Oh Cambridge is just so beautiful. Every time I visit I goo and gah more. Arrived into Cambridge on the train from King’s Cross and caught a cab past the ‘backs’ to Churchill College. The site of one of the most photographed places in the world never ceases to illicit a gasp, as the cab speeds past Kings College. Churchill is one of the newer colleges and whilst not grand, in the Mr Potter sense of the world, it is still beautiful with lovely gardens and such lovely staff. The men in the Porters Lodge can’t do enough for you and I was quickly sent off to my super comfortable room overlooking the garden. Whilst it is ‘student digs’ the room was lovely, with lots of light and a huge space. My bed was incredibly comfortable and probably slept the best there since I have been away. It might have helped that after I arrived I caught up with some old friends and wandered down to the Eagle – I seriously don’t know how people can put away so many pints .. I was on my ear after a pint of cider. The Eagle is famous for its RAF bar, with graffiti from world war 2 airmen all over the ceiling and it continues to attract ex service men who hear the accent and then very loudly ask you how the cricket is going.
I was incredibly busy at the conference, but can’t complain, as I am here for work. The problem is always that you end up working two days in one as you finish your UK day and then Australia is awake and have to deal with the hundreds of emails. Ran workshops, presented, chaired and all of the usual stuff.
I had one free bit so wandered down Storey’s Way and into Madingley to the historical heart of Cambridge. It was still pretty quiet as students not back for a couple of weeks. I wonder if they have any idea how privileged they are to study in such a totally idyllic spot. I went and grabbed a sandwich and headed to St Johns. One of my favourite spots is sitting in the kirkyard right opposite Newton’s tree.
We had the conference dinner last night at Homerton College and that was seriously flying owls and waving wands.
Lovely gardens and then the gong for dinner and the request to follow the garden path, past liveried young people, all lined up in the Great Hall. Had a lovely dinner amidst the paintings, timber and candles. I have been to a number of Cambridge conferences before and can never quite reconcile the disco in Hogwart Halls. Climbed on to the earliest bus back to the quiet of Churchill.
I left Cambridge after running a workshop this morning. I am totally enjoying the train trip. I figured out it was much quicker to just catch the longer train from St Pancras to Gatwick rather than cross London in a cab to Victoria. I did that trip the other day and it took me 45 minutes (and almost as many pounds). The ThamesLink train is great. I am seeing so much out the windows. We just had a few minutes stop at Blackfriars and the view of the Tower Bridge in the bright sunshine was stunning. Yes, the weather has improved and the whole country is bathed in the most glorious sunshine. I really do love train travel and think it is the most totally wonderful way to get anywhere (apart from my bike).
Sleeping under the stars 