Higher Learning Here in Oxford

Seriously folks, who wouldn't benefit from some higher education? Which is the sole reason why I am staying tonight at the Graduate Oxford Hotel in Oxford, Mississippi, home of University of Mississippi. Ole Miss. (Maybe some brainyness will rub off on me. Probably not....) It's a fine little hotel, one of the first (maybe the first) of  boutiquey hotels in college towns from a group of investors marketing the concept under the Graduate name. (I read this online, of course.)  Got a good deal on the room, it's just off of a town square, it's about 90 minutes from Memphis so a short drive tomorrow. Good drinks in the bar (Negronis this time) and restaurants within two blocks to the square. I went out for a walk in late afternoon, between rain showers, and within ten minutes I had walked into three bookstores! None of them of the Jesus theme. One was totally devoted to kid's books and gifts and games and thought provoking puzzles for kids from zero years to about twelve. It was incredibly cool.

I drove today from Vicksburg, where last night was another lesson in humility from Furious Mother Nature, more downpours, more wind, lightning and all she had to toss at us. This morning there was rain but not blinding. I took the scenic road off the interstate and it was peaceful, beautiful and trucks are not allowed. Nice drive.

And here I am in Oxford. The Austin couple I chatted with at the bar in Lafayette said it was a good town to stop at on the way to Memphis and they were right. College towns are usually a good bet, they are lively, there is some measure of intelligence or at least a posturing of such and often decent food and drinks. So far it is proving true. The room key card looks like a student ID and the room has retro touches like the phone below. Hey, it might be a bit pretentious but after so many cookie-cutter Comfort Inns and Holiday Inns, a bit of whimsy is just fine. 

Over and out for now.