Ch 9: Oxford by foot

I decided to skip the official tour groups and buses and give myself a tour of the University on foot. I've never liked organized tour groups. Except when they give you access to other wise unopen areas I much prefer to read about places, find which ones interest me, and chart my own course. Walking through Oxford was no different.
I noticed something this morning. The color of the SBS building is very similar to the older university buildings. I don't think this is a mistake. You can be the newest branch of the English world's oldest university but fitting in is still important.
I started my day off with good English food. That would be the Chinese restaurant across from SBS. My stroll took me in a figure eight loop starting with the north side of the main university streets. The sights of the older colleges reminded me very much of the University of Chicago. The difference is that Chicago tries to look old(with much success in my opinion), Oxford IS old.
I skipped the Oxford Story which is a Disneyland type ride that explains Oxford's founding. Have I mentioned how crowded the main streets are today (Saturday)? Oxford is also very much a haven for Tourists . History and a Strong Brand can do that for you I suppose.
Walking through the place gave me a good sense of how easy it was to navigate through the town. I kept walking. From the Bridge of Sighs, down New College Lane, through the courtyard of Magdalen , across the fields of Merton , and across the gates of Christ Church College I walked, and walked some more. Taking it all in.