Annabel & Fi - Hitting Camden & Cambridge

With Annabel’s long awaited arrival came a sudden change in the weather which somewhat resembled Winter in Australia but WITHOUT the frosts and WITH a lot of rain. In came the clouds and tragically the next two weeks our pastey white bodies saw little of the great yellow circle which was going to release us from our albino appearance. Shortly after Mum’s arrival, we hit the ground running. With no time to get over (or even realize she had jetlag?) it was out to a local pub for some lunch, chauffer driven by Davo in his schweeeeet blue (fast!?) sports car. Day 2 we adventured into London to experience the ultimate market experience at Camden. Unbelievable. I think Mum was only just starting to realize the scope for both buying and selling anything and everything at such a place! I had to put my foot down though and drag her away from the gumboots with heels (given her level of coordination……. better stick to the flat soled shoes I think Mum!)

Cambridge was the next stop and we headed again to the markets before cruising down to the river for a punt, this time with a tour guide. Hearing about the history of the many colleges and the city itself kept us entertained and was certainly an eye-opener (Australia is sooooo young!) Following a delightful Ploughman’s Platter for our midday meal, upon a Big Red Bus we jumped for the informative tour of Cambridge – then down came the rain! At first, refusing to let it dampen the spirits I insisted we stay up top, however this was shortly lived. With Mum not having a waterproof jacket, we finally had to give in to Mr Rain and move downstairs. Our final must see for the day was the world renowned Kings College Choir. Very hard to describe what you feel when they first begin – it gives you shivers. What an amazing sound. The lineup outside the chapel was clearly an indication of the sheer crowds such a talented group of young singers can pull. With most of the prayers being in song, the 45 min service was certainly a highlight for our day-trip.

The remainder of the week saw some exploring of the Flitchway, Great Dunmow and a bit of a snoop around Felsted checking out some local icons including the local pub, the Raj (Indian Restaurant) and antique shop as Fi prepared to say farewell to the staff and students for the final time.