Magdalen College Ball - June 26

Last Friday evening, we went to our last Oxford college ball - the 2009 Magdalen Commemoration Ball. This one was a little tougher to get tickets, and we were lucky enough to be asked by two of our good friends, Ryan and Caroline (left). Caroline is an alumni of Magdalen College and invited us along for a fantastic evening - the best ball we've been to yet!

The evening started with a champagne reception in one of the courtyards. Magdalen has some of the most manicured gardens of any Oxford college - so many different types of flowers, perfect grass and vines covering the walls. It's really an amazing college - and it just celebrated it's 550th anniversary!

We then moved on to the next courtyard to check out the rest of the scene. After checking out the event program during the champagne reception, we had it all planned out (so we thought). The ball had sort of a carnival/circus theme - which was kind of off to see people in bumper cards (or what the Brits call "dodge 'em") and eating cotton candy in ball gowns and white tie/tails tuxes. We had a lot of fun in the bumper cars.... :-)

Next we went to check out the Big Top! We only caught the end of the show (so much for following the schedule), but it was really cool! Cirque de Soleil 'esque acts and the "Amazing American Ax thrower."

We walked around to check out all of the various bands - so many types of music - and the crazy amounts of food an alcohol on offer. Kent was intent to check out the oyster bar and casino - and this Hendricks gin (one of his favorites) and Scotch whisky tasting tent. The fancy cheese/olive/truffle tent was one of my faves......but a close rival was the.........chocolate fountains! White, milk, and dark chili chocolate with all kinds of fruit and cake dippers. Chocolate fountain is a little messy in a crowd of people dressed up, but still prettty awesome.

And finally, at the end of the night there was a fantastic fireworks display! Almost more than I've seen for any 4th of July.....and set to a symphony of all students - Magdalen College specializes in music. It was perfectly timed - and one of our friends was playing the violin. We danced til our (well my) feet really hurt and headed home in the early morning hours! We didn't quite make it to the 6am breakfast they served, but we definitely had a great time!