Oxford University
- Kim Gilman
- Sep 26, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 27, 2023
Last Thursday we were treated to a tour of Oxford University by Robin my husband, who graduated from there in 1972. According to Wikipedia, "there is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world." Today the University is made up of 39 semi-autonomous colleges. Robin attended the one called "University College," aka Univ, the oldest and the best!
Each college entrance is guarded by a "porter" and Robin had to answer a series of test questions before the porter believed his legitimacy as an alumnus, and let us into the Univ quad. Robin then reminded us that President Clinton attended Univ as a Rhodes Scholar, and worked nights as a porter. They were there at the same time, and Robin thinks it quite possible that Bill might have let him in after hours a time or two 😁.
It's an impressive, picturesque place and my photos have not done it justice! Our visit with friends Eileen & Jim focused on the university itself, though there is a bustling city all around it. As you can see from the photos, bicycling is a popular way to get around. From where we live in Somerton, we can drive into Oxford in about 30 minutes, and will soon try taking the train since parking isn't easy.
The next day, Friday, Eileen said she could use a low-key morning, so Jim and I went to play at the Oxford Duplicate Bridge Club. It was a friendly group, and we were pleased to be invited to the "Dew Drop Inn" pub afterwards. We really enjoyed lunch and a discussion of the hands with the local players.
But to be honest, I'm a little more intrigued with London right now than Oxford! Next up, some highlights of our three excursions to London with our American visitors.
Do they use the ACOL bidding system? Can you play when bid like you like you teach us and they bid ACOL? I cant imagine going to a UNIV that has so much history. Must have been so fun for your husband to visit his roots!