Keep on the sunny side

Saturday 

The weekend calls for adventures! Justine and I took the National Express from Victoria to Cambridge in the morning and spent the day there. Cambridge is a university town northeast of London, situated in the center of the Cambridgeshire County. It is home to University of Cambridge with its multiple constituent colleges, each unique and full of history. Regardless of the grim looking start, the day turned out to be a gorgeous one; making a day outside of London that much better!

Highlights of the day in Cambridge…

King’s College Chapel is one of the dominant features of the university because of its formation and architecture. The college was founded in 1441 and the building of the college’s chapel begun in 1446. Plans for the college were disrupted by the civil war. Therefore the completion of the chapel is considered during the reign of King Henry VIII in 1544. King’s College Chapel is regarded for its Gothic English architecture. The chapel’s stained-glass windows and wooden chancel screen are considered some of the finest from their era. The Chapel is truly emblematic of Cambridge – you will see it on every postcard, brochure, travel guide of Cambridge. As the symbol of Cambridge, its also seen in the logo of the city council.

 In the north of the city there is also the magnificent St. John’s College. St. John’s distinctive Great Gate has a carving of the coat of arms of Lady Margaret Beaufort, who founded the college in 1511. The mission of the college, identified in its Statutes, is the promotion of education, religion, learning and research.

Walked along Queen’s Road or “The Backs” which is an area where several of the university’s college back on to the River Cam. The term “The Backs” is in reference to the backs of the colleges. The colleges’ grounds cover both banks of the river. Speaking of the river, we were asked if we wanting to go on a punting tour by about a hundred attractive university guys.

There was a festive Art and Craft Market in the Trinity Street Square. There was an abundance of pottery, jewelry, accessories, paintings, photography, wood and glass designs as well as fresh baked goods. Of course, around the square there is Trinity College.

Pembroke’s courtyard was definitely my favorite of all the Cambridge colleges. The college has a tranquil environment with its architectural style that frames the open courts and beautiful gardens.

Enjoyed a traditional English Afternoon Tea at Hotel Felix’s Graffiti Restaurant. The venue has an overwhelming impression of understated chic – the paint colors are soft, contemporary furniture, and great lighting. The restaurant overlooks the south facing terrace and gardens. There, where we saw a wedding party gathering to take pictures and celebrate. Afternoon Tea was marvelous and provided all the comfort you would expect from a smart boutique hotel. The outing was well priced and the quality was superb!

Sunday

My line of the day: keep on the sunny side! 

After a hectic morning that did not go the way it was expected to, I diverted the problem into a day spent walking, walking, walking London. Not only did I put negativity aside, but also today was a gorgeous day!

Here is the run down of my walks, two buses and a tube ride:

Walked from Victoria Station to Parliament Square.

Spent time in Parliament Square.

Crossed Westminster Bridge to Waterloo.

Spent time in Waterloo.

Bus from Waterloo to Sloane Square.

Walked from Sloane Square to South Kensington.

Lunch at Greenfield’s Café.

Twenty minutes in Natural History Museum (mobbed with kids).

Explored Kensington and Chelsea.

Bus from South Kensington to Marble Arch.

Hyde Park: Speaker’s Corner.

Walked to Selfridges.

Spent lots of time admiring everything in Selfridges.

Walked down Oxford Street.

Snack at Café Nerro.

Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus.

Tube from Piccadilly Circus to Kilburn.

Home. 

And now...BED!

Cheers everyone!