Cambridge
16 Jul 2019
Hello friends! I know it has been quiet here on the blog but ever since we moved out of our flat in Surbiton I haven't had access to wifi. I don't want to risk using all of my mobile data by uploading photos etc. but it's almost been a month since my
last blog post so this is me risking it anyway! So far so good.
About 2 weeks ago we had a the hottest day of the year so far in the UK, of course that was the day when Aurelia and I had planned to visit Cambridge together. Fortunately we came prepared with lots of sunscreen and we also allowed ourselves
to take alot of breaks during the day.
We met up inside the train at the platform of Kings Cross station, Aurelia looked very ready for summer in her hat. The train ride from London to Cambridge only lasted about 50 minutes, perfect amount of time to catch up on the essentials since our
last meeting.
We arrived at 10:30 in the morning and it was already pretty hot outside. After about 1,5 hours of walking around we decided it was time for brunch. After more than 4 years in the UK I have really come to appreciate a good English
breakfast. This vegetarian one was very nice. No baked beans though, that is quite rare!
After brunch we walked along the river Cam that encircles most of the town centre. Everywhere you could see people punting on the river, i.e. going around in small, flat boats that are being pushed forward by one person
using a long pole. This service is usually provided by the many many students that live and study in Cambridge, I guess it's a way for them to make some extra money on the side during their studies. If you are up for it,
it is possible to hire the punt only and do the punting yourself. Must be very hard work on a warm day like this!
This punter was accompanied by a whole swan family while he was waiting for the lock to fill up.
The river is lined with countless river boats.
We didn't walk far until it was time for break number 2, this time ice cream. We were lucky to come in here just before a massive queue formed. I would really recommend this place, the ice cream was
so tasty! I don't remember what Aurelia had but mine was honeycomb in the bottom and strawberries and cream on the top. Mmmmm.
Jack's Gelato
6 Bene't St, Cambridge CB2 3QN
The chapel of King's College, probably Cambridge's most iconic building.
Aurelia and I decided to buy tickets so we could look inside the chapel. As usual when it comes to English cathedrals and chapels, it was very impressive. The most jaw-dropping
feature was definitely the fan vaulting, how was it even possible to build something like this 500 years ago? During our visit I learned that King Henry VIII
added a few of the ornamental pieces to the chapel, so when I came home that evening I just had to watch "The Other Boleyn Girl" again...
Punting outside King's College. There was literally a traffic jam on the river caused by all the punters!
Third pit stop; ice latte and cake. My energy was completely gone around this time because of the heat but almost fully restored after this treat.
This bridge is called the Mathematical Bridge and connects two parts of Queens' College.
Last but not least we finished of a great day with Pimm's and a great view!
I would absolutely recommend a visit to this lovely city. I have been three times now, two times in October and one time in June
and everytime I have managed to come on a day when the city is full of students and their parents celebrating either starting their
studies or graduation. Even though it is interesting to see the customs of the country you are visiting I would suggest going on
a day when not much is going on, since this is a popular spot for tourists and can get very crowded. And watch out for bikes, they
go very fast and are everywhere!
