Pleasure to meet you Oxford

After a nail biting drive from London to Oxford in the dark and rain AND on the opposite side of the road, I am happy to report that we arrived only slightly scathed. Despite my superior navigating skills we did get lost once we arrived in Oxford. To be fair, it was impossible to see the road signs in the dark because they are mounted on the side of the unlit roads and usually blocked by parked vehicles. By some miracle we found our way.

For the next two months we will be living in corporate housing located over a mile south of the Oxford City Centre (yes it is Centre not Center). My only gripe is that we asked to be placed near the City Centre since we we only have one vehicle (presently a rental) which Rory uses to drive to work. On my own, I found many corporate units available for less than our current place. I am not saying the corporate housing vendor dropped the ball (actually I am saying that) but by the time they processed our request (four weeks late) we only had one housing option. While it might be a nice walk into the city, it is not feasible for a quick grocery run. As a result, I am now the proud holder of a bus pass. Seriously. I wouldn't dare ride a bus in Orange County. Admit it, neither would you. However, in Oxford it is a very popular mode of transportation for the elderly whose licenses have been revoked. I kid. Sort of. I am now one of those people you drive by at the bus stop. You know the ones, they have their neck craned and a longing look in their eyes. Yes, that is me now.

Our first full day in Oxford Rory played tour guide.  He took me to his favorite bakery, Maison Blanc...

The goodies at Maison Blanc. (Drool)

 And pub, the Turf Tavern.

The Famous Turf Tavern. An education in Intoxication. 

The entry way to the Turf Tavern is hidden between these two buildings.  

The Turf Tavern (originally the Spotted Cow) has been around since the 13th Century!

Since I will have plenty of time to blog about the sites of Oxford, I decided to focus this post on the pains of adjusting to life in England. We essentially have to re-learn every day tasks from banking to shopping to making telephone calls (what number do I dial?). The banks don't have tellers, but sign-up sheets and waiting areas. The first time we used the debit card I had to ask, "where does the card go? Finding a grocery store is like playing "Where's Waldo" as they are hidden in the most unassuming locations. So far my store of choice is located inside a department store! Today I have declared war against our washer/dryer. Unlike in America, our washer and dryer is not two separate units but the same machine. It is located in the kitchen and only holds a handful of clothes. Despite reading the instructions 10 times, I can't figure out how to turn the "dryer" on. This has resulted in my accidentally washing the same load of laundry four times!

I know there are hundreds more lessons to be learned as we adjust to life in England (which will provide endless fodder for the blog).  As for now, it is time for a spot of tea and Wimbledon. Ta-ta.