Cambridge....At Last.

So exciting. Arrived on Sun afternoon. Jill, whose house I "sat", kindly delivered me to the College, as Cambridge is about 40 minutes away. ( a drive to Perth's outer suburbs, but with faster roads). Here are my very own Instructions and Key! At the Introductory talk, they kindly told us we are not Tourists, like the Summer crowds, but students of the University for the duration.

The rooms are monastic, but perfectly comfortable, though my friend Louise was disappointed they weren't beautiful and medieval stone, like many of the buildings. Those don't have bathrooms though! I suspect in a Trinity and King's Colleges there are some magnificent rooms for the select. Walking/ jogging around the rear of the Colleges ("The Backs"), those grand colleges have spacious lawns, and then room for a paddock with cows and some beehives!

It's been full-on with welcome sessions, lectures, visiting guest talks, Obligitary Plenary Sessions and optional but heavily encouraged evening lectures. And this is only Day One! Today's visiting speaker was Louis de Bernières, who was erudite, self-effacing and extremely interesting...what a privilege to hear him! This required an excursion to the wonderful bookshop in town, between last lectures and written homework, which has to be submitted online each evening. Luckily this College is very close to the shops: in fact the city is quite compact altogether. He has written some wonderful poems, some of which felt very pertinent!

Not having time to stroll around with a camera, these shots I've taken on the run ( almost literally!) between College and the Lecture venues. As you can see, it's not difficult to find something beautiful.

Perfect weather for punting!

Street Fashion, Cambridge-Style!

There are thousands of bicycles, many of them traditional Cambridge style with the large baskets.

A little decorating makes the room less austere!

And gosh, there's an excellent Cellar practically next door!

What more could a Woman want!! Maybe some Tonic!