Summer 2011 at Cambridge University: Arrival and first evening in Cambridge!

Other than a flight delayed ~30 mins (made up in the air) and an incredibly long UK border patrol line, my journey to Cambridge went off without a hitch. The service on British Airways was exemplary (chicken curry for dinner! Free pillow, blanket, and headset! Lots of legroom!), and because security etc. went smoothly I jumped on an earlier National Express bus to Cambridge, which took me through beautiful countryside to the edge of Parker's Pieces, the central green space of the city. Appropriately, the first thing I saw stepping off the bus was a group of lads playing cricket on the field! Had some trouble finding the Crowne Plaza Hotel at first because it was farther away than I expected, but the room and service seem great so far.

After settling in I then took a long walk around Cambridge to orient myself (and force myself to stay awake for a few more hours!). I ate bruschetta at a place called Giraffe on a lovely green called Christ's Pieces (behind Emmanuel College) and later picked up a San Pellegrino Limonata from Caffe Nero along King's Parade. I can already tell food is going to be one of the best components of this programme! In any case, I instantly fell in love with the city. So much gorgeous architecture, such charming, trendy stores (including a really nice indoor mall), so many delicious places to eat and coffee shops to choose from. The city was especially busy tonight due to all the tourists and possibly a graduation at Queen's College (I saw some hats being thrown in the air and a milling crowd from a distance). I was able to visit several college courtyards, key churches, stores (e.g. Cambridge University Bookstore), and the River Cam, where I saw many people trying their hand at punting! Meanwhile the majority sat on the riverbank having a picnic and beer and heckling them... Although I wasn't able to actually go inside Bodley's Court because King's College closed for the public today, I can already tell that it is by far the best college architecturally, as well as having the best view of the River. I can't wait to move in tomorrow!