(no subject)

I had an unexpected trip to Reading, for boring and financial reasons, though I must say that the staff in the Reading branch are much politer, helpful and indeed better informed than the Oxford shower.

Reading itself is surprisingly interesting. There are the ruins of an enormous flint-built Clunaic abbey, which has weathered in such a way that it mostly looks like termite mounds, with a curious and well restored Victorian park in the middle of the remains, a preposterously large lion as a memorial to one of the Afghan campaigns, and Reading Gaol (now a young offenders institute) right next door. There are also rather nice walks down by the river Kennet.

All in all, I'm glad my bank business took me there: it's nowhere I would have thought of taking a trip to, but I think I might now go back when I have more time.

( Under the cut, a few more pictures from the World Scout Jamboree )