An American's life in Oxford

I spent six weeks living, working and studying in Oxford, England this summer. Adjusting to a (slightly) different culture was difficult -- no ice in drinks, no AC anywhere -- but doing so made me more confident in my ability to navigate pretty much anywhere. I worked, played and made friends and memories that'll last a lifetime. This video is a snapshot of the most meaningful summer of my life.

[@lucy7b]

I was married in that beautiful chapel at Magdalen College 41 years ago. Oxford born and bred. You missed the University parks. Glad you enjoyed Oxford so much.

[@charleschappell9381]

Hey! That’s amazing, Lucy! I did get the chance to visit the University Parks - areas where Tolkien would sit and write - but I was so present in that moment that sadly I didn’t get video. Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@Glyn-gq8ts]

What a beautiful environment for you to study in…….good for you

[@jamesalexander5623]

I Lived in Oxford from 1977 to 1986. I was stationed at RAF Upper Heyford but lived off-base in the city.... First in Summertown and later in Headingtton. I'd like to get back before I shuffle Off this Mortal Coil! We'll See! .... Oranges & Lemons !!!

[@charleschappell9381]

That's wonderful! I hope you're able to visit again - I hope I do too!

[@lindamerrett6600]

Love Oxford I only wish that I lived there.

[@old.not.too.grumpy.]

One of the most enjoble pursuits in Oxford or Cambridge is to sit by the river with a group of friends betting on which of the tourists attempting to punt will fall in😂

[@entirely-English]

I live in Oxfordshire and have travelled a bit; you are right, the city is the most beautiful in the world

[@charleschappell9381]

You're lucky to have grown up there! Some of the most gorgeous countryside I've ever seen!

[@entirely-English]

@@charleschappell9381 Indeed. Just a shame we didn't have a summer this year :))

[@thesilverdragon1963]

The architecture and woodwork is all so magnificent--beautiful!

[@vivellasmum]

I grew up in S. Oxon but don't know Oxford at all! I wish I did. I've loved all the TV programmes set there, Morse, Lewis and Midsomer Murders which was shot in S. Oxon so I was familiar with that. Glad you enjoyed your time there.

[@charleschappell9381]

I very much did! And I'll have to check those out!

[@welshpete12]

Oh my goodness ! it has not changes in 55 years . But where are all the bikes ?

[@charleschappell9381]

Because it was summer, a lot of the bikes (belonging to students) were locked up in these big lots near each of the colleges, awaiting their return in the fall. Still plenty of ways to find a bike, though! There were some rentals I saw near Westgate Mall.

[@wfjw]

Great Vlog Young Man. Thank You

[@Thorpeman]

KZbin is pushing your video out, I'm glad it did. I learnt a few things about my own country & you gained a follower 👍 keep on vlogging your a natural!

[@charleschappell9381]

I appreciate the support! You've got a beautiful country. I'm very grateful to have been able to explore and share my experience with folks like you!

[@michaelhenault1444]

Did a similar problem at Trinity. Wonderful time

[@charleschappell9381]

That's great! Trinity was under construction while I was there, so I didn't get to visit. Looked beautiful peeking in from the street, though!

[@TheAlex808]

Was just there two weeks ago and I already I wanna go back 😔

[@Zak_Nike]

punting comes from the boat a 'punt' which in turn comes from the Latin Ponto meaning flat bottom boat or ferry

[@charleschappell9381]

You should tell Tuvshin -- he seemed to need a lesson on that!😆

[@leec6707]

I hate that the rich history of my home city is relegated to Harry Potter landmarks.

[@hughtube5154]

Would The Lord Of The Rings be more acceptable? Narnia?

[@daneelolivaw602]

@leec6707 Well, try to cope, really really hard. I hate that the rich history of my home City, (London) is relegated to Harry Potter landmarks. I managed to cope, you can too.

[@arnoldarnold4944]

Good man.

[@z123462075]

those housing look beautiful

[@charleschappell9381]

It really was great! The lack of air conditioning was a lot for this American to get used to, though.

[@I_Don_t_want_a_handle]

Not visited Blackbird Leys then yet?

[@dillatronic4757]

Barton too

[@russelllapua4904]

lmao

[@charleschappell9381]

Didn't get the chance to explore over there! What would you recommend I check out in Blackbird Leys?

[@I_Don_t_want_a_handle]

@@charleschappell9381 The faster route out. It's the real Oxford.

[@dillatronic4757]

@@I_Don_t_want_a_handle It is not the real Oxford, but it is one of the sh*ttiest places you can ever be. I lived there. Nothing grows in Blackbird Leys.

[@ludovic7936]

Amazing video! Looks like you enjoy your trip in Oxford, but the real question is... did you tried Ben's Cookie in the Cover Market?

[@charleschappell9381]

I did! They had a really neat cookie I'd never hear of before: orange and white chocolate, which was really good!

[@HughJason]

Bvgger the Harry Potter movies.

[@xciteable1]

Hey handsome

[@nicksmith3dvv]

Studying in England, I hope you remembered to spell in English and not American English 🤣

[@drzander3378]

@nicksmith3dvv, I’m from the UK but took one of my degrees in the US. I have to say that my US professors were fine with English spelling and usage as long as I could show that it was correct in the UK. The reciprocal wasn’t the case. On the rare occasions that I used US spelling or semantics in the UK, I was corrected. When I was studying at Oxford, I once said ‘momentarily’ in the US sense only to be admonished by my thesis supervisor! 😁

[@joesoy9185]

I think you mean "British English", not just "English".

[@drzander3378]

@@joesoy9185 No. When you want to say that you drove somewhere, do you specify that you drove forwards, not backwards? No, you don't because driving forwards is the default. Guess what: English is the language of the English in England. It's the default. It doesn't require specification. Variants do.

[@charleschappell9381]

"Colour" not "Color," right? 😆

[@joesoy9185]

@@drzander3378 You are clearly unaware of the varieties of English. USA Americans also claim to speak "English", as do Australians and many parts of the Commonwealth. English as used in England in England is not a default at all.

[@undinia]

Magdalen is pronounced Maudlin. 🙂 Sorry but a lot of your punting info is wrong. Don’t mean to moan but our very very long history deserves attention to detail. Still, you’re just starting your life outside Virginia US so you have time. Enjoy the world, oh and go somewhere where the culture is completely different to that in the Western World. Stay for a good while and see how it changes your perspective more than any screen or book can.

[@vanessa-to8sq]

🤩