Botanic Gardens and St. Mary's Cathedral

Last weekend, I skipped writing about some more of my Oxford adventures. Many of my friends left the country (some went to Rome, and I wished a little bit that I had gone with them), but I was happy to stay in Oxford in order to see some of the things I had left until the end. My college almost abuts Radcliffe Camera, one of the libraries in the Bodelian Library network. Next to that, St. Mary's Cathedral towers over the square, and on Sunday we decided to climb it. No, it didn't involve repelling gear or harnesses, but the 160 steps to the top through a narrow winding staircase give an idea of how lofty it really is. The view, once you reach the highest part, is breathtaking. We walked all the way around the ledge and saw a 360 degree view of Oxford. I peered into my college and saw the staircase where I live; I soaked up the amazing view of the main road, High Street; I admired the spires seen on high; and I couldn't believe that I had come to know everything I could see in front of me. When we first arrived in Oxford, it felt comfortable and accessible almost immediately (as I've said), and looking down on it in our last weekend made me feel slightly nostalgic and sentimental about all that we've done here together.

I also visited the Botanic Gardens, which didn't meet my expectations, to be honest. I did, however, love the lily pads and lilies on the little fountain ponds. Those were my favorite, in addition to walking along the Isis and looking at the rows of punts (boats for punting). Because England has such vibrant gardens everywhere, it was hard to set this one apart as something unique. I know it had representations of plants from all over the world, but it looked familiar, and I was hoping it would be different. Still, I admired the beautiful layout and enjoyed a relaxing stroll through the paths there.