End of Year 1 in Oxford

6 more days in Oxford, until we fly back home to South Africa for a month.

Athol passed his first year of studies! So we're back in September.

Our lease at college accommodation also expires this month. We had to find alternate accommodation for the second year, as college and university accommodation has a waiting list. There's been some advantages of being in college accommodation - it's serviced once a week, it's relatively cheaper than market accommodation, internet, electricity, water is all included, toilet paper, rubbish bags and kitchen sponges are replaced.

We managed to find furnished accommodation in Summertown for Year 2. It's a walk to the Summertown shops and a 12 minute bus ride into the city centre. It's a 2 bedroom flat - the second room is small but can be used as a study which is great for Athol. I will have to figure out how council tax, water and electricity all works now, will have to subscribe for internet ourselves. Nonetheless we look forward to our second year in Oxford.

Some of our wonderful memories and favourites of our time here:

• Our favourite Indian food is from Saffron - my favourite is the Chicken Tikka Masala and Athol's is the Vegetable Masala
• Our favourite Chinese restaurant is Xi-An in Summertown. Their Tofu and Cashew Nut dish is delicious!
• Favourite cooked meals - We invented "Oxford stew" which is made up of onion, cabbage and mushrooms in a brown sauce - Athol's favourite! Also amongst the favourite were Tofu Stir Fry and Tofu Curry - my new inventions while here in Oxford which are absolutely delicious!
• Favourite shows - How I met your Mother, 70s Show
• Athol wrote a bicycle in the garden - it's been years since he has rode a bike
• We tried growing chickpeas and celery but didn't last :(
• Tesco home delivery was great - at 3GBP a month it's worth it

We will start to pack up as the movers will collect our items on Thursday morning and store it until we are back.

The weather has been great, we've had sunshine for a week and the sun only sets at 10pm everyday :) not looking forward to the winter in SA :(

We've had a great time here and look forward to the second year!