Oxford, Gloucester, Pill

Today's plan was to spend a couple of hours at Christ Church College at Oxford, then head to Gloucester where we'd have lunch. Christ Church opened an hour later than we'd planned, so already we were delayed. However, we still had a nice visit. In my opinion it's really kind of a shame that Harry Potter fame seems to have overshadowed the historical significance of the college. I really couldn't care less about Harry Potter, but half the gift shop and all of the questions I heard people asking were related to that rather than related to the school and the many historical figures who attended there. Of course, our main concern was that the Wesley brothers attended there and were ordained in the cathedral there.

Side note: Jesse has taught us that the definition of a cathedral is that a bishop is seated there. It has nothing to do with the grandeur of the building, but rather with the office of bishop.

In many of John Wesley's writings, he talks about longing to be back at Christ Church Meadow, bathing in the Thames. I can see why he longed for the place. The grounds are magnificent. Just being in a place like this seems inspirational... like it would make you think higher, deeper thoughts just by being surrounded by the ghosts of great thinkers who went before you. I can't imagine eating my meals in the great hall with "the greats" looking down from their portraits, worshiping in the cathedral, studying in these libraries, living in these dormitories, walking these halls with purpose... it's other-worldly. 

After leaving Christ Church, a few of us stopped into Cafe Loco across the street to grab a sandwich to go. Mine was smoked salmon and cucumber. Plus a cinnamon latte and a caramel shortbread. 

On to Gloucester, where George Whitefield attended church and where Robert Raikes started the Sunday School movement. Both were prominent Methodists. The original Sunday Schools were designed to educate poor children who spent the other six days of the week working (before child labor laws). They received basic education in FOUR R's... Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, and Religion.

After setting eyes on the key Methodist places, we continued on to the Gloucester Cathedral, which was aaamazing. All sacred spaces are, you know. But the cloisters were unbelievable. There are no words... so... here:

After a quick bit of shopping in a local artisan shop, we headed on to Pill. This is a small port where many Methodists set out for America, among them Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke. It was a little village, but has a monument near the place marking the impact of these early Methodist adventurers.

Also of note was the Siberian Husky and its mini-protector, who at first barked to warn me off, but then succumbed to the temptation of head scratches. I needed to give them, and they needed to receive them. Missing Meg and Maya, but got to see them on Skype this evening.

In other news, ginormous Yorkshire Pudding with Sausage and Mash. Spectacular strawberry lemonade soda. Mmmmm yummy apple caramel betty with warm custard. And again, great fellowship.