LIYSF Day 12: Cambridge and Culture (P)

Hi Everyone,

Today, I visited Cambridge. As is LIYSF tradition, we waited around for a while once we arrived. Impatient, we asked the staff what we were waiting for, and learned that we were waiting for tour guides. We complained, as we’d hoped to spend as much time exploring the city as possible. However, our guide quickly changed our minds, as she really brought the city to life.

She began by explaining how different colleges formed the university (a college has elements of both a dorm and a department without really being either). However, as we entered the city, she illustrated different locations with quirky stories. She recognized a little corner bakery as the first place to sell a Chelsea roll. An apple tree in front of Trinity turned out to be a cutting from the famous apple tree that helped Newton describe gravity. Best of all, she detailed how a group of students secretly maneuvered a car on top of one of the buildings near King’s College. I always appreciate a good prank, so I loved that story.

I also ate a lunch that did not consist of a sandwich, kit-kat, apple, and crisps (well, chips, actually). Instead, I feasted upon garlic bread, a burger, onion rings, and chips (fries). This caused much rejoicing.

In the evening, LIYSF held its “Traditions from Home” showcase. Similarly to the talent show, students performed songs, dances, and other cultural activities. Other than the delicious food that people shared, I was particularly impressed by a New Zealand war dance. It involved a lot of chest beating, stomping, and shouting. Many Australians explained how terrifying it could be when an entire rugby team begins a match be performing it in your direction, and I could certainly see why.