Luci and Matt were staying in England two more weeks at a relatives place right in Cambridge. Since we were staying near Cambridge ourselves, we invited them to join us for the trip north to Cambridge – if they were willing to risk it with Evan behind the wheel on these strange English roads. We were glad to have this additional time to spend with Luci & Matt.
So, we squeezed Luci, Matt, and their luggage, along with all of our worldly possessions, into our rental car, and drove north, bypassing London, and then up the M11. We stopped briefly to check in at Littlebury Green, where we were staying, before taking Luci & Matt on to Cambridge. Lots of driving, and we’re still quite tense with the left side driving and the roundabouts. And those two-way roads out in the country that are wide enough for only one car at a time.
For the next two weeks, we spent a good deal of time with Luci & Matt in Cambridge. We even slept at their place a couple of nights, so we could avoid driving home in the dark, which starts by 4:30 in the afternoon. Beyond shopping, eating, and enjoying the scenery and farmers market, here are some of the special events we enjoyed.
Guy Fawkes Day/Night celebration including a huge bonfire and an amazing display of fireworks. This was held on Midsummer Green and Jesus Green in Cambridge. Around 20,000 people regularly attend this quintessentially English event in Cambridge, but it is also celebrated throughout the country with fireworks, bonfires, and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes. It celebrates the Gunpowder Plot (1605) – or more correctly the failure or the Gunpowder Plot and the execution of its lead conspirator, Guy Fawkes. The intent was to blow up the parliament, killing many politicians and King James I himself, in hopes of ending the persecution of Roman Catholics. The Celebration is a reminder of how delicate and vulnerable our democratic institutions are.
Remember, remember, the 5th of November
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot;
I know of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Punting on the Cam: The punt is a traditional way to enjoy Cambridge, established long before the walking tours and Hop-On-Hop-Off Buses. You relax in the flat-bottomed boat while your “Punter” manages the trip, points out the sites along “the backs” of the colleges, and fills you in on the history of Cambridge. Our punter, Ryan, was a great storyteller with a good sense of humor. Don’t miss this when you’re in Cambridge.
Remembrance Day at Kings College Chapel: The chapel at Kings College looks more like a cathedral as it dominates the skyline over “the backs” and over Trinity Street from the front. In England “Remembrance Day,” like our Memorial Day, honors those who served and died in the two World Wars. The huge “chapel” was packed, and the service included the choir and a full orchestra to provide amazing music.
Evensong at Kings College Chapel: On another visit, we attended a regular “Evensong” service, which is offered every day. Again the setting and the music were just beautiful, this time with only the choir and organ.
Hiking to Grantchester: On one bright morning Luci, Sara & Evan took a three-mile hike to visit “The Orchard,” a lovely Tea Garden in Grantchester. Historically, Rupert Brooke, later known as one of the “War Poets,” was studying in Cambridge. He asked Mrs. Stephenson to offer tea in her lovely orchard to provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of Cambridge. It was associated with other historical and literary figures including Virginia Woolf, Bertrand Russell, John Maynard Keynes and Stephen Hawking. We walked from Cambridge to Grantchester and back on a lovely morning. The paths were muddy in spots, and some fifteen cows were following us at one point. But we found “The Orchard” and enjoyed our morning immensely.
A Visit to Woodbridge: Luci wanted to revisit the town where she had lived and met her husband Matt (he was in the Air Force and stationed there). So the four of us took another “road trip” east of Cambridge. First we went to Woodbridge and visited the church where Luci and Matt were married 50 years ago. Then, while walking the town, we found a Remembrance Celebration being offered in the small town square. Local teachers brought their children to the square and many took part in the ceremony. The mayor spoke, the military forces raised their standards, and the children read the names of some 122 from Woodbridge who had given their lives in the war. The day was cold and rain came on and off, but the ceremony was touching.
Then we drove a little further to a restaurant where we met another couple, one of Matt’s Air Force buddies and his wife. We enjoyed a good pub meal, while Matt & Luci had a chance to catch up with some valued friends they had not seen in many years.
