A Solo Trip to Cambridge
Days before my 25th birthday and two weeks before starting my new job, I went to Cambridge for two nights. It's difficult not to feel inspired in such a rich and historic city. From the natural spaces, cafes, and coffee shops to museums and university colleges, research and learning spaces, there is something for everyone and always something to explore.
Outside the Fitzwilliam Museum.
On the first day, I went to Fitzbillies Cafe for some tea and their iconic Chelsea bun. It’s hard not to reflect on life and your surroundings when sitting opposite King’s College and its famous chapel, with its height, antiquity, and dominating views. Like London, Cambridge is extremely diverse, which became even more apparent when sitting in the cafe. The cafe was full of academics, tourists, students, locals, and foreigners, all of whom were rendered the same by their choice of drink and pastry. A buzz of conversation and different languages, coupled with the sounds of a coffee shop - music, people ordering food and drinks, and the coffee machines - created a constant hum.
Tea at Fitzbillies.
Later that day, I went punting down the River Cam. Perhaps the best way to see The Backs (the backs of the Cambridge colleges along the river), punting is a calming mode of transport. Luckily, it was a clear, bright day, allowing me to fully take in the views. The atmosphere was filled with nature, with fresh smells coming from the grass that framed the scene like a living painting. As the punt travelled further down the river, the splendour of the university buildings quickly came into view: the towering spires of King’s College Chapel, the expanse of Trinity College’s Wren Library, and the enchanting arches of the Bridge of Sighs at St John’s.
The Bridge of Sighs.
On the second day, I went on a group tour of the colleges. Starting at the Fudge Kitchen on King’s Parade, we visited the Corpus Christi Clock, The Backs (viewing Queens’ College, King’s College, and many other university research facilities), and ended at King’s College Chapel. The Chapel is a true testament to the times it was built in - a fine example of late Perpendicular Gothic English architecture built between 1446 and 1515. The chapel features the world’s largest fan vault, making the ceiling look like a mass of perfectly carved and symmetrical cobwebs. Inside, the hum of the outside world comes to an immediate pause - being in the Chapel feels like going back in time to an era of ethereal beauty, evident from the stained glass windows. Once outside, the present returns in full force.
King’s College Chapel and the Senate House as viewed from The Backs.
In 2008, the Corpus Clock, which sits in Corpus Christi College, was unveiled by Stephen Hawking. Like the university, the clock, with its gold grasshopper, attracts visitors from around the world. The irregularity of life is reflected in the erratic motion of the clock - it is only accurate once every five minutes. The rest of the time, the pendulum seems to catch or stop, the lights appearing to lag and then race to get ahead. For instance, for a Cambridge student, in the midst of exam season, time may seem to move slowly, with each passing moment a constant ache. However, for myself and other tourists, time flies like the speed of light as our departure date nears. As a result, the clock serves to be a reminder that time is never the same for anyone, including the people encapsulated in its embrace.
The Clock.
