Trip #1: Cambridge

My first official adventure outside of lovely Norwich was with a group of 50 other exchange students to historical Cambridge. The people at UEA in charge of the international students set up trips throughout the semester to various places around England and get really cheap rates -- this trip was only 15 pounds for everything!

We got to Norwich and were split up into three groups for the walking tour. It was pretty cold - apparently Cambridge is one of the coldest/dry-est places in England! Colin was feeling hard core and decided not to bring his coat, terrible move. The tour was two hours long and the entire thing was outside, needless to say he was bouncing around trying to stay warm the entire time.

Despite the cold, I really enjoyed the tour! Our guide was so nice and clearly really loved everything about Cambridge. He showed us around the main buildings of the University and other historical sites. One of my favorites was the Eagle Pub: it is where Crick and Watson announced their discovery of DNA.

Erica and I in front of the plaque about Watson & Crick's announcement

The pub is across the small street from the oldest church in Cambridge. When it was built it was a Catholic Church but is now currently a Saxon Church.

But what I thought was the best part of the pub was the back room.

Small History Lesson, courtesy of Roger, our tour guide:

During WWII the American airforce would fly during the day because they had "flying fortresses" that were thought to be able to withstand the enemy fire. The RAF would fly at night because their planes weren't as large/sturdy. Cambridge was a main base because it is easy to get in and out of so a lot of military men would spend time in the town, specifically at the pubs in town. The Eagle was one such pub.The Eagle is famous for housing the so-called RAF bar, named as such because the pub was popular during the Second World War with local RAF and American Army Air Corp personnel. It became custom for the pilots to burn their names, squadron numbers and messages to loved ones into the ceiling and walls of the pub using candles whilst standing on the shoulders of their fellow airmen... 

The Ceiling

Very cool, right!?

I also liked seeing the outside of a few of the Colleges there. The colleges are within Cambridge University and are kinda a mix between dorms/societies. Everyone gets their degree from the University, but it seems as though the College you are in really defines what your time at Cambridge will be like. Our tour guide was a member of Trinity College. 

The entrance to Trinity College

Established by Henry VIII (that's the fat guy in the middle) Trinity College historically is one of the richest colleges because it was funded by the King. The blank shield is for his youngest son who died before he could receive his coat of arms. You can't enter the Colleges unless you are a member or if you pay. Can you imagine people paying to see your dorm? Crazy. 

After the tour we got to explore Cambridge on our own for a bit so we immediately went inside and had a nice, warm lunch and took in all the knowledge with a nice, cold drink.

Hope you enjoyed the history lesson!

Cheers.