Hello Oxford

Let me just start by saying that there were lots of tears shed, months in advance from my arrival here in oxford. A mix of tears of sadness, fear, excitement, anxiety. There has also been lots of smiles and moments of pride. With that being said, the rollercoaster of emotions has not ceased.

Arrival

A six hour car ride to New York, a day spent in Queens, and an eight hour plane ride later, I made it to the UK. Hello, England! Harry, my prince, Where you at? (Just kidding, Malachi you're my only prince).

Queens Food and Arts Festival

Queens Food and Arts Fesival

One would think that an eight hour plane ride, conveniently timed for when you're supposed to be sleeping would work out pretty well. I thought so too, but apparently I was mistaken. The anticipation and excitement had kept me alert for all but two hours of the journey. You will not find me complaining though, because those eight hours were spent comfortably, in the first row of the airplane, with all the leg room I could ask for, not to mention being the first from coach to unboard the plane.

Customs went easier than I expected. I think a sleepless me or the sleepless customs officer gave me six months to stay in the UK instead of six weeks, but hey, I'm not complaining. Regardless, I was off the plane and in my Oxford Express coach within an hour.

The Bus

I am ashamed to admit that it wasn't until almost an hour into the bus ride that I realized that the Brits do in fact drive on the left side. Not long after that I noticed that the Bus drivers (and all drivers for that matter) sit on the opposite side of the vehicle than Americans do. You're welcome everybody, I am always happy to do some myth busting.

I am so fortunate that my stop was the last one, because if it wasn't, I'd be in some real trouble. I ended up zonking the last 30 minutes of the busride, waking up once everyone was off the bus. But what matters is I got where I was supposed to be going and I did not get lost.

Airbnb

As for my Airbnb that went a little bit less smoothly. It took me twenty minutes to find the lockbox with my key in it, and then another ten to figure out which flat was my assigned one. I walked into a couple folks' rooms before I finally found where I was supposed to be going.

I had to lug my forty pound suitcase up three flights of stairs, and I did so three times, because I was not sure where I was supposed to be going. Eventually, though, I found my way. And I have to admit the space was pretty nice.

The Airbnb

The Airbnb

Once Settled...

Once I settled in, I showered, and got dressed for a exploration walk around town. (No pictures this time but they will be coming soon.

Tired as I was, the sleep deprivation took over, and a four and a half hours later I woke up from my nap at nine at night. Having only eaten four granola bars and a fig bar all day, I knew I needed something of sustenance before I called it a night (also because Malachi is good at convincing me to move when I don't want to). So I went next door to get some Indian food (also not pictured but next time). I devoured the chicken masala dosa, and fell asleep (eventually).

The Indian Restaurant

A Bad Idea

After waking up early to go on my first run in Oxford, I was stalled by a crisis. I had misplaced my ID card. No need to worry, I found it, but lesson learned: put things back where they're supposed to be or else you will waste thirty minutes trying to find it, when its just in a hidden pocket in your purse. It's fine I'm fine.

My run was pretty great. I went down the Oxford Canal Toe Path. Two miles down and back. No more than a quarter mile left of my run, the spicy indian food starts to hit me. So, I walk the rest of the way back and pray that the girl sharing my airbnb is not in the bathroom. I won't go into this anymore, but lesson number two: Eating Indian food late at night before a run, not a good idea.

Breakfast & Blogging

After packing up all my junk and showering and prettying myself up, I went to a cafe for breakfast. I got a coffee deal: a Croissant and Latte (not pictured because I was too hungry) and I have a good feeling that this will be a Go-To cafe special. The place was called "Yellow Submarine Cafe" and it was a must for being in England. This will definitely not be the only cafe I go to.

me :)

Yellow Submarine Cafe