Oxford: The City of Dreaming Spires

• HelloHello
  [heh-loh]
• GoodbyeGoodbye
  [guhd-bye]
• YesYes
  [yehs]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [pleez/yoor wel-kum]
• Thank youThank you
  [thank yoo]
• Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
  [ik-skewz me/sor-ee]
• How are you?How are you?
  [hao ar yoo]
• Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [fain. and yoo?]
• Do you speak English?Do you speak English?
  [doo yoo speek ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI don't understand
  [ai dohnt un-der-stand]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please
  [ai'd laik tu si dhe menyoo, pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [ai dohnt eet meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheerz]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please
  [ai wood laik tu pei, pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Go away!
  [goh uh-wey]
• Call the Police!Call the Police!
  [kawl dhe puh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Call a doctor!
  [kawl uh dok-ter]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [ai'm lost]
• I'm illI'm ill
  [ai'm il]

• I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...
  [ai'd laik tu bai]
• I'm just lookingI'm just looking
  [ai'm jehst look-ing]
• How much is it?How much is it?
  [hao much iz it?]
• That's too expensiveThat's too expensive
  [dhatz too ik-spensiv]
• Can you lower the price?Can you lower the price?
  [kan yoo loh-er dhe prais?]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [wot taim iz it?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [its wun uh-klok]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [haf past (ten)]
• MorningMorning
  [mawr-ning]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
• EveningEvening
  [eev-ning]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yes-ter-day]
• TodayToday
  [tuh-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [toh-mor-oh]
• 11
  [wun]
• 22
  [too]
• 33
  [tree]
• 44
  [for]
• 55
  [fiv]
• 66
  [siks]
• 77
  [sev-en]
• 88
  [eyt]
• 99
  [nain]
• 1010
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [wairz uh/the]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [wots dhe uh-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [kan yoo sho mi (on dhe map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [wenz dhe nekst (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [uh tik-et (tu ....)]

Oxford University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, traces its origins back to the late 11th century. Teaching existed in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167 when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris.

In 1555, during the reign of Mary I, three Protestant bishops, Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, and Thomas Cranmer, were tried for heresy and burned at the stake in Oxford. The location where they were executed is now marked by the Martyrs' Memorial, a significant historical site in the city.

Established in 1602, the Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the main research library of the University of Oxford. It holds over 13 million printed items and is renowned for its vast collections and historical significance.

During the English Civil War (1642-1651), Oxford served as the Royalist capital. King Charles I made the city his headquarters, and Christ Church College became his residence. The city was a focal point of military and political activity during this tumultuous period.

Completed in 1749, the Radcliffe Camera is an iconic neoclassical building in Oxford. Originally built to house the Radcliffe Science Library, it now serves as a reading room for the Bodleian Library. Its distinctive architecture makes it one of Oxford's most photographed landmarks.

Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is the world's first university museum. It houses a diverse collection of art and antiquities, ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. The museum plays a crucial role in Oxford's cultural and educational life.

In the 19th century, the Oxford Movement was a significant religious development within the Church of England, advocating for a return to the traditional liturgy and practices of the early Church. Leaders like John Henry Newman and Edward Bouverie Pusey were key figures in this movement, which left a lasting impact on Anglican theology.

During World War II, Oxford was spared from heavy bombing due to its historical and academic significance. The city played a crucial role as a center for military planning and as a safe haven for refugees and academics displaced by the war.

Completed in 1790, the Oxford Canal was an important waterway for trade and transportation, connecting Oxford to Coventry. It played a significant role in the city's economic development during the Industrial Revolution and remains a picturesque feature of the landscape.

Today, Oxford is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern innovations. It is a hub of academia, culture, and technology, attracting visitors from around the globe to its historic colleges, museums, and thriving arts scene.

Oxford is well-connected and easily accessible from various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond. The nearest major airport is London Heathrow, approximately 50 miles (80 km) away. From Heathrow, you can take the direct bus service, The Airline, which operates frequently to Oxford. Alternatively, you can take a train from London Paddington Station to Oxford, which takes around an hour. If you are driving, Oxford is accessible via the M40 motorway.

Oxford has an efficient public transportation system. The city buses, operated by the Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach, are reliable and cover most parts of the city. For short distances, cycling is a popular option, with many bike rental services available. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available. If you prefer walking, the city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions within walking distance.

The official currency in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Oxford, including contactless payments. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. While many establishments accept card payments, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller businesses, local markets, and bus fares.

Oxford is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any popular tourist destination, it is important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly-lit areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Some areas with higher crime rates include parts of Cowley and Blackbird Leys, so exercise increased caution if visiting these neighborhoods. Always use well-lit and busy routes, especially at night.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. For non-emergency medical issues, you can visit the John Radcliffe Hospital. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health concerns. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The Oxford police station is located at St Aldate's for any legal or safety concerns.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but smartly, especially if you plan to visit university colleges or dine in nicer restaurants. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do be respectful in religious sites. Many churches and chapels request modest attire and quiet behavior. Public Transport: Do have exact change or an appropriate travel card for bus fares. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Hello' or 'Good day'. Handshakes are common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and enjoy the variety of international cuisines available. Don't forget to tip around 10-15% at restaurants if service is not included.

To experience Oxford like a local, visit the Covered Market for unique shops and tasty treats. Take a leisurely punt on the River Cherwell or Thames for a quintessential Oxford experience. Attend a public lecture or event at one of the university colleges for an intellectual treat. Explore the Botanic Garden, the oldest in the UK, for a peaceful retreat. For a more immersive experience, take a walking tour to learn about the city's rich history and its famous residents.