy yet modern and bright. I had organic porridge with honey and bananas. *sigh* I'll be going back.

I hope you all are enjoying the little things this weekend. Because, as my god-father likes to say, life is an continuous opportunity for wonder and fun.

Michaela Rae

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.