Day 5, Oxford

Day 5. I initially wanted to go to Salisbury to visit the Stonehenge. However, upon reaching Victoria coach station, I realise that the coach there departs at 11, reach at 230pm, and the last coach back to London departs at 4pm. Hence, it is impossible for me to get there. Only by train. Not knowing what to do, I checked out Winchester, and it was also, abit too late for me. Hence, I decided that the most feasible choice would be to Oxford. So I texted my Oxford friend, and he was so shock. Well, it was last minute, and poor planning on my part. But I was so glad and touched that he could fork out 30mins of his tight schedule to show me around, and he did a tremendous effort during that 30mins, which felt like 2 hours. Also, he brought me to an ice-cream shop, which he says sells the best ice-cream he ever tasted. I tried 2 scoops, for almost 3 pounds. But it was so good, even better than all the gelatos in Italy. It was worth it.

First sight of Oxford. Pasar Malam. Cheap.

Oxford streets.

  Near my friend's college, St Peters College of Uni of Oxford.

Seems like bicycle is a common mode of transport, because of the size of the quiet town.

Seems like bicycle is a common mode of transport, because of the size of the quiet town.

A building which belongs to the university. Which many famous politicians etc would give talks.

Christ Church College. Which became famous, because Harry Potter's Dinning hall is in there. Hence, tourists need to pay to get in. However, thanks to my friend, I got in for free.

Harry Potter's Dinning hall. It looks alot bigger and finer in the movies because of computer graphics. Hence, I was abit disappointed.

 Have a seat, fellow magic student.

John Wesley. Apparently, lots of famous names lectured in this college, including Einstein. And their mosaic would be engraved in the glass panels. I was half-expecting John Wesley's eyes to move, influenced by the Harry Potter's movie.
According to my friend, the students here really dine in this hall like in Harry Potter. They had to wear that custome and eat in the same manner, standing up, then sitting when together when permitted. Also, people with different exams, had to wear a different colour to their suit. If you're taking your last paper, its red, and you'll get mobbed by the rest or something. Very formal.

Christ Church College is also known for its cathedral. Below.

Love is stronger than death.

Love is born, manifested.

From the ancient till now, the bible remains.

 End of the Cathedral and Christ Church.



I ventured out and saw a map on a post. Number 9 says Jesus. I dont know what's there really. If only God can be as easily found as reading a map.

Typical Medieval architect of their numerous colleges. All their colleges has become tourists attractions, and have paid guided tours, daily.

 Again.

The Tower

The tower was suppose to be free. When I reach there, it says "a charge applies", but did not specify how much. It wasnt nice at all. And I was glad that I reached there when it was closed. Hence, I didnt feel that my efforts were wasted.

Beside the tower. This looks like Italy, only much better. Its the 2nd time I compare Oxford with Italy. First the ice-cream, now the architecture.

Many of these in the streets.

I think this is Merton College, which according to my friend, is the most mugger college in the world. People there do nothing but mug, because it is extremely competitive.

Botanic gardens of Oxford.

One of the famous Oxford Museum, the Pitt Rivers Museum.

Beside the Museum, some unique, cute but out of place structure.

Inside the museum.

Strolling among their university.

Cool eh, such oldies.

End of Oxford. See you when you come back Sanjay. (:

At night, I met up with an old army buddy, Kelvin.

We went to a bar in this building. Had a beer. He was having exams, but took time off his study to meet up. Im really appreciate it. Great friend, and good informative conversation!
See you in Singapore.

End of Day 5. Was a good day. Not because so much of the sights, but because I met up with 2 old friends, who took time off their busy schedules to meet up.