Day One- London to Oxford

Flew into London and caught the bus to Oxford-- but had to get British pounds first. We laughed because they actually would have accepted US$, and we had no cash! (Truth is we weren't laughing because we were pretty tired-- didn't sleep much on the plane, and missed the first bus to Oxford because of that little snafu.)
The 1.5 hrs bus ride was uneventful until we actually got into Oxford proper. Wow-- everything you'd imagine of a quaint English town-- homes and stores in rows (next to each other) and narrow streets-- and super old churches and amazing architecture.

Diane and Gene met us at Gloucester Green Station as we arrived on the bus-- we were happy to see them and they are helping us make a smooth transition to the Mother Country! We hopped in a taxi for a quick ride to Keble College, where we're staying for 2 nights. It's amazing-- fantastic courtyard and a choir rehearsing in the chapel as we checked in.

Our room is in the "modern" part-- and by modern we mean the 60's. It's fine-- I knew we might get placed in there, especially since I asked for quiet. It's kinda Ikea-like, but we don't care much because we just want to sleep.

But first, Gene and Diane took us for a sight-seeing walk on the main shopping avenue and major thoroughfares... what a cool place. Ken got us sim cards for our phones, I actually went into a shoe store (Clarks--ha!), and we got a taste of what we will do more of tomorrow-- old and new.
We stopped by Bodleian Libraray-- wowser-- got in free because of Gene's library card. And then lovely Christ Church Meadow and the grounds-- tomorrow we go into Christ Church. Can't wait.

We ended the evening with dinner at the Eagle and Child Pub (or Bird and Babe, as Lewis and Tolkein called it). It's where they used to hang out-- what a quaint place! Ken had the fish and chips and I was an American loser and had a burger-- but it had been a long time since we'd eaten and I was ready for a protein hit!

Great conversation with Gene and Diane and it's so nice to start our trip with them!
We have some reception with some "lord of the manor" (I'm hoping it's Lord Grantham) with Gene and Diane tomorrow, so we did some laundry tonight (believe it or not) since we were wearing the clothes we need for this social occasion! But now we're ready to crash after showers and touching base with both boys-- weird it's just 1:30 pm our time but definitely feels like 9:30 here (or later) since we basically missed a night's sleep. Looking forward to a great day tomorrow, starting with English breakfast in Keble Hall!