When we arrived at JFK we were surprised to find out that we had been granted access to the Virgin Atlantic VIP Club. Sitting in our private lounge we were greeted by our second happy surprise... all of the food was FREE! Everyone took a different approach to this idea, some got appetizers and a meal, others treated themselves to ice cream bars, cookies and soda, and then there was Robert... his approach? Eat all of the clubs free bananas... ALL OF THEM! Somehow, I wasn't shocked when he got a side-ache on the way through security.
Molloy gave us all a real-life literature lesson on the meaning of foreshadowing when, on the way out of the VIP area he said jokingly, "Our VIP experience ends here." Little did he know how right he was about to be. When we reached the gate we were supposed to get "fast tracked" service... that didn't happen. Molloy lead the group up through the priority line and was promptly turned away and told to go stand in the line with the rest of the economy travelers. We all had a good laugh and temporarily "renounced" Molloy's leadership role.
Once we were all on the flight we all found that were so many channels, movies and games to choose from on our personal screens, it was hard to get any rest. Some people decided not to sleep and by the time we reached London, everyone was feeling a bit jet lagged - it was about 3am in NYC when we landed. Luckily, we were greeted at the gate by an airline representative who showed us to customs. One camper to remain unnamed was feeling particularly independent when he met the customs agent and decided to tell the agent he was traveling individually, not with a group. The guard didn't like his answer and questioned him briefly, he knew we were all together, so Molloy redeemed himself as a leader and rescued our strong-minded friend from the guard. We all learned a valuable lesson, don't joke around at customs!
Alice, our Oxford representative, greeted our sleepy group and got us to our coach and we were whisked away to Oxford.
Alice, our Oxford representative, greeted our sleepy group and got us to our coach and we were whisked away to Oxford.
The town is adorable. Lots of shops, restaurants, tourists and students. We got settled in and went out for a quick lunch and a stop at the sports shop, then returned to the hall for some much needed rest. Some napped, others played badminton in the back garden.
Dinner didn't work out exactly as planned. As it turns out, ordering pizza in the UK is a very complicated endeavor! Instead, we decided to walk around town a little and treated ourselves to dinner at Wagamama. Some people were more skilled than others at using their chopsticks, but everyone gave it a try!
We stopped by the market on the way home to pick out some snacks for our rooms and everyone had a look around at the unfamiliar foods and products.
Now, everyone is settled in their beds! It's been a long trip out and everyone is looking forward to some much needed rest tonight and an exciting day tomorrow, culminating with a performance of Romeo and Juliet at the rooftop amphitheater on Oxford's campus.
Thoughts of the day:
More TEA! - Kieran (working on his 11th cup since the tea party yesterday)
Mmmmmm...Coconut Ice Cream - Brittney
I have a ton of room in my bag and money to spend - re: his new authentic cricket bat - Tom
Don't steal my sleeping chair! - John D.
Are they ever going to fix my screen? I've been staring at this frozen game for 20 minutes! - John B.
"Did I mention that I haven't slept yet!?!"- Molloy
Bananas... bananas.... bananas... - Robert
Cappuccino! - Corinne
Hey! Let go of my headphones! - Yaritza
Is it time for bed yet? - Lauren
Molloy is no longer allowed to be in charge - Henry
SMILE! Oops, you weren't looking... (Sorry Corinne) - Beth
