30 Comments
Mar 8Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

Your descriptions of Cambridge make me want to book that "Flight over the Pond!". So tempting! I often wonder what it would feel like to visit a place with such DEEP history! Of course, this country has a Native American History that we are not taught, but the recorded history of Cambridge reaches so far back in time! I'm gratified to know that so much nature and natural surroundings remain within the confines of the city.

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I just love it! That's why I have to write it all down I guess...I walk around in constant amazement when I'm traveling!

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Mar 8Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

Books and places and links to a virtual address book. You belong in the annals of grand travel writing.

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Thank you, that's very kind!

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Mar 8Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

Thanks for sharing this, Jodi. I studied at Cambridge, so it triggered lots of memories! Really miss my daily walks through King's and St. John's. Such a beautiful place at this time of year. Both my kids ended up at Oxford (my son is there now) but what can you do! I suppose it's okay there too. 😁 Thanks again. ✨️

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I'm sorry to hear about your kids.😉 I think they'll be ok!

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Mar 8Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

😁

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Mar 9Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

Glad to hear that you sons traded up, James 🙂

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😯 Both my kids will love hearing that, Jeffrey! 😆 My daughter would never forgive me if I didn't clarify that it's one daughter + one son though. Have a great weekend! ✨️

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My sincere apologies to your daughter. And have a good one yurself! 😊

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Mar 8Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

What a lovely little sampler of Cambridge, makes me so nostalgic!

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Yay! And thank you again for your contributions!!

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Mar 8Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

Kettle's Yard and the Fitzwilliam Museum are really worth a visit. Especially Kettle's Yard 😊

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I loved the Fitzwilliam Museum - it had kind of been taken over by a David Hockney exhibition while I was there, which was fascinating!

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Mar 8Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

Hockney is marvellous! Must have been great to see that!

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Mar 8Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

Aren’t the Cambridge Imprints papers beautiful? Climb the tower of Great St Mary’s church for fabulous views.

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I just love Cambridge Imprints!

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Mar 8Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

My daughter-in-law is there now for the first time. She’s an avid reader. I shared with her! Thanks for writing!

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Yay! I hope she finds it helpful.

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Mar 9Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

She may be too busy to read it now—just a short stay—her first in UK.

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Mar 9Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

A glorious post, jodi. I love the way you have brought in Anne and Ann to give insider views of the place. It all added up to a very rich picture of that lovely city.

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On behalf of the aforementioned Ann(e)s, thank you Jeffrey, and I will graciously overlook your previous reference to James Lee's children 'trading up' to Oxford. Though in truth, I have never lived or studied in Oxford, so what would I know?

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Mar 9·edited Mar 9Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

Absolutely delightful! So much of that appears in my novel The Hesitant Architect it made me want to read it over again! One more thing to add to the list: The Herbarium in the Department of plant science, which contains one million pressed plants and the entire collection of John Henslow, Darwin 's mentor, from his travels around the world.

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Thank you for the recommendation!

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So interesting, Jodi, and you have reminded me about the beautiful Ford Madox Ford painting at the Fitz (and there I was, thinking of Chelsea buns...). Love this pocket guide, and the longer article to go with it, and thanks for inviting me to take part in your lovely publication. I'm sorry you had that bad omelette experience in Cambridge, justifying all the bad things people say about English food, alas!

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Oh, the omelet was good - I just didn't realize how famous the Chelsea buns were! I felt like I missed out. :) I changed the wording so as not to give the wrong impression. I love the food in England (except the crisps)! And thank you again for contributing!

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Mar 10Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

You’ve made me so, so anxious to visit!!

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Mar 10Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

I think sadly all my Cambridge picks (from studying there at the start of millennium) are no longer there - Clowns (an institution for Christ's students), Eraina Tavern, the doorstop bacon sandwiches from the Bun Shop (now the Cambridge Brew House). But last time I went a couple of years ago, I really enjoyed the food at the Clarendon Arms on Clarendon St. And in the summer, drinking outside at the Anchor or the Mill is a must do for students and non-students alike. Great piece!

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Mar 12Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

Really interesting story thanks for sharing. Not only is there so much to explore in Cambridge, but the UK in general. I hope to go one of these days because there's so much about the country that fascinates me. Cheers!

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Apr 12Liked by jodi {fiftybeautifulthings}

Lovely, lovely! Your descriptions are as quaint as the city and I can’t wait to visit Cambridge next year when we fly over the pond again to attend my son’s history Olympiad.

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