CAMBRIDGE, days 8+9

Monday was really a tough day: 1^st because it’s Monday, right? 2^nd because I’m very tired and in need of a duvet day; 3^rd because I had classes all day, followed by a very interesting cultural talk on “The complex songs of Mr Dylan” with practical activities for our classes. In spite of all this, the day couldn’t have possibly ended better. It was the perfect day and the perfect sunset for punting!

For those who may not know exactly what it is, a punt is a flat-bottomed boat without a keel propelled by means of a long pole. Its designed was developed in medieval times to allow easy navigation in areas with shallow water; unlike in the past, they are now used almost exclusively for recreation. Poling along the river seems to be an easy task but it is not! Steering a punt is hard and demands skill and dexterity and besides the pole can get stuck in the mud of the river bottom.

Let me share with you some of the pictures taken during my punting experience: a chauffeured ride on the River Cam, in a 45-minute historical tour of the surroundings including 7 of the most famous colleges (the College Backs) and 9 stunning bridges, complete with strawberries, cream and champagne. A great experience indeed!

 >>The Mathematical Bridge is the popular name for this wooden footbridge across the River Cam, between two parts of Queen’s College and was originally built in 1749. Its official name is simply the Wooden Bridge and what we see here is a replica built in the early 20^th century. 

 

>>3 pictures of the Bridge of Sighs (yup, similar in design to the one in Venice or the one in Oxford) and connects both sides of St John’s College built in 1511. 

>>King’s College, founded in 1441 by Henry VI

There is no Photoshop, guys! It’s me, myself, here in Cambridge:

    >>In the background you can see King’s College and its Chapel

>

>  >> I, me, myself on Silver Street Bridge right before going punting

  

I did have dinner at 5.30p: 

>>Lamb Tagine + sides: rice+carrots and leeks+Pak Choi. For dessert, an apple.

Tuesday… classes in the morning and at 2pm a workshop on music and songs. Another day spent in Cambridge without even visiting the city properly!!! You may not believe this but I started feeling a bit frustrated at not having time to visit the colleges. We leave the campus around quarter to four / four pm and when we get to the city centre it’s already 4.30 – all shops and monuments close at 5pm and there are no further admissions after 4.30!!! So, today I skipped the barbie on the college grounds (sorry, but no meal, no pic) to go straight to St John’s College. Wow! Time and money well spent!

Have a look!

>>Entrance to the College through the Front Gate facing St John’s Street. This Front Gate was completed in 1516 and the carving is the coat of arms of the Foundress, Lady Margaret Beaufort and above is a statue of St John the Evangelist.

>>Me, again. Still any doubts? 

 >>the back of St John’s College with luxurious greenish lawns and the stunning buildings that make up the college.

Another glorious day in Cambridge has gone by and this one ended with a private reception at Cambridge University Press Bookshop.