Off the Map

Sunny England?

Actually, it is! I flew into London Stansted yesterday on our beloved Ryanair (3 cheers for cheap rates and effective opperations!), to be welcomed by blue skies and beautiful weather.

On a suggestion from some 20-something I ran into in the airport, I caught the 40min train up to Cambridge. Along the way I met a great German girl who kept me company on the ride. After locating the Youth Hostel I headed off into town where, in an inconspicuous Gyro stand, I ran into an English girl from Kent (studying Forensics here) who offered to show me around for a few hours.

We bummed around the town, admiring the beautiful University campus, the towns rivers, the punting boats, quaint bridges, peaceful parks, and sunny weather. After parting ways, I had the worst meal in months (it was traditional English food - asparagus soup, peas, fried cod, and some other unidentifiable and bland blobs) becuase I foolishly thought the 'Good Friday Special' might be tasty... how I miss Italy and Paris...

But the town makes up for its food. I managed to drag myself back out again onto the Friday Night streets, teeming with college students eager to celebrate the onset of a 3 week break. It was indeed a rowdy crowd, with pushing, shoving and generall disregard for civil obedience - a stark contrast to lively but orderly Germany.

Not in the mood for a drink after my 21st, I decided to get lost in a few of the Cambridge Colleges, which made for some great night photography. That is until a security guard expelled me from the premises...

Today I'll be traveling down to Cantibury with the English girl from yesterday, who must take the same train route to meet her parents for Easter. I hope to snag a room tonight and catch the Anglican Bishop at the Cantibury Cathedral for the Easter Sunday service. Wish me luck!

posted by Jason @ 1:16 pm