Oxford is perhaps unique among British towns in having cattle grazing within a mile of its city centre. Beautiful! There was once a proposal to build a road through it but widespread protests led to its rightful abandonment.
Aside from the academic excellence of the university, its picturesque setting would've made it even more of a privilege to have studied there...
Oxford lies at the confluence of the Thames and the Chertsey, along its gentle banks we continued our afternoon stroll, stopping intermittently to take in the idyllic and serene atmosphere.
Passing us by on the oh so calm waters of the Chertsey were rowing and punt boats, which we resisted in hiring. Why would we when we were going to the Lake District?
Along the other side of the riverside path was an algae filled ditch that fascinated our resident scientist, Mr Haroon...
A perfect day for ice cream, though very expensive in this touristy area as expected. Bought two - one for Abdullah and the other for Yousuf and Zainab. And Alhamdulillah they shared lovingly, filling their parents' hearts with joy too. MaShaAllah...
And so on to exploring Oxford, and more specifically its historic university and its environs. Its grandiose architecture, hallowed cloisters, and manicured lawns and playing fields are truly inspiring - a gem of a campus that most probably draws in more tourists than any other university in the world...
Our intended departure time of 11am didn't materialise but an hour's delay was not bad considering having to collect the Cruze and fit it with the car seats and load it with the gear.
The unforgivable delay was driving through Central London, as suggested by Google Maps. I thought the traffic might be ok as it was Sunday. Wrong! Lesson learnt - A406 and M1 is the way to go.
We didn't arrive in Oxford until a little after 3pm, and hence the hurried car park lunch (of kebab rolls) rather than the riverside picnic - the kids were really hungry...
Excited to be back on the road again!
Another hire car, an automatic Chevrolet Cruze. SIXT didn't have a manual of our size - why, when we'd reserved it weeks back?
The automatic drank a lot despite attestation to the contrary by the rental clerk. It made the mountain roads easier but less fun.
At least it looked good...
The drive to Madrid was tiring. We stopped at a couple of service stations, once to have a short nap and the other to ask for a warning message on the dashboard of the Zafira. It was minor.
Drove fast for three reasons - it's safer as it stops you falling asleep because you have to concentrate more; it gets you there quicker; and, I just enjoy driving fast! I should have been wary of cameras though. Ended up paying €200 in fines, my first ever despite numerous past transgressions.
In Central Madrid we met my cousin, Dilwar, who left Britain due to immigration problems. He is trying to make some sort of life for himself in Spain. May Allah ease his path. Aameen. I wished that we had put aside more time for him.
We left for the airport with plenty of time in hand. It was just as well as our free sat nav failed us again! This was the last adventure of the tour, and as we were misdirected around there came a point where I really thought that we might not make it. The heart was pumping.
At one juncture, Hamida told me to go the reverse way on the motorway! And due to feeling of desperation I had seriously considered it and started to turn the car around. But sanity prevailed, Alhamdulillah!
We got to the airport with very little time to unpack the Zafira and pack for the journey. A mad rush ensued that kept the adventure alive up to the last minute.
There was even a verbal scuffle with the checking assistants. I felt disrespected due to our colour and possibly also because of our travel worn appearances. And, for good or bad, my ego doesn't let these things pass go!
It was time to say goodbye to Spain. Thank you for hosting us most beautifully. We will remember you.
At least I had the IPL to look forward to...
