Last Thursday, Ben’s Parents came to visit from Canada. We went from living in the same town as them, seeing them every other day to not seeing them for over 3 months so naturally, we were very excited. They were dropped at the house and had a quick cup of tea before we hit the ground running and went to pick up Jakob from school. Jakob was thrilled to see Grammy, Grandpa and BUZZ (who happened to fall behind the bed at Grammy’s house where he remained lost…until a week ago!)
Of course, we took them to do all the typical Cambridge sightseeing: a ride on a punt, the big tour bus, Safino’s for coffee and chocolate croissants and a stroll down King’s parade. I, however, being the self-conscious tourist that I am, did not take nearly enough photos and now I am kicking myself. Why do I do that!!!
They probably would not have wanted me to say this but I found it amusing that Ben’s dad, in particular, didn’t think that there would be much to do in Cambridge. So many think of visiting Oxford instead as that is where Harry Potter was filmed (well, not so much in his case. He was more caught up on it being the University where C.S. Lewis studied.) But Cambridge city is in fact older than Oxford even though Oxford University itself is an older institution. The first buildings of Cambridge University however, were actually monastaries so if one didn’t know better they would see the same progression of architecture from hundreds of years old up to modern and contemporary styles.
Not to mention that there is an endless amount of things to do here in Cambridge which they quickly discovered.
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Things to do, things to eat and things to make in Santa’s workshop.
Sunday night Shelley and I took the kids to see “The Big Switch On” in Market square only the kids’ naps went late and we missed the switch on part. Just as well, it was beautiful and down town looks gorgeous all lit up.
Reg and I had a chance to go and sing for Ben’s conducting class too. It was their final conducting class so all 5 students gathered volunteers to form a choir to put to practice what they’ve learned. I think that Ben’s dad, especially, is elated with a sense of pride as he catches a glimpse of Ben’s experiences here. He has taken in many rehearsals, evensongs and concerts already. And on Sunday we (him and I) will sing for the Advent Service at Churchill college conducted by Ben.
It’s been nice to have them and I enjoy watching their wide-eyed wonder as they talk with Ben and see what he is doing: the sense of pride that they feel as parents who tried to do all they could for their angst -ridden teenager hoping one day, it would pay off. Reward. Joy. Satisfaction.
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These pictures have nothing to do with the last statement but one morning I was able to take a stroll through the cemetery and wanted to share some of the pictures with you. It’s a crazy place, like something out of a Halloween movie. The dates on most grave stones are in the 1800’s. Some more ornate than others, some completely covered or toppled over. It’s a magical place.
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