Christ Church Meadow and Merton College

Christ Church College

I passed it several times. But, I knew this place was special, so I waited until I had more time to explore. I glimpsed flowers of every color past the iron gate; the grass was bright green, the sky blue, and the rock walls spoke of the ancient past. Vines of deep red and green climbed up the cream walls. The beauty of it all was inviting.

And, that is exactly what Christ Church Meadow is: beautiful and inviting. Christ Church is one of the more extravagant colleges in Oxford, and across from the college is an open meadow bordered with trees. Through these trees runs a path that is like entering into a fantasy world. Just imagine a forest from Narnia or The Shire, and that is what I get to walk through whenever I like. The path follows the River Thames south of the meadow and the River Cherwell on the east where people kayak and bunt.

To me this place is of peace. Yes, many people walk or jog along here, but I can easily find a bench where I can sit and think. The trees are still green or just changing yellow or red. The air feels clear and clean, most likely due to the regular rain. And, I can just rest. No trouble can reach me here. Everything is good.

I, then, continue along the path which eventually leads to Merton College. This college is surrounded by a tall, rock wall, but some places give a small glimpse inside. Merton College was the second college that J.R.R. Tolkien, the famous author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, taught at. I did not realize this the first time I walked around Merton College, but I now have gone back several times, amazed that I am in the same place as one of my favorite authors. I am now planning a day where I tour the college, so I will eventually get to see inside. The last five pictures down below are of Merton College and its recreation ground.

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New British thing I learned:

Quinces are a delicious fruit that I had never tasted before in America. They are similar to pears, but sweeter. My host woman cooked them with sugar and put a dollop of mascarpone cheese on top...yumm!