Food, glorious food. The trip almost made me a foodie. Simple meat and potatoes is so not in anymore. If you are what you eat, as the axiom claims, I would be quite another person, following my recent rich & famous diet. However, I like to consider the concept of food as a social phenomenon, [...]

Our next stop was to Jo Malone, parfumier par excellence. Her perfumes include the essence of Provence (among many others) in her French line, sophisticated, attractive scents to die for. I found my signature scent, through a process of mixed essences being rubbed into the skin of the hands. Visiting this elegant little boutique, which [...]

" When a man is tired of London he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.  "         – Samuel Johnson, in Boswell’s Life Although I’m usually not much of a shopper, a recent trip to London was an experience in shopping and eating as a kind [...]

We asked him by letter if we could bring him anything on our planned 1983 visit, at which time we learned that Victor had retired from Dover Castle, due to failing health. Despite his condition he was insistent that we visit in his home, and we gladly accepted. In response to our offer to bring [...]

Upon entering Dover Castle a distinguished guard, while looking at my hat, asked, "May I answer any questions for you?" With that introduction commenced a most enjoyable and informative personal guided tour of the historically rich castle. At the conclusion of our tour I didn’t know if I should thank him for his kindness, offer [...]

The indispensable Oxford Information Center is inside the Old School behind the bus bays in Gloucester Green. From the train station or any part of the city center, you can follow black and gold pedestrian signposts to the Tourist Information Office. Inside you will find a wealth of maps, tour possibilities, and guides to the [...]

A Friend at Dover Castle George Blancet In the spring of 1979, my wife and I were on our second visit to England. On our first trip we were consumed by the splendor and majesty of castles, palaces and landscape in and around the great city of London. While on a limited budget, we had [...]

Oxford’s most famous eatery is Brown’s Restaurant, 5-11 Woodstock Road. The fame of Brown’s is probably due to generations of students who could afford the reasonably priced meat pies and stews on the menu. While certainly a good value brassiere, Brown’s is not a culinary treat. Freud on Walton Street also offers affordable food, late [...]

The most comprehensive and informative tour of the ecclesiastical and historical past of Oxford is offered weekly by Mr. Graham Hall. Mr. Hall, the manager of Timeline Heritage Tours, is an erudite man who manages to make history spring to life through his ability to educate and entertain simultaneously. In addition to providing a tour [...]

For only one pound twenty you can climb the Saxon Tower and obtain a startling view of the city. This is the view of Oxford’s rooftops that you must photograph. Additionally you will find a friendly helpful staff at the church. They will be happy to answer questions about the church or direct you to [...]