[HPFGU-London] American tourists, etc./details of meeting

[Neil Ward]

Anna said:

<<I have been here about two months and made some discoveries about
traveling..First off, my friends and I spent our first two weeks trying hard
not to be tourists and missing out on quite a bit of fun.  After time we
loosened up and figured we were not going to spend all this money just to
worry the whole time about blending in.  <snip> Now, if I want to stop and
take a picture of something really bad, I swallow my pride and take it
because I know I will be very happy a year from now as I go through my
scrapbook.>>

Everyone should just be themselves, in my opinion.  I agree with you that
blending in is not so important if you are a visitor to another country.
Have respect for local values and culture, of course, but stay true to
yourself and have the best time you can.

As for taking photographs, it's worth remembering that British people can
easily be tourists in their own country.  I have only been to Oxford twice
before, so I will definitely be a tourist there, and might be tempted to get
the camera out...

Anna also said:

<<I would absolutely love to join your group on Sunday (is that the right
day? I need to go back and check) if that is a-okay.  I have a cousin who is
going to be studying there so I will probably go hang out with him and then
meet you.  I was upset I had to miss the London meeting. As I said before, I
know I don't talk much on the lists but I read them so religiously I feel
like I know you all!!>>

It's a party!!!  We'll see you there then.  It is Sunday the 8th at 2pm.  I
am repeating Simon's instructions below, for those who missed them.

Neil

****************

We have decided on meeting at 2 pm. I think it would be best if we meet in
The
King's Arms. This is a centrally located pub. It is easy to find (and is
also
well known - in case you need to ask for directions), has reasonable
selection
of drinks and serves reasonable food (if we decide to stay there for food
instead of moving elsewhere). Hopefully it will be fairly empty on a Sunday
afternoon out of term time.


The all-important directions (map:
http://web.comlab.ox.ac.uk/oxinfo/maps/oxford.html):
The KA is situated on the cross roads at the ends of Broad Street, Parks
Road,
Holywell Street and Catte Street. Specifically being on the corner of Parks
and Holywell.

For those coming from the Thornhill Park and Ride I believe you can get off
the bus on the High Street (I need to check this detail). From there you
walk
a short distance in the direction the bus was going. You will come to a
crossing, outside The Old Bank Hotel. Use the crossing and then walk
straight
on, this takes you on Catte Street. The pub is just up ahead on your right.

While walking up Catte Street you will see the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian
Library and Sheldonian Theatre on your left. All Souls and Hertford
(including
the Bridge of Sighs) will be found to your right. At this point
tour-guide!Simon gives up.

>From the train station: Walk towards the main road. Turn left. Continue
straight on from here, taking you down Hythe Bridge Street, George Street
(mind the big hole in the road) and Broad Street.
>From the bus station: Walk to the main road. This is George Street. Follow
the
above from George Street.

If you are coming from London on the bus then you can get off on the High
Street, as per the instructions for the Thornhill Park and Ride.

>From Corpus: Walk out of the main gate and straight on, Oriel Street, until
you reach the High Street. Turn right and walk along until you reach the
crossing. This is the above mentioned crossing.

>From Pembroke: Walk out of the main gate, turn right and you come to St.
Aldates (the road in this case - you have just passed the church). Turn left
and walk up to the crossroads. Take the crossing and walk along the high
street until you come to the Old Bank Hotel. This is by the above mentioned
crossing