Scene 1, Act II of the Great Oxford Play

If the Oxford program were viewed as a play, yesterday brought the conclusion of Act I. Finding ourselves at the end of our class on Islam and European Politics, Dr. Jefferis brought in a guest speaker. Demonstrating a phenomenal understanding of the Qur’an, he held our attention captive for the duration of the class. His insights concerning Islam added another level of depth to our framework that we have been developing over the past week.

Most of the members of the Islam and European Politics class.

Realizing that several members of our part one group would soon be leaving, we went out to punt on the Thames. It quickly became apparent to many that while punting was useful for moving, this did not necessarily mean moving in a straight line. To hear more about our punting experience, see the previous post.

Punting on the Thames.

Following the tradition of years prior, we concluded part one of the Oxford program by having dinner at The Trout. Located on the Thames about 3 miles upstream from Abingdon House, we began what would be an hour and a half walk. Needless to say, by the time we reached the restaurant, we were ready to eat!

On the long trail to The Trout.

A view of Oxford from outside the town.

Having finished a delicious dinner, we as students took the opportunity to express our gratitude to Dr. Jefferis for the previous week. In many ways, it was a bittersweet moment. Though we were excited to have reached this point in the class, this would be the last time the part one group would be together. Dr. Jefferis and Tera would soon be heading back to the States as most of us continued onto part two. But as with all great plays, some actors move on to the second act while others take a bow. Nevertheless with the Thames providing a scenic background, the evening overall was a wonderful way to conclude part one of the program.

Dining along the Thames.

While yesterday was the conclusion of Act I, today acted as intermission and the opening of Act II. With no class today, everyone staying for part two had the day off. For those students just arriving for part two, today was simply a continuation of their long journey across the pond. I look forward to seeing how this new cast of actors will integrate into the program to help form a new part two group that will become the cast for Act II of the great Oxford play.

Concluding dinner for part one.

After dinner at The Trout.