Monday 14 September 2015

Cambridge

So here we are, easing ourselves into a new city a new home, the fit still feels a little wonky, not helped by our absence this summer. We've been spending time at Lee Abbey, with family and sunning ourselves in stunning Croatia! 

It's been lovely but now that autumn is here it's time to get down to the business of making a home for ourselves, finding friends, and learning the shortcuts!

Recently we decided to wake up insanely early to beat the tourist rush (well any kind of rush really!)

So at 5am we walked into the centre of town to get a glimpse of the 'real' Cambridge. It was beautiful, so many intricate details, and hidden quiet parts, it will take longer than a morning to explore but it was a good place to start. 

My favourite bit was stumbling across the college that Matt is affiliated to, as we peeped in through the gate and a sleepy night porter nearing the end of his shift popped his head out curiously. I explained we were up early to beat the people and he invited us into the college for an early morning secret show around.

It was an amazing moment.

I'm sure three years down the line we we will be a bit more immune to the stunning college gardens and amazing old architecture all around us in Cambridge but I hope that a big part of me will continue to appreciate that God has brought us to this place for this time.

Talking to my grandmother recently she was recalling her own father training for ordination also at Ridley Hall. They lived in a professors attic in Grantchester a neighbouring village and she has very fond memories of the time her family spent in Cambridge. We recently cycled out to Grantchester and had tea in the same orchard based cafe that they used to frequent, still there and still going strong!


Some pictures of that early Cambridge morning...