Quick Quips: Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon

Took a short guided day trip to Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon on Tuesday. As with all guided tours, it was unfortunately very rushed, very touch-and-go and left at best, rather fleeting memories. So I suppose I ought to try and record down some brief impressions before they fade!

1. Oxford

Oxford is really quite a pretty city. If I have the opportunity, I would love to come back here and wander around myself.

We toured Christ Church chapel, which was where several scenes from Harry Potter were filmed. The Great Hall was pretty cool, but positively swamped with camera-armed tourists. Squeezing past them was not very fun at all. The walk around the campus itself was far more pleasant; the architecture is really quite pleasing to the eye. I liked the library (pictured above) quite a bit!



Apart from the university, the city itself is also lovely in its own right, save for the giant tour buses which trawl the streets. But hey, you can't have everything can you?

2. Stratford-upon-Avon

More famously known as the birthplace and residence of the Bard. Shakespeare references abound in this little town, including the 'As you like it' cafe, and the 'Iago' jewelry shop. Otherwise, the town is somewhat dull. However I must say that the main street which houses Shakespeare's house has been quite beautifully refurbished with trendy shops and bistros housed within quaint, white-washed Tudor facades. No doubt deliberately made picture-perfect for the postcards!


Even prettier however, was Anne Hathaway's cottage - birthplace of Shakespeare's wife! The house is well-restored and is simply gorgeous to behold, especially the gardens! I'd upload a picture but I'm lazy and blogger is lagging, so I'll do it another time! :P

Another interesting feature about Stratford-upon-Avon were the spontaneous performances of Shakespeare's plays (excerpts) which occured within the birthplace compound and spilt out onto the streets. Actresses togged in period garb re-enacted scenes from A Midsummer Night's Dream as tourists munching on baguettes watched on from the 'Food of Love' cafe. It's really a kind of heaven (if somewhat tacky) for die-hard Shakespeare enthusiasts.

Have to go off now. See you sometime soon world!