Looking for Signs in Oxford

 Today we rode the rails to Oxford to fulfill our sign photography assignment.  Those who know me, know that I see “signs” everywhere, so this was super-fun.  Here are some of the sayings on the ones I didn’t choose.  To see the one I did, go to the FSU Mulitmedia 2011link on my blog.

Is despoilation a real word?

In addition to searching for just the right sign to post on our facebook page, we visited The Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Library, Christ Church, and The Story Museum, which is still in construction.  Visions of both Harry Potter and The Golden Compass filled my head as we toured around.  Some of the scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed at Christ Church and The Bodleian Library.  Lyra from The Golden Compass seemed to be peering down at me from the spired Oxford rooftops.

I learned that up until the late 1800s the professors of the University could not marry, had to take their Orders in the Church of England, and had to remain celibate.  They lived in the colleges amongst their students and colleagues.  This helps me to understand the Harry Potter series.  I’ve always thought that the Hogwarts teachers were far too committed to their jobs.  None of them were married or had children of their own.  I now know that there is a history to teachers being completely dedicated to their school and sacrificing the chance to have a family for the privilege.  According to our guide at Christ’s Church, once it was decreed that professors could have families, all these pre-decision families showed up and were legitimized.  Large Victorian houses started to pop up in the city of Oxford to house these families.

I think I have finally done myself in completely.  I wouldn’t miss any of the sights I took in today but the result is that I can’t keep my eyes open and my feet are just two aching blobs at the end of my legs.