Friday, November 24, 2017

Cambridge


Here we are in Cambridge, ensconced in the Hotel Felix (above), where Olga can run around on the lawn and chase imaginary squirrels. (Haven't seen any real ones yet, though we did see a neighborhood cat. Fortunately Olga was on her leash at the time.)

We got here about noon yesterday, and promptly went out for lunch and a walk.


We found lunch in a pub -- a fish finger "butty," a kind of sandwich, for me, with accompanying green peas and sweet potato fries. Kind of Thanksgiving-ish, right?

Then we went walking along Trinity Street, which leads to many of the medieval colleges that make up Cambridge University -- St. John's, Trinity and King's among them. Above is the ornate archway over the entrance to St. John's. The entrance to Trinity makes mention of its founding by Edward III in 1337, though apparently that was an earlier institution called King's Hall; Trinity itself was founded in 1546 by Henry VIII.


Olga was very interested to know exactly where we were.


We crossed over the River Cam, and saw evidence of the obvious popularity of punting. Boatsmen with long poles were perpetually moving up and down the river. In fact we eventually found a pub called The Punter where we stopped for coffee.

The bridge above is known as the "Mathematical Bridge," built with all straight timbers.


These ducks were very intent on whatever's at the bottom of that river.


We walked through an area known as The Backs, across the river from the colleges. Olga got to chase her ball a bit and work off some more energy.

Coincidentally, I was watching a random episode of a show called "The Inspector Lynley Mysteries" last night, and it took place in Cambridge -- and this very location, with that same view of the chapel at King's College, featured prominently in the plot!

Visitors can enter the campuses of many of the colleges, but usually not with a dog. So we have been unable to visit the interior courtyards and structures like the chapel, unfortunately. Maybe we'll try to do so today, taking shifts with Olga.

14 comments:

e said...

I've always wanted to visit. Thanks for the photos!

Marty said...

Why do I love upside down ducks so much?
I met Elizabeth George, the author of the Inspector Lynley series,at a writer's conference two years ago. Funny to think that this very British series is written by an American.

Ms. Moon said...

You are making me want to go back reread all of the Philippa Gregory.

ellen abbott said...

so much past and history.

Vivian said...

That is one sweet dog.

Sharon said...

What a great looking hotel and such wonderful views. I really would love to visit Cambridge one day. That photo of Olga looking at the map is adorable. I bet she enjoyed these little trips.

Red said...

We hear these names all the time. It must be interesting to go and visit the places.

Anonymous said...

I love getting to know Cambridge through these beautiful photos. What a lovely place for a vacation.

jenny_o said...

Beauty all around, natural AND man made. Love the shot of Olga checking out the map :) It makes me happy to know she gets to go on your trips a lot of the time. She must be a good traveller by now.

Catalyst said...

Terrific photos, Steve. You are so fortunate to be able to visit these historic sites. Thank you for bringing a new look to us.

Sabine said...

One of my favourite places in the UK. Lovely pictures Steve!

John Going Gently said...

Photo three! I had a row in a punt under that bridge with my ex

The Bug said...

Duck butts! And I love sweet potato fries - yum! I also love that photo of Olga looking at the map - she’s so interested!

37paddington said...

Like walking amid history and story and legend. Your pictures are fabulous.