Welcome to Cambridge

Chad and I have changed the name of our trip from "vacation" to "adventure". To take in as much as possible we find ourselves walking, quite literally, all day long. At the end of the day I am getting a glimpse as to what my body may feel like in another 40 years or so. (Note to self: work out A LOT more!)

So...to Cambridge we went! Many thanks to my brother-in-law Weston for the recommendation. I know we have several friends who have wandered Cambridge's streets and I hope the following photos bring back fond memories. For those who have yet to visit, I hope your next adventure is sparked.



Facing north, in front of King's College. 


A typical Cambridge street.


Our plan to punt down the river quickly dissolved when we discovered the river's swelling made the bridge clearance too minimal to punt without impending danger. The Anchor pub lost its outdoor dining area to the overflowing river banks.



Rumor has it Isaac Newton, student at Cambridge University, planted this apple tree. I believe the meager size suggests otherwise.



The mathematical bridge. 


This majestic chapel belongs to King's College.


The vaulted ceilings were spectacular. Forgive me as these photos don't do the architecture justice.


The oak organ screen concealed both the organ and the choir from the worshipers. Though the worshipers heard the music, they never saw those who created it. 


The grounds at King's College.


Chad and me on the south side of the chapel (in the cold and rain...I actually miss the sweltering heat of home.)



As you can see, The Eagle-where we dined-boasts the location of where the discovery of DNA was revealed (not the actual scientific work, but the announcement).


Onward to London town....


K + C

We made it!

After 24 hours, four plane embarkings, two mechanical difficulties, and lots of failed attempts at slumber, we made it! Truly, our shared excitement seemed to mask a lot of the trials of travel. My excitement largely stems from Chad's. As mentioned in previous posts Europe is a place so dear to my heart, a place brimming with family, that it is something amazing to watch the man I love fall in awe of a place so special to me. Here are some snapshots of our adventures so far.


Gouda's town hall, dating back to the middle ages.


Ah! Kattensingel 79 welcomes us! (Our room-in my Tante Tineke and Uncle Kees' home) are the two windows on the third floor-it's larger than it looks.


I am quite taken by Tineke's garden.




Scrumptious breakfast



We were welcomed to Den Haag by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands himself (left) and the Vice Prime Minister of Russia (right).


Queen Beatrix's working palace in Den Haag (the flag is up which means she's in).


Chad and (cousin) Floortje at Lucie's first birthday party!


Lucie's 1 jaar! (with brothers Jules, left; Vince, right)


Opa (Uncle Kees) and five of his six grandchildren (Jules, Lucie, Vince, Ocean, Lenta)


Eva and baby Lucie


It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the sweet babe (with her Oma, Tante Tineke).


The girls (twins, Ocean and Lenta) loved their coloring books from America!


Jules with his Tante Floortje


No good cup of coffee in Gouda is complete without a stroopwafel (a delicious honey wafer)



The endless supply of Gouda cheese-yum!


Today...Amsterdam (in a bit of rain...)


Stay tuned for more... K + C

A date with the Queen....city


Some more photos from Saturday's night spent at Shakespeare in the Park. 

1. The entrance to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art with a cute couple taking a stroll     2. The Ratcliffe's Flowers sign that reminds me of my mother's favorite bakery in downtown Utica     3. Ivy covered exteriors are just fun     4. The product of Chad's photography; I love the flowers in this one. Raised with a greenhouse in my backyard, I should know what they are, but I don't. I welcome answers.    5. This reminds me of Peter Pan and-conversely-William Blake's "The Chimney Sweeper".