A Magical World: Oxford, UK
A Magical World:
Last time I was in England, I hadn’t really thought through all my options for exploring outside of London. There’s just so much to do, but my second opportunity couldn’t be missed.
In order to get the fall feelings in order, I’m going to start with the place of magic. Oxford, just like you would imagine, is a quaint university town that feels like it’s always been there. The stones and the trees seem the same age. The markings, the grooves, the way the sun seems to gleam off the town feels like it has always belonged.
When you walk into a town of learning, you feel so light. At least, I do, I feel inspired around the potential for learning. Everyone there is to promote growth and stimulation. Studying and aspiring is built into the idea of the community. The town is centered around it. Knowing this is where they based much of the Harry Potter filming around, you can imagine the heartfelt connection it displays.
Whether it was staring at the vines growing off the building or wandering the cobblestones in the fading light, I felt so peaceful there. I felt I could live a lifetime. That’s what you want in a place, something that feels magical. Something that feels connecting beyond the physical, but something almost spiritual. And of course, it doesn’t hurt to combine my love for all things HP. If learning was romantic, I would say it’s Oxford, and I would say it was love at first sight.
I can see Hagrid’s smokestack. We’ve got to finish our 1ft of parchment for Professor Mcgonagall before heading down though. Ron!? Have you been love potioned again? Pay attention! Better grab the invisibility cloak and the Marauders Map, we’re going to be out after hours.
“I swear I’m up to no good!”
It’s literally Hogwarts. Pinch me.
Incroyable
I got here late and the sun was dripping over everything. I was like a kid in a candy store. I was running everywhere and I didn’t know what to do.
A pleasant amount of countryside lightly mixed in.
Everywhere looks comfy. A good book, a decent conversation, a cozy drink. I think I’ll stay.
And the colors!
Vibes everywhere.
I was trying to find details and this door popped out at me.
Walking around, I heard this tour talking about this spot. They said this has been here for a long time and clearly it’s the exact same thunderbolt on HP. Rowling was said to have been inspired of course.
And my fellow Americans wonder what I complain about when walking around new Nashville.
Hidden alleys.
Not the first to have wandered here, which makes it even cooler.
I felt like the town was almost fake. I couldn’t believe it was real.
The scenes, the colors, everything looked like a book or movie. The more I travel though, I find the reality in people’s fiction. They based it off real places and stories. That means there are dream worlds in our own worlds. We just have to leave what we know.
So dreamy.
What a day. Why does this train station even look so appealing? I think I love the UK.