Oxford 2008

It is hard to believe that I have only been here for one week! I feel I have experienced both the authentic and the "let's-see-what-we-can-get-the-Americans-to-believe."

• Pimms - Before just a familiar sounding British drink, now just kind of yummy. I first experienced Pimm's at Deep Hall, Lincoln College's bar. It is very hard to describe, and until looking it up in the always reliable wikipedia, quite a mystery as to what it actually is. So according to Wikipedia, "Pimm's is a brand of alcoholic beverage. Its most popular product is Pimm's No. 1 Cup, a gin-based beverage that can be served both on ice or in cocktails. The recipe of Pimm's No. 1 Cup is secret; it has a dark tea colour with a reddish tint, and tastes subtly of spice and citrus fruit.

  Pimm's is most common in Britain, particularly Southern England. It is one of the two staple drinks at Wimbledon, the Henley Royal Regatta and the Glyndebourne opera festival, the other being champagne. As a result Pimm's has the reputation of being a drink for the upper class." When I asked our bartender about he did allow that they don't see much of it except when "you all are here." I guess that says it all...

• "Nightclubs" - First you must look for the big group of fifteen-year-olds grouped outside smoking. But, beware before you get your hopes up, it could just be a "hole-in-the-wall" (ATM). If there is American club music from about 2004 playing as well, you have probably found the place. Walk down the flight of stairs into what looked like, according to one of the men in our group, a strip club, complete with black lights. Have I mentioned yet the cover charge??? Yup, that too £4 (that is $8 to us Americans!), oh yeah, and another £1 to check your coat. Get yourself a beer (very little bottles, makes you feel like a giant) for £3 and hit the dance floor! There you have it the British nightclub.

Well, those are just a few of the highlights of the first week. We also went to Stratford-Upon-Avon last night to see "Midsummer Night's Dream" at the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company). Check out the Stratford album -- showing both the Bard's birthplace and grave!

Have spent some hours at the Bodleian Library, and sat at the High Table the first night here. (Think Hogwarts opening of school dinner without the ghosts.) Got to the Pitt-Rivers museum before it closed for renovations and saw the famous Oxford Dodo (see Pitt Rivers Album). Have visited a couple of pubs. I hope to hit more as the weeks progress! Keep an eye on the Pub Album for new additions!