Blogs from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 8

The First Few Steps So the trip is definitely going ahead next year, a huge tour of The United States and Canada, Visiting all of the American States except for Hawaii (which I'm sure will be done at a later date). The trip will last just over 6 months and will travel, down the east coast, starting in New York, all the way down to the Florida Keys. Then Along the South, Taking in alot of Alabama, Louisiana, Texas. Eventually heading North along the west coast and taking in my first taste of Canada as i work my way even further north finishing in Fairbanks Alaska and hopefully viewing the Aurora Borealis. After a short stay in Alaska, i will work my way back south, through Alberta and see a little bit more of Canada. ... read more

Arriving in London from NYC brings a sickly taste to the back of the mouth. The womb from which the colonies fell. Parent and offspring rarely differ, especially in this case. Again, lots of bricks, good. Again, lots of posters advertising products which people have been convinced to buy, except much much larger. Even at subway stops they tower above like disgusting giants that stand motionless, blind to the destruction they cause. The first day in London was the last, all that had to be done was a visa application to India. Paying the fee, I was free to make way to Cambridge. The air here isn't brown. Upon arrival I was greeted by rain and I shook its hand with my face, glad to make its acquaintance. Rooting around in a faux 3-D map for ... read more

"It's not so much a tea room as an orchard" said Jacqui, and she was so right. May is the perfect time to have tea among the poets and apple blossoms. The Orchard in Grantchester was a haunt for some of Cambridge most famous to enjoy the sun and fellowship after a brisk walk through the countryside. The establishment has a brochure that documents some of the gossipy things patrons said about each other. Virgina Woolf on Forster "Forster was never wholly at ease with women.". Bertrand Russell on Maynard Keynes "Keynes's intellect was the sharpest and clearest that I have ever known. When I argued with him, I felt that I took my life in my hands, and I seldom emerged without feeling something of a fool". It was a lovely afternoon. Also see pictures ... read more

Getting down to the end of the trip and its fair to say that your roving reporter is starting to feel the pinch. I am abbeyed, cathedraled and churched out to the point where feel I should take up the calling! To a certain member of the St Stephen’s community (read John Brown), no longer can you refer to me as a part time parishioner! If I see another castle, fort or roman/viking ruin, I will cut a swathe myself. The history in this place is overwhelming. The influence of Roman, Saxon, Viking culture now gives me a greater appreciation of why they the Poms recruit their cricketers from all parts other than England…..they have been coming from all parts for centuries ! We were in York earlier in the week and there was an exhibit ... read more

So from Aberdeen, south on the train to..... Newcastle It was a quick wander around for an hour or so between trains but I managed to enjoy seeing a miniature version of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (complete with a miniature version of the Rocks) and a larger version of the pedestrian bridge over the Yarra at Southbank! Next stop.... Hartlepool So who knew what delightful tales, tall and true, orginated in the town of Hartlepool? My interest in going there was simply to catch up with Bev and Cass who I lived with in Perth, Western Australia for a few months in 2007-08. However, thanks to Bev, the excellent tour guide, I now know plenty. First up - the monkey hangers. Legend has it that during the Napoleonic wars, a French ship beached at Hartlepool. The ... read more