Having rushed around the last few days to see the major attractions of the city, I spent Thursday in a more leisurely manner.
Here is near Addison’s Walk at Magdalene college. For years I have been struck by the story C. S. Lewis tells in a letter to a friend, since published, about how a conversation with J. R. R. Tolkien lasted until 3am on morning as they walked in this very spot. It was a significant time for Lewis, the moment of his conversion from Deism to Christianity, which influenced his writings for the remainder of his life.
There are so many amazing buildings in Oxford. It feels impossible to capture them all in photos. All over town there are little figures looking down on the streets. And lest we forget, the ringing the bells.
Featured Pub
The White Horse is another old, low-ceilinged pub, situated next to the famous Blackwell’s Bookstore. I ordered a British classic: Gin & Tonic.
Coffee Talk
I had to take in some local coffee shops. So, I started with the site of the “oldest coffee shop in England”. The Grand Café boasts this title, inhabiting the space which has been referred to as a coffee shop established in the seventeenth century. I ordered the Full English breakfast. It was alright, but the coffee was horrid. I should have followed my instinct and went for tea.
Fortunately, a few windows down was a true coffee shop: Jericho Coffee Traders. A decent cuppa was just what I needed.
Wrapping the day
I ended this day at Chiang Mai Thai with the Goldingays. This restaurant was housed in a fifteenth century pub. The food was amazing and company delightful. Sorry–no pictures.
Dr. Erica Mongé-Greer is a writer, biblical scholar, and consultant passionate about the intersections of faith, ethics, and storytelling. With over a decade of experience in higher education, she brings deep insight into scripture, theology, and the narratives that shape our understanding of justice and identity. Through her writing, teaching, and consulting, she helps others engage with biblical texts, develop their own voices, and navigate the world of publishing with clarity and purpose. She is the founder of Retreat Write Repeat, a space dedicated to fostering community and creativity for writers. Follow her work at scholarlywanderlust.com.
