Scenes from a weekend

Over the past few weeks we've been riding the ups and downs, but in the middle of the rollercoaster was just about the best weekend since we arrived. We had the pleasure of some lovely houseguests, referred to in the previous post, and it was great fun.

We punted on Friday night, and both Mark and Andrea risked life and limb to stand on a rickety wooden boat in a river holding a tall aluminum pole while thunder and lightning rumbled overhead. (No rain, though!) Sandwiches, cheese and red wine along the Cherwell river is one of Oxford's greatest joys. Weather permitting. Naturally, the evening concluded at the pub!

Saturday we wandered around several colleges, had pints on a patio, got caught in the rain on Christ Church meadow, and managed to cobble together a great dinner with only the Co-op open to buy supplies. (Darn those British store hours. That is the hardest thing to get used to.)

Sunday, after I accidentally landed us on the slow train that stopped just about as frequently as a city bus all the way to London, it was the V&A museum. We just barely squeezed into the packed Modernism exhibit, but it was worth it. I was impressed by the now-poignant optimism of modernists from countries emerging from war and revolution early in the twentieth century. Many seem to have regarded the philosophy and the new designs for living as a way toward greater equality and peace, unaware of the devastation to come during World War II. The exhibit also had an original fitted kitchen, one of the first, discovered intact in Germany and reinstalled at the museum. The research that went into creating it, and the impact it had on women's roles and home life (both good and bad) is fascinating. I just wish (former student of architecture and design) James had been there, because I'd love to hear his commentary.

After such a highbrow afternoon we shamelessly slummed it on an open-top tour bus around London. Our guide was careful to point out the Hard Rock Cafe, which was a relief. Can you imagine going to London and missing it?*

So thanks for the great weekend, guys! You were awesome guests and we miss you already!




* You know this is sarcastic, right? Phew.