A day Off

What do you do on an off day? We tried to meet up with Donovan but the logistics were a challenge and we opted to visit Oxford. A short 58 minutes from Paddington and we were in the historic town. As usual the hop on hop off buses allowed for an overview of the town and it’s storied history.

Oxford from the canal

I thought of McGuire as the guide told us of the role of the Franciscan Brothers in making it a legitimate centre of learning. McGuire’s priest is a Franciscan but has not been able to break him of his BC trait (bitchy competitive) and let us lesser souls win on the course. The plethora of small colleges making up the town is overwhelming and drives efficiency zealots like me nuts, but such is history! The town is vibrant with multiple architectural styles that span the ages.

Chinese just around the corner

Deborah and had punting on her bucket list. This involves taking a flat-bottomed boat powered by a long pole out on one of the local tributaries. We went down to the dock only to see 5 Chinese folks trying to get out of the rather tight docking area. Although  not meant to be it was a bumper boat experience that exasperated the attendants! The announcer on the tour bus was a little mocking of the whole thing, and intimated tourists often ended up in the drink. Reluctantly I agreed to go on one of the paddle boats and all was going smoothly until I sighted a flotilla of Chinese paddling 3 boats towards, naturally they were side by side. They had no ability if not inkling to change course. I tried to limit the collision to I1 craft but managed to hit 2! This in spite of being at full stop. Pleasantries were exchanged with a diplomatic letter to follow.

On collision course with the Chineese

The rest of the trip was uneventful except for the Spaniards. They came out of the docking area , young kids with more ability to laugh than navigate. Susequent landing of our craft , although delayed was uneventful.

"Prison" Hotel

We walked around town and were making our way to the train when Oxford castle caught our eye. Unfortunately closed but on the outside well preserved. Attached to it is a converted prison. The prison closed in 1996 and opened as a hotel in 2006. Photos show classical construction ( looks like Alcatraz), but everything has been upgraded. A little different hotel experience!

At dinner Donovan phoned to touch base, he is calm and we reviewed a little race strategy but frankly I have deferred specific advice to his assigned coach. Too many cooks is not productive.