Inside looking out

... cf yesterday's blip and extra, outside looking in. Yesterday evening Arachne told us how much she admired the ceiling of the Divinity School in Oxford, the oldest surviving purpose-built building for university use (built between 1427 and 1483). So today we went to have a look at it (see extra). I'm not a huge fan of the Gothic style (I prefer the simplicity of the Romanesque period) but the workmanship here is incredible. Its modern claim to fame is that it was used in a couple of Harry Potter films. Once again I liked the view of trees and spires through wavy medieval glass.


We also met my old (oops, sorry, long-standing!) friend H for a leisurely lunch in the garden of St Mary's church, and at her insistence then wandered around a selection of coffee shops, where she drank tea, and in the case of the Oxford Natural Bread Company we drank a strange liquid that in no way resembled any coffee I have ever tasted other than in appearance. We were given glasses of cold Earl Grey to wash it down with and were glad to avail ourselves of them. I'll stick to the Italian way with coffee, thanks.


In the evening, we were thoroughly spoilt. Bundle cooked us an absolutely delicious meal and then we went to the Spin Jazz Club, often blipped/tweeted by her, to hear talented pianist Alex Hutton with the resident trio. an excellent evening in good company. Since we failed either to go out on a punt or to visit the Pitt Rivers museum during this short visit, we will just have to come back. It was good to see Oxford again after a very long absence.