First Day

 37 Wellington Square, minus the current scaffolding

I rounded up about 20 of my fellow Odyssey to Oxford travelers at Chicago O'Hare on Saturday afternoon. We shared stories of where we were from, what courses we planned on taking, and of our previous travel experiences. Many of the travelers come back year after year to take part in the popular program, but this year's trip has also attracted quite a few first-timers (18). Including program director Louise Cooley and I, we have 44 total participants.

Our flight to London left around 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Saturday and arrived at Heathrow Airport at 8:05 a.m. London time. Though it was a smooth flight, nobody got much sleep on the plane. We all made it through immigration, customs, and baggage claim with little trouble, and proceeded to board the bus for Oxford.

We noticed a few subtle differences between American and British roads on our one-hour drive to Oxford. For one thing, we were all required to buckle up on the bus. There are very few SUVs and trucks on the road, and billboard advertising isn't allowed in an effort to preserve the beauty of the lush English countryside.

Upon arrival at Oxford, we ate brunch in the dining hall and then checked into our dormitory rooms. I am staying at 37 Wellington Square, diagonal from the Rewley House, where all of our dining and seminars take place.

We had most of the afternoon free, which I spent trying to make up for lost sleep. Then at 5 p.m., I had the privilege to meet with this year's tutors. That was followed by an orientation meeting, an opening reception in the courtyard, and a salmon dinner.

I've truly enjoyed meeting everyone today, and I look forward to the Oxford walking tour and the start of classes tomorrow. Good night!