Monday, June 9, 2014

gone punting

I can't believe I never went punting during my time at Oxford. It's such a classic in this town. But better late than never! 

jason: our trusty captain 

And for dinner we bussed it into London to meet up with Natalie. It was a great evening with her over some delicious Indian treats. 



Sunday, June 8, 2014

boars hill

Bakin's been talking about this magical place he's found in Oxford: Boars Hill. Wouldn't tell me too many details as to make it a surprise picnic for me. It really was magical. Rolling hills of various critters. Bridle paths winding in and out of farms and backyards. Beautiful estates. Of course we didn't have enough time. 









those little brown/grey things in the distance are the rooftops and spires of Oxford
It's amazing how many things I never explored during my time there. Another gem: The Head of the River. It's right on the river where crew teams practice.






That nip slip, jason...


Then it was off to Rose n Crown to finally meet some of these beloved hockey chums. 

thanks jason for the great photo

Saturday, June 7, 2014

pimm's and polo ponies

The Oxford v Cambridge varsity polo match happened to fall on the weekend I'd be in Oxford. Yay! Figured I should support my team, right? We rallied a couple friends from the UGA at Oxford house and headed to the royal Guards Polo Club outside London.

naturally, Bakin found the face painting



and a mustache for me. not sure what they were thinking but ok



we indulged in some Pimm's drinks and fully experienced a British summer day at the polo grounds










the day got the best of this one
Unfortunately it was a loss for Oxford. 6-3 Cambridge. But it was a beautiful day and a lot of fun!


And a little video Jack Wills put together:

Friday, June 6, 2014

goodbyes in portugal

Each goodbye is getting harder and harder. 

We awoke to a chilly rainy morning. Maybe a good time to leave? That's debatable. I don't think there was ever going to be an easy time to leave. 

even pretty in the rain

the kitchen and Lima

somebody threw a fit
We packed our bags and hopped on a bus for Braga. Took a very brief tour of the town and it was back on a bus headed to the airport and then yet another bus to Oxford. 

We hope to be back someday, Ben! Thank you for the best vacation we could've had!


Thursday, June 5, 2014

local life

I think I could get used to this...

T'was another nice morning complete with poached eggs, trampoline jumping, fetch playing with the dogs and Bakin. We hopped on the bikes and took off in search of a nearby waterfall. We found the spot and naturally went for a chilly swim. Wish we had more time here! There's so much to explore.



Unfortunately we had to get back in order to visit a wine and smoked meat and jam producing neighbor and see her operations. Certainly wasn't a bad alternative. 



We met Melia who was most delightful. Being that time of day, we went along with her to feed the pig and lock the sheep up for the night. 






She had a couple lambs who were not even a week old. Too cute!

quite scared of Bakin





Got a tour of some of her fruits and veggies.

tarzan in the lemon tree

not sure what else he expected from a lemon



And finally for a taste of her labor. Some wine from this year, selection of jams, bread still warm from the oven, and an assortment of smoked meats and sausages. 



Then we were all back to Ben's for pizza night!


Ben and his pizza oven

and a concoction of garden finds as a salad

gonna miss this little tent