Sunday in Cambridge. A great day to wander while Joan visits with her niece. The weather sunny but not hot, the city crowded and buzzing.
Punts were developed in the UK in medieval times. They are square ended and can be steered in either direction and have no keel so are ideal for shallow water. Initially designed to carry cargo, they became popular as pleasure craft on the Thames in the mid-nineteenth century. Punts were introduced to the River Cam in Cambridge in the early 20th century once commercial traffic on the river waned. One can take a guided punt – by far the safest – or rent one oneself. Apparently it is not as easy to punt as it looks and inexperienced punters can become awkwardly stuck and create traffic jams for the pros. It looks a lovely, relaxing way to see the “backs” of the colleges.
I followed a footpath along the Cam that provided a delightful respite from the crowd. I chatted with a gentleman fishing for “roaches” – what we would call perch – and was greatly surprised, after thinking the air was smelling a tad agrarian, to find cows in Cambridge! How pastoral can one get – punts and cows.
The market was up and running again today attracting masses of shoppers and lookie-loos like me.
One musician I encountered was inexplicably plying his trade from inside a litter bin. Don’t ask!
In spite of the people, the city’s beauty and charm are everywhere. I do love a stained glass window!
People watching was at its best today!
It’s nice to see that love is alive and well in Cambridge!
I stopped for a short break where I had a view of four public phone boxes which no one, in spite of the crowds of people around and about, used.
That got me thinking about the loneliness of the phone box these days; on the way home, I watched a single phone box and waited for someone to enter. Sadly, no one did. But it was fun to watch the parade. Hope you enjoy it too.
I am staying with my friend Joan Bryans who has a home exchange in this lovely four-bedroom LARGE house 15 minutes walking to the centre of Cambridge. What could be better?
Exciting things to come. Grantchester is on the agenda for tomorrow! 🙂
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