The day I arrived in Oxford, I had a quick cup of tea with friends, freshened up, and ran out the door to catch the tail end of the Developing a Christian Mind conference for postgrads. I got there in time to attend a panel discussing theology and narrative/story, as well as to join a time of prayer in the chapel. We moved into a drinks reception (an Oxford staple) which is always interesting because of the opportunity to approach the presenters, discuss the talks with colleagues, and make new acquaintances. Afterward, we went through to dinner in the New College dining hall, which follows the stately style typical around the university: portrait laden spaces, grand arched ceilings, carved wood paneling, and glowing lamplight. The whole dinner event was lovely- typical of an Oxford college "formal hall"- and it was just nice to find myself so rapidly re-immersed in the ambient atmosphere, engaging conversations... and the food was amazing. I really enjoyed the meal- it was an excellent way to begin my trip!
You might be in Oxford if you have no less than eight pieces of silverware at your place setting... at the dinner of a Christian postgraduate conference.
