Cambridge, United Kingdom

A year ago this week, I accompanied my husband on a work trip to Cambridge, UK. We'd been to London before, but we'd never spent any time outside the big city and I was very excited to go.

The River Cam from Bridge Street.

Once we arrived, it didn't take long before I fell in love with the beautiful, picturesque, full-of-character-and-history town that is Cambridge. I explored the winding cobblestoned streets, checked out the many interesting shops, ate at some excellent street vendors and pubs, chatted with the friendly people and even saw some fun local theatre.

It was in Cambridge that my fascination with benches started. I found a bench in Market Square, next to the Cambridge Potato and Bagel Bar, and I spent a few hours there over the four days we were there people-watching and talking to strangers. In the short time I was in town, it became my favorite bench. Months later, that bench was the inspiration for this photo blog.

Not the best photo of my favorite bench, but there she is.
The bagels and potatoes were pretty amazing too.

Yum!

And what about bridges? Cambridge's bridges are some of the best! 

I went punting on the River Cam on my first full day there and it was the perfect introduction to the amazing architecture and history of all the colleges. From the punts, the bridges look different and even more beautiful. The weather that day was perfect for fall: blue sky, sun, light breeze. Smooth waters and a hilarious guide made for a wonderful experience, the first of many that week.

Bridge Street's bridge!

The Bridge of Sighs, a covered, Venetian-style bridge.

The Mathematical Bridge. The legend is Sir Isaac Newton designed and built it, but this is not true.
Newton died 22 years before the bridge was built.

Cambridge is a truly beautiful and interesting place to visit. I look forward to going back again someday, so I can cross the many amazing bridges and sit on my favorite bench and enjoy the day.