The Trip to Oxford

Original date of post: January 7, 2009

After a short security check and smooth transition, I boarded my flight to London Heathrow. The plane, to my surprise, was quite the size. I took a photo of it using my phone, but the photo seems blurry unfortunately. Nonetheless, take off went well. I sat in a row next to a girl on a program that was headed towards Florence, Italy after a short trip to London. I was happily amused to find that our seats were fully equipped with LCD screens that provided a range of entertainment available through the control of my very own remote. I must say that the entertainment definitely helped make the flight that much more enjoyable. I watched a movie and a tv show, both British, "The Duchess" and Austen... something about a girl from modern times able to revisit Austen's world. I tried to sleep, but that was my least favorite part of the flight, as it was very uncomfortable to get a good night's rest. However, we were provided with everything from goodie bags to dinner and breakfast, so I definitely enjoyed the food (especially the dessert!). After my flight, I had a long way to go. I went through customs and got my checked luggage. Then, in a mistake I very quickly came to regret, I did not put it on a trolley. As a result, I went through many hallway lanes and tunnels lugging my suitcases. Needless to say, not fun. Then, I ended up at the ground-level of "departures" and soon figured that I probably needed to ask where the Central Bus Station was. Once I got that figured, all this is after I exchanged 60 dollars to a little more than 33 pounds, I needed to pay the 20 pound fare for my bus ride to Oxford. This meant I would only have about 13 pounds in my pocket for two cab rides I would need to several places, I later quickly discovered.

There I sat, in my seat with my bookbag and coat next to me, smelling putrid after being on an airplane for so long in the same clothes, exhausted beyond comprehension. I quickly figured out how to make use of the seat next to me and use my backpack and scarf as a temporary pillow to get some rest. It was not the most comfortable ride, but I enjoyed the scenery. In fact, I was greatly amused by how much of the UK landscape resembles Indiana's. It is composed mostly of trees, farmland, and rural area until we reach town. Once we actually arrived at Oxford, my heart began to flutter with joy and relief. As I looked at the small townhouses and various shops, at the bicyclists sporting everything from helmets to leggings to whatever else, I felt excited to be in the UK, my first visit to Europe. I couldn't stop staring at the amazing architecture outside my window and being in disbelief that I was actually at Oxford. I arrived in Gloucester Green and fortunately found the taxi rank quite easily. I had my first encounter with an Oxonian when, unknowingly, I looked at the line of taxis lined up for customers and went to the first empty one I saw. The cab driver quickly got out and informed me that I am supposed to go to the beginning of the line of cabs, not to the middle. I got in one of the first cabs and told the driver to drop me off at the porter's lodge at Hertford, then to wait for me as I get my package, then drive to St. Catherine's. He did so for about 7 pounds (not bad).

After leaving my luggage at the lodge at St. Catherine's, I promptly headed to my orientation (but I had to be let in). Orientation went well, though it was extraordinarily long (it lasted until 4 PM!). I fell asleep towards the end, and when it finished I had the option of staying and getting my cell phone set up, but I decided to go straight back to the lodge to pick up my luggage. I got my suitcases and realized quickly that I had no way of getting to my place without a cab, which I needed to call for. At that precise moment, a taxi cab showed up in front of the lodge and let out some customers. I immediately ran outside and tapped on the cab window and asked if the driver would take me back to my accommodations with the few pounds I had on me (5 pounds at the time). He was very kind and said yes, though later I discovered that he charged me less than it would have been and in fact did me a huge favor as that was the only amount of British currency I had on me. Once at Botley Road, where my apartment is, it took some time for us to find the exact place as it was hard to see the numbers in the dark. But once I found it, I thanked the driver from the depth of my heart (and God for truly, truly taking care of me in a desperate situation) then went into my apartment. After quickly setting up my bed on the first floor (there are two stories), I took a 2-hr nap on my extremely comfortable bed, relieved to finally, finally be on a bed at last.

Being frank, there were a lot of "oh no" moments where I really thought I was done for sure and I would be stuck, whether by poor planning or poor timing. But the lessons I learned are very clear, don't give up, don't rely on just yourself (ask for help!), and don't ever doubt the Almighty God who will ALWAYS be there no matter how dim the situation may seem at the time. Thanks be to Him!