Oxford and Lewis: Part 3: The City

 June 10, 2013: Have I said yet, how much I love Oxford? There is such a vibrancy here, which might have something to do with it being a University town, but the combination of the young people and energy, with the oldness of the architecture, tradition, and history, make it a really unique place.

 As we walked around the city, we decided to get dinner quickly before the CS Lewis lecture at Oxford. We had a 2 for 1 coupon for a restaurant called "Giraffe." There were three of us, so we decided that it would work out perfectly since Joseph could easily eat 2 portions. We would 4 different dishes, then share them all.

 It was a funky little place, very clean and colorful. The guy running it was super friendly and SO helpful. His name was Martin and we loved him. His accent sounded Eastern European. He brought us our food and it was amazing! Truly some of the freshest food I have ever eaten at a restaurant. And he let us use the coupon twice! 
TRAVEL TIP: if ever in Oxford, go to Giraffe! :-)

The most amazing Mango Shrimp Salad!! (I could eat this every day!)

After the carnage

Dinner was so good, and Martin was so nice, we decided to try and take Ben and Lora back for dessert. We told him we would be back and he asked, "Do you want your regular table? or sit someplace different?" Regular table? ...We had a regular table? Loved this place. We told him our `regular table'. :-)

So after the lecture, we ran back. We got there just a few minutes before closing, but Martin had our table all ready and when we said we were sorry, and would just take it to go, so he could go home, he said, "No! no! You are friends now!"

Picture from the outside.

 We told him we wanted to tell everyone about his restaurant and so he said we needed "presents!" Then he brought us all little giraffes and Merinda and me little napkin roses.

With Martin at Giraffe

 Go there.....For reals! 

On our way to Oxford University:

Such a cool tree, growing up an apartment.

The door to the Wesley Methodist Church.

This plaque on the wall says: On 14th July 1783 and several subsequent occasions John Wesley preached in this building. The first Methodist meeting house in Oxford.

Just a cool old wall and gate on the street.

Next: Oxford and Lewis: Part 4: Lewis!