This weekend's trip was to picturesque and traditional Cambridge; an old university town with style - lots. Cambridge is one of the world's top five educational institutions, with an alumni list that any organisation would crave. Hey, this place is so educated, even the Big Issue street salesmen have attitude!
Anne booked the trip and had a wonderful idea of staying at Clare College, one of the oldest colleges. But we had three things go wrong:1. The booking was for bed and breakfast, since it would be fun to have a meal in the college hall. However, we found out on the morning that there was no breakfast available today.
2. I ran about 5 km across town to the Astronomy department to hear a lecture, only to find the theatre full and a lockout in place.
3. Anne wanted to hear the King's College Choir sing - but were told that there was no performance this weekend - two weeks before Easter.
Very disappointing.
However, we did get to visit the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Whipple Science Museum. Whipple had an abundance of fascinating Science equipment, including a lens used by Isaac Newton and one of Crookes' tubes.
Also, we punted on the Cam - not taking the tour, but doing it ourselves the fun way, including losing the pole. The golden rule of punting is, when the pole gets stuck - let go! But we paddled back to retrieve said item stuck in the Cam mud. Punted past Trinity College; the third richest institution in the UK, behind the Church of England and the Queen.
Lunching in Market Square and walking around town was a delight in the warming English sunshine. Despite the initial setbacks, this was another enjoyable weekend.
Sounds like a return trip to Cambridge is in order. And certainly find out in advance if those activities are available before returning.
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