One of 5: Oxford Week

As I'm organizing my things and preparing for a new year and new semester, I'm realizing that there are many photos from my time in England that I never had a chance to share! I had mentioned a while back that my program spent a week in Oxford where we we went to class and studied mostly, but also had a chance to explore the town, tour old libraries and churches and go on little program outings.

Punting, ladies and gentlemen. I had no idea what it was, but it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the week. On that terribly cold Sunday afternoon, I was told bring both shoes that could get wet & my 'most adventurous self'. The program arrived down by the dock where we paired off, scrambled into our assigned rowing boats & set off for an hour on the water.

There were five of us in my boat: myself, two of my flatmates Taylor and Shelby, my professor & a friend of the program. They each took turns punting down the water, (attempting, sometimes failing) to steer clear of bridge walls and piles of brush at the water's edge. Key word: they. I had apparently left my 'most adventurous self' back in my room, and decided it was best to not get on the edge of a boat and steer four people around with a giant stick. I mean can you picture me clumsily balancing myself on the edge of a boat, shifting my weight against the gale-force winds we were experiencing while simultaneously trying to move a boat (somewhat) in the right direction? HA, me neither. No, I was completely content with taking pictures, trying not to freeze and being chauffeured.

If you ever have the chance to go punting, please do it! We had a lovely time. I definitely want to go again, except next time with maybe a picnic in the summer time. Because you know, warm weather and food.