In the circle of enlightenment (II): Apparitions
It takes no longer than twenty minutes to traverse most part of the majestic Oxford on foot. If you are as smart as I am, you should start from the Head of the ...
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It takes no longer than twenty minutes to traverse most part of the majestic Oxford on foot. If you are as smart as I am, you should start from the Head of the River, a pub not only strategically located as its name suggests, but one that plies a heavy trade on most palatable food and beer. Once you have let the view of the ever eventful Thames seep in, take a stroll along Christ Church Meadow Walk, then turn left to Poplar Walk which leads to the eponymous building and entrance to Christ Church College and Cathedral. But don’t go in just yet. Turn right on Broad Walk, then left to Merton Walk on which the impressive Masters’ Garden becomes plain to sight. Go past Dead Man’s Walk, cross the narrow gate into Grove Walk and you are on the cobbled and quaint Merton Street. If the ghost of Francis Windebank hasn’t crossed your sight by now, surely spirits of kings, chancellors and bishops must have whispered to you and imparted the aura of Oxford’s greatness. As you stand there, simply raise your head and look around. You will feel dwarfed by expertly crafted stone giants that keep the medieval embers aglow: University of St Mary the Virgin; Magdalene College; Radcliffe Square; Bodleian Library; Sheldonian Theatre; plus many more are within a stone’s throw. Viewed from inside, some look really dingy and oaken, yet imposing and awesome from outside. The precise origin of some of Oxford’s colleges is still unknown, although a few stake a claim as the oldest with a provenance stretching back to 12th century. Hundreds of years of succession of mighty conquerors, civil war, political intrigue and reformation have gone by, but their passing has left the buildings almost untouched, with a grandeur there for all to see.
Time for public access is up. Ungainly tourist crowds have dispersed and the bell from the College Chapel’s tower has started to chime. Despite its picturesque appearance, Merton Street is accessible by vehicles, so rumbling sounds of the odd car rolling on the cobbled surface are unavoidable. Barring this, one can feel a tad daunted when standing there on their own at night. The old-style street lights trigger a strange sense of awe as they can transport the mind’s eye to the likes of Bucks Row back in 1888. Still, I have none of all that. Right now, at approximately 18:30 PM, I feel safe in the Circle of Enlightenment. As they taught me back in school, it was Knowledge and Enlightenment that exorcised prejudice and fear. Should there be any haunting figures lurking the old streets of Oxford, I only hope a long exposure will bring them out.
I wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year.
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Time for public access is up. Ungainly tourist crowds have dispersed and the bell from the College Chapel’s tower has started to chime. Despite its picturesque appearance, Merton Street is accessible by vehicles, so rumbling sounds of the odd car rolling on the cobbled surface are unavoidable. Barring this, one can feel a tad daunted when standing there on their own at night. The old-style street lights trigger a strange sense of awe as they can transport the mind’s eye to the likes of Bucks Row back in 1888. Still, I have none of all that. Right now, at approximately 18:30 PM, I feel safe in the Circle of Enlightenment. As they taught me back in school, it was Knowledge and Enlightenment that exorcised prejudice and fear. Should there be any haunting figures lurking the old streets of Oxford, I only hope a long exposure will bring them out.
I wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year.
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Dec, 2018Views
2631
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Urban Diaries Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in We Own The Night Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 20
Peer Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Genius
Superior Skill
Top Ranks
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Unseeing
January 03, 2019
Love the write up as much as the photograph-I can see some 'haunting figures lurking' wearing jeans and trainers. nicely done.
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MicktheGreek
January 03, 2019
Thanks Pamela! I took quite a few long exposure shots that night in Oxford, although these two and another couple were worth posting here...
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Hprue
January 06, 2019
Wow exceptional photos you have! Thank you so much for the likes and awards. It is very much appreciated!
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Trotts
January 06, 2019
Hi Mick. Great photos. Hope you Have a Fabulous 2019. I think I would have done the walk in reverse direction, and finished at the pub!!!
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MicktheGreek
January 08, 2019
Thanks Dale! It is a remarkably quaint and picturesque street this one...
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MicktheGreek
January 25, 2019
It is one of the most quaint streets in England this one. Thanks a lot, Sue!
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Bruz
January 28, 2019
Beautiful capture. Like the ghost of people walking on the right side of the image.
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Cikabum
November 29, 2019
Bet you any money, that most of the likes/comments, are for the words, not for the image
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