"Oxford, Oxfordshire" Oxford by DrewV

Oxford Travel Guide: 964 reviews and 2,012 photos

<center>Oxford -- The Emory of the Midlands</center>


You might not realize it, but England is home to a fine center of higher learning or two. Shocking, really. I mean, when you think of world-class universities, places like Oxford and Cambridge do not naturally spring to mind, not until after you've muddled through the Middle Tennessee State Universities of the world.

I jest of course. After all, Oxford is Oxford. Perhaps the finest school in the world. And like all "finest schools in the world," it can get a bit snooty. Now, I'm not one to make judgments or anything, and the Oxford grads I know have all been splendid people, but let's face it, there's a vibe that Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Cambridge, etc. grads give off. Sort of an ivy-covered air of superiority which can give your average proletarian the fits. I don't wish to offend any of the upper crust who might be reading this, but let's call a spade a spade.

Having said that, Oxford can seem intimidating. But like any good onion, after a few layers peeled, Oxford becomes one of the more enjoyable, devilishly groovy towns I know. The trick is getting under the surface. I went with a very good friend (whom I met in Kutna Hora, Czech Republic) and she showed me the gritty underbelly. God bless the gritty underbelly of college towns.

Oxford also makes for a top-notch base for exploring the nearby Cotswolds. I've got a travelogue underway describing one of the most outlandish adventures I've ever undertaken. I hope you take a look.

Intro Updated May 29, 2003
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (8)

Radcliffe Camera, so they tell me - Oxford

Up the communists! Off The Beaten Path (1)

I don't have any off-the-beaten-path stories other than I like the seedy side of Oxford, and the communists who were... more travel advice

That High Street Experience! Local Customs (1)

This note is more about all travels rather than dealing solely with Oxford. I wish to describe the 'shopping'... more travel advice

The High Street's quite nice... Things to Do (2)

The High Street's quite nice actually. Lots of intimidating colleges, and by night, intimidating kebab carts. Don't... more travel advice

Wander well, ye men of Eng-er-land - Oxford

A Wee Spot of Wandering... Things to Do (2)

Wander through the colleges. If they let you. Most are pretty sneaky about charging entrance fees. Now, I hate entrance... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written May 29, 2003

6 photos

Cotswolds at Night

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (18)

Reply
- Report abuse
barryg23 Jun 5, 2003 at 3:21 AM

Great writing Drew - excellent tips here!
Reply
- Report abuse
Avryle May 3, 2002 at 6:50 AM

Why do the kebabs taste *okay* after drinking...one of life`s
Reply
- Report abuse
call_me_rhia Jan 24, 2002 at 2:06 PM

great travelogue indeed
Reply
- Report abuse
Catane Jan 14, 2002 at 7:49 AM

Beautiful pics
Reply
- Report abuse
jglenn Dec 11, 2001 at 4:47 AM

great writing
Reply
- Report abuse
Petra1 Jul 5, 2001 at 7:13 AM

Beautiful pictures!
Reply
- Report abuse
billus Jun 28, 2001 at 6:31 PM

Don`t forget Inspector Morse!
Reply
- Report abuse
steventilly Jun 26, 2001 at 11:41 PM

Good writing, very interesting.
Reply
- Report abuse
B_Caro Jun 26, 2001 at 10:05 AM

oh yes, The Cotswold in the Winter can be lovely as well !
Reply
- Report abuse
bunny21 Jun 25, 2001 at 5:29 PM

Really nice page, andrew ^^