a nice gentle start to what should be a nice gentle day
starting with a very easy stroll from hotel into town
takes about 30 minutes and time to reflect on the here and now
we have a rendezvous planned for a trip on the cam river
punting - self in our case - 6 of us on one long flat craft
our relative expert takes charge of the pole as we push off
seems we are in safe hands as we initially pass kings college
a sense of all-is-good as again the occasion is embraced
...floating down the river on a sunday afternoon....
we're not alone and the guides on other boats provide details e.g.
the first bridge built over the river cam gave the town it's name
seems the guides have a reputation for making it up on the way
anyway we aren't after information - just enjoying the moment
rain was threatening but it holds off and the warmth is there
the ducks, geese and swans mixing it with boats and humans
willow trees draping the river providing a familiar scene
the avon river in christchurch comes to mind quite easily
and of course - oxford and cambridge terrace adjacent
no wonder everyone has always thought that town very english
at the halfway point we have a change of pilot and hilarity sets in
this one not quite so experienced but prepared to give it a go
she has us ducking under trees and pushing off bridge roofs
but we get back to base unscathed, dry and very happy
next - an hour or 2 before our pre-planned church visit
so back to the familiarity of the centre of town and markets
good to eat local food when possible so cornish pasties for lunch
not too bad either but unlikely to become staple food as here
time rolls around for a quietly anticipated highlight
we're off to the evening choral service at king's college
the choir at the college has an internationally acclaimed reputation
i know this because my sister and parents are big fans
and we sell the odd cd in our own little music store
we are offered 2 options - a rear seat behind a partition
or be part of the congregation but we are warned
if we do that - we have to stay the distance
an hour long service - no worries - in we go
at our selected pew it's a look up in wonder
an estimated 40 metres of walls and stain glass
topped off by a ceiling of spiderweb like construction
then the service starts - organists sat high up and centred
and the rumble of the organ is gut-trembling - we are moved
the choir cuts in and the harmonies leads to transcendence
we are in a very special place at a very special time
a glance around the other attendees confirms this
some families, some elder parishioners no doubt
tourists like us but all differences aside
as the service glides from song to tune to spoken word
the minister singing as opposed to speaking a sermon
a soloist of presumably the finest calibre
but the choir are the stars - in unison with the organ
me - head back, closed eyes, goosebumps and tears
a very, very spiritual experience to be had
feeling all warm and fuzzy as we head out
a beautiful warm evening in this magic place
onto another dinner date at a local restaurant
what a superb day - again - lucky us
