4 weddings and a funeral comes to mind
or at least the opening expletive-loaded scene
as we wake and realise we have well over-slept
slept very well in fact after last night's big dinner
today is official graduation day and first up a photo call
the official course photos at the judge business school
all 160 graduates dressed appropriately in black and gowns
the emerald-green silk sash providing a dash of class
proud parents and families hovering and cameras clicking
more introductions to more fellow students and kin
many travelling far and wide to be here on this day
though dunedin to cambridge probably takes the prize
one small claim to fame amongst this mental power-house
thankfully the weather continues to hold in our favour
a bit cold outside as the official group photos are taken
one graduate (ahem) insisting on bunny-ears and selfies
that completed and a few hours available for indulgence
first stop is the museum - large, imposing and inviting
free entry so quite wrongly not expecting too much
upstairs - monet, picasso, cezanne and a whole lot more
downstairs - huge collection of archaelogical pieces
some dating back 3,000 years - a few hours well spent
cambridge impressively has a central no-car zone
so wandering the cobblestone streets an easy pleasure
saturday morning so plenty of people out and about
there's food and craft markets on in the town square
and all manner of cafes and specialist shops to visit
a walk across a large open park to the college of hughes hall
the prior home of our graduand so an official lunch
and a brief speech to congratulate the graduates
a sense of pride and comraderie coming across
more so as they gather up and begin their walk
another pinch-me moment as we follow the parade
the 100 or so in multi-coloured sashes hitting the streets
destination the senate house for the official ceremony
a long wait in an orderly queue in the spring sun
and then ushered into this most prestigious space
we are seated about 5 metres from where it happens
as each student in turn is officially dubbed (?)
the historical context of this ceremony appreciated
as all but the student's name is spoken in latin
there's spine-tingling and moist eyes at our special moment
all over in a matter of seconds but nonetheless unmissable
no matter what else we see or do on this trip
outside on the senate lawn the joviality continues
congratulations, hugs, photos and happiness abound
an understanding that is is a very special time for all
a bridge between the slog of study and long careers
many close friendships already forged and strengthened here
there's another official ceremony at the corn exchange
presumably once used for that purpose but now a venue
various musicians (neil finn) locked in for future dates
however today's performer is the head of the mba course
he makes a very warm fatherly speech and hands out awards
top of class, best collaborator and directors certificates
more fun for all involved (possibly not the restless children)
then party over and the end of official proceedings
bus home, some down-time then back to town for dinner
jamie oliver has opened a chain of italian themed restaurants
the one in cambridge is housed in what used to be a library
a very impressive building with a large central dome
the place is buzzing on this saturday night
we are seated in full view of the open kitchen
orders placed from the enticing menu of pastas, etc
pleasant conversations all round and people-watching
mainly the staff as they impressively do their thing
mr oliver seems to have struck on a successful formula
no doubt he has set a high standard for his restaurants
another great experience on this day on this trip
graduation day - unique and unforgettable
