Ode to Cambridge

Spent Saturday afternoon rollerblading round the colleges taking some snaps. Cambridge is stunning at any time of the year, but it takes on a supreme quality in the Autumn with its gentle tones and the golden hues. Ah, I'm going to miss this place.

St John's College

Autumn colours

Trinity College

Claire's College

King's College

Autumn in Cambridge

Lavenham with Bill and Lynne

Had a lovely time in Lavenham with Bill and Lynne. What an inspirational couple they are - they have lived and travelled all over the world and have so many interests and stories. Lynne did a fantastic lunch too - so felt very spoilt. Lavenham itself was also a real highlight. Regarded as being the finest surviving example of an English Medieval town, it provides a lasting legacy of the wealthy 15th and 16th century clothiers. Of particular note is the splendid Church and Guildhall intermingled with the ancient timber framed dwellings. Bill and Lynne knew a lot about the village and gave us a fascinating tour.

Weekend at the sea side

We spent the weekend at East Bourne with Colleen and Steve. Right next to Brighton, the town is similar but quainter and quieter. The weather was glorious.

Highlights

• Leisurely walks along the promenade in the evening sun
• Delicious cheese cake at a 1790's bakery (very quaint indeed and the cheese cake was heavenly)
• Italian ice cream
• Watching the full moon rise from the sea
• Contemplating the beautiful view of the sea from our hotel room - and listening to the lap of the waves during the night
• Exploring the white cliffs at Beachie Head on Sunday
• Watching thousands of birds flying in to roost under the old pier
• Spending time with Coll and Steve - we'll miss them big time

Ally and Colleen have been friends now for over 15 years




Roosting birds

As evening came, 1000's of European starlings started to gather at spots accross the town. From there, they then made their way in mass to congregate on the roof of an old building on the pier. At 7:30 pm sharp, in one enormous flock, they dived up into the air and then plunged down in a whirling, spiralling torrent to take up their roost for the night underneath the pier. We were on the pier at the time (having been told off this nightly pilgrimmage) so got to see it close hand. Managed to duck most of the inevitable missiles from the sky.


The view from our hotel


Lazing by the Beachie Head Cliffs






Mood shots