London - Part 5

We were really tempted to try to make a quick trip to France or Ireland, but with only 5 days of visiting time, we decided to not spend so much of it in transit.

We did take a much shorter train ride to Oxford, England.

We boarded at Paddington Station
and were very happy that Jody and George joined us.

English countryside view from the window of the train

At Oxford station, we saw this sign for porridge

and more bicycles than I would have ever imagined.

In 1939 on Tuesday evenings, a group known as "The Inklings" met at this public house across the street from Oxford University. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were two of the members that regularly enjoyed literary discussions over a pint.

"The Eagle and Child" is also know as the "The Bird and Baby" - so here is our baby looking out the window.

I liked the way that the front booths had their own little room complete with fireplace.

Brad is a huge fan of both Lewis and Tolkien and has read many of their books more than once.

I'm glad he got to make this trip

and enjoy a "pint" in the exact same spot they used to.

More literary fun...we had this for dessert.

any Harry Potter fans recognize "Treacle Tart"?

Oxford was very impressive.

Brad climbed up this tower

and got some pictures of some spires around town.

I enjoyed the campus in late November, so I can only imagine

what it looks like in the spring.

We made a quick half-day trip

but liked what we saw

and wore this little guy out.