Yesterday the weather in Edinburgh was pretty nasty outside. I'm not complaining, as my family and friends are dealing with -32' temperatures back home, but the wind gusts of 40mph, looked pretty intense.
Needless to say, we stayed indoors which gave me an opportunity to again catch up on blogging.
Today I am going to blog about a fantastic day trip that Deb and I did shortly after we arrived in Ipswich, England. Taking the train, about one hour 20 minutes, we visited to city of Cambridge, England. To me famous for the fact that Prince William and Kate Middleton are titled the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thus coming here honours them....and wee Prince George.
As well, I recently read that Prince William will be attending Cambridge University to study agricultural management for 10 weeks in the next week or so. He is preparing for his future role in charge of the Duchy of Cornwall which he will inherit when his father becomes King.
Music lovers might like to know that Pink Floyd is from Cambridge.
As for academics they may be interested and amazed that Cambridge boosts 31 colleges in this one city. All of them founded between the 13th and 20th centuries. So much to see and do in one day.
When we arrived, the city was still asleep. Off to find a cafe open and get some java into us.
Costa is a popular cafe in the UK and Europe and there just happens to be one here.
Just a few days before Christmas when we visited, this cafe still had mince meat tarts and fun Christmas tree designs on the cappuccino.
The cafe was located just outside the Old Town of Cambridge. Incredible architecture throughout the city including this building which hosts a clothing store now on the first floor. The old with the new motto is alive and well abroad.
My awesome shot of a nasty gargoyle. Who designs these?
It was Sunday and there is a great market we are told just within the Old Town. Follow the crowds, or the cyclists as they are heading that way.
But first we are looking for Trinity College, King Henry VIII old stomping grounds.
There he is....King Henry VIII immortalized at the entrance to Trinity College. Founded in 1546, King Henry believed the churches had too much influences on the other Colleges here in Cambridge, thus he founded an entirely new college.
The Great Gate, below is the main entrance into Trinity College.
Heading through the imposing entrance that reminds me a bit of Hampton Court which was a residence of King Henry VIII located on the outskirts of London.
Trinity is one of Cambridge's three royal colleges. In the 20th century, members of Trinity won 31 Nobel Prizes. The alumni also includes six British Prime Ministers as well as Prince Charles who studied history there in 1970.
Within the walls of this college is a vast court yard. We moved across it to visit this building below which is the Chapel of Trinity College open to the public. Well worth a look inside.
The Clock Tower next to the entrance into the Trinity College Chapel that dates back to the 1600's. For 400 years students at Trinity attended Church here.
When you enter into the Chapel you are greeted by sculptures of notable fellows and alumni of Trinity. Issac Newton, Lord Byron, Alfred Tennyson to name a few.
There is a sign within the Chapel that says "built between 1555 and 1567 with the help of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I."
I am always curious if the artist takes the liberty to pose the honouree as they would chose or if it is a reflection of their reputation or life that results in an odd pose? This fellow looks bored?
The Great Court yard so green and manicured.
This gentleman below was keeping an eye on who might be walking across the grass?
All that history, I am hungry again. We set off to the Market Hill Square and it was so much fun. The people were friendly and chatty. Very knowledgeable about their products and keen on sharing them with you.
Pies!
Cheeses!
Olives!
Sausages!
Check out the broccoli stalk that the young man is purchasing, about half way down the line of people. Before our trip to the UK we had never seen broccoli still on the stalk and sold like that.
Debbie hasn't done any climbing today....so how about paying to get to the top of the church tower? Ok, I'm excited about this.
Great St. Mary's Church founded on this spot in the year 1205. The present church building was constructed between 1478-1519.
Some of the workmanship on the pews. The unicorn is the symbol of Scotland which I find interesting, in a very old Church of England.
When we peered into the church I thought for a second that Harry Potter would be giving us a tour of the church?
A sign inside says "if the bells are ringing when you are reading this, do not be alarmed if you feel the tower sway. This is a common feature of bell towers."
Really? We are ascending the tower and all I am thinking about what time it is?
Very tiny door way and very, very narrow spiral stairs. I believe it was 170 steps.
Keep going!
Almost there!
The light is shining through this door....we must be at the top? Come on Debbie, you can do it!
I am happy about the fencing at the top. Checking out the view quickly before I get my trusty camera and shoot away. What a glorious day is was for picture taking and exploring. It didn't rain until we were heading home on the train.
The views from the top. I love all the chimneys when you can see from above. We break into song,
"Chim chim-in-ey, Chim chim-in-ey
Chim chim cher-ee!
A sweep is as lucky
As lucky can be"
From this height you can see the tight squeezes that these incredible double decker bus drivers must manoeuvre to get through the old narrow streets of Cambridge.
Market Hill Square where we did a wee bit of shopping. Pies, cheese, Christmas cake, shortbread cookies, a fascinator, olives, sliced meats, and I am sure much more.
Pretty high at the top....I can see little people waaaaaaay down there?
An awesome view of King's College another royal college and chapel. Another prestigious institution in Cambridge.
Back through the wee door, and very steep steps. This time, Debbie actually went backwards because it was easier?
The old with the new again with the Market stales in the shadows of Great St. Mary's Church.
Delicious. Lancashire Bombs are the black balls that look like cannon balls below. A creamy, mild white cheese. We actually had a quick inservice from the lovely gal who sells them.
Get the crackers and preserves this is one yummy cheese.
More chimney cakes....and....
"Chim chim-in-ey, Chim chim-in-ey
Chim Chim cher-oo!
Good luck will rub off when I shakes 'ands with you."
Thought I died and went to heaven when I saw an entire stall with fascinators!!!
Every colour known to woman is here.
Yipppppeeeee!!!!
I bought a beautiful, regal, dark blue one.
Chilling in Cambridge. Definitely a College/University town with about a 10th of the population being a student.
Hungry again????
What do I feel like? I know, an ostrich burger!
We need to be adventurous and try different things and the ostrich burger qualifies for both. The texture reminded me of a veggie burger.....it was very good.....but I couldn't help but see it's wee face as I was eating. Maybe once in a lifetime experience.
King's College Chapel. Built from 1446-1515 by King Henry VI through to King Henry VIII. The most impressive building in Cambridge.
The church interior is vast. Not only can you tour the church but there are displays all around to explain how they designed and built the incredible ceiling, information about the stained-glass, and the history of the monarchy, including the War of the Roses.
The choir screen that divides the church was commissioned by King Henry VIII to commemorate his marriage to Anne Boleyn. But by the time it was completed she was beheaded. But it was too late to remove her initials carved into the screen.
"R.A." for Regina Anna-"Queen Anne"
This church was to glorify the House of Tudor. It is marvellous and awe-inspiring the sheer size of it.
All this walking and climbing....I am ready for a sweet.
Just happens to be one on our way home though the still busy streets of Cambridge.
Much, much more to explore in this incredible town....we will be back.
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