09.11 Cambridge
0515 Apart from once being woken by a gurgling sound in the aircon unit (which was off), I slept really well. Breakfasts start at 0630 here, so I want to be there early to avoid any rush and also so that I can head out early for some city photos before too many people are around.
0630 There are only a few people at breakfast. Success! Ouch, I burnt the top of my mouth on last night’s pizza.
I’d like to get a photo of the breakfast area just for my memories reel. But I’d rather not get anyone in the shot. I aim, then one of the the staff turn around. I quickly try to cover my tracks by pointing down at my cereal. MY HALF EATEN ALL BRAN! What kind of pathetic food blogger must I look like? Never mind.
0730 I head out. There is patchy cloud. I walk into the centre of the city then east along the river Cam and back. Along the way I encounter the same throngs of cyclists I did yesterday. This is definitely a cyclist city; they rule the roads and they don’t take prisoners. I’m careful to look around before crossing any road or path.
0930 I want to walk through one of the colleges but it is closed until 1000. So I pop into a small café for a refreshment. I have a delicious piece of slice and a coffee. The experience also reminds me that contactless (pay wave) is so fast hear. The reading of the card is instantaneous.
1000 I enter St John’s College and walk through. It takes me to the Bridge of Sighs, which is an incredible name.
1030 It suddenly gets cold and I put my jumper on.
1050 I walk around a market. There are wonderful food smells.
1100 Great St Mary’s is a church with a tower you can climb. I buy a ticket and make my way up. The view is great.
1200 I’m starting to feel hungry. Earlier I saw a sign in The Greene King pub advertising, among other things, their pies. I can’t get the idea out my head. I order the steak and wine pie. I see news of the stabbings in Melbourne on a TV in the pub.
1245 It’s quite overcast. I decide to look around at some shops. But I’m feeling a bit weary. I decide to return to the hotel for a little while.
1418 After regrouping, I head out. This time without my back pack and camera. I wander around, browsing some book shops. It’s very liberating to be without the camera.
1630 I’m back at the hotel looking at my photos from the day. The weather has cleared a little in the last few hours.
1750 After my big lunch I don’t want too much for dinner. There is a Wasabi in the square downstairs. That will do.
1930 Time to work on my blog and then settle in for the night.
