May Morning is a big deal in Oxford - I think it's cool to be a part of something like that. Crowds flock to hear Magdalen College choir sing from their chapel tower at 6am. For some reason, OUSDS (oxford university scottish dance society) dance at 6am in Radcliffe Square (photos to left and right as I approached). There are also usually Morris Dancers with a man dressed as a tree and the bell ringers, well, bell ring.This was now my 5th time doing it (not last year due to being in Southampton) and the weather has been variable. I remember one year cycling down feeling fresh as a daisy with beautiful sun rising. Thought it was going to be quite the wash out this year and though my bike seat (and general floor) was wet, it didn't actually rain on us - horray! I used to like seeing people all walking towards town in the crazy early hours - it is just such a bizarre but fun thing with people coming together.
So the dancing was good too. Here is the crib. It starts off pretty quiet as everyone is at Magdalene but then there comes the point where we have to hold our ground not to lose our set space and the crowds are all trying to get past us. Oh, and we have a bagpiper - sure we must annoy a lot of people. But I feel we are mainly doing it for ourselves - we're not specifically trying to put on a show for others to watch. Was touched that my housemate stopped by to watch, and a colleague. Also spotted a fellow chemist from college from the year above me.
Think you are supposed to put flowers in your hair as the start of summer but I have never managed to do that. Instead photos from this morning of the blossom outside our house.
ps - have you noted the steady monthly increase in blog postings (Jan 12, Feb 14, Mar 15, April 16). I'm keen for it not to spiral out of control, I feel an average of one every other day is fine. I don't want to be too restricted by it either way though, just posting as and when I fancy. Will see if the monthly increase goes on.
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