【Xi's Travelogue】Strolling in Cambridge, Brushing Past Xu Zhimo, Feeling 'Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again'
This travelogue is a record of Sister Xi's 14-day trip in June 2012 as a member of the Ruili Olympic reporter team interviewing Olympic champions. Let's explore London together.
Before the travelogue~
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Here, ancient city buildings that have been meticulously restored to their original state over centuries are everywhere. Many college corridors and walls are still adorned with ancient and solemn statues and seals, and tall stained glass windows resemble magnificent paintings. Today's destination is Cambridge town, visiting the University of Cambridge. Like Oxford, Cambridge is a fascinating traditional university town.
Among the most memorable sights on "College Road" are the posters made by various societies, exuding an artistic atmosphere. We arrived at the most famous bar in the commercial area—The Eagle, which stands opposite St Bene't's Tower. The bar displays many relics left by Allied air forces during World War II. It was in this bar in 1953 that the father of DNA, Francis Crick, announced the discovery of the secret of life. Visit Cambridge and experience "Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again" firsthand.
"Very quietly I take my leave, as quietly as I came here; quietly I wave goodbye, to the clouds in the western sky." As this trip to Britain draws to a perfect close, how could we miss the world-famous Cambridge? Today, Sister Xi's destination is Cambridge town, visiting the fascinating University of Cambridge. The original meaning of Cambridge is "bridge over the River Cam." The River Cam is most famous for the Mathematical Bridge, Garret Hostel Bridge, and the Bridge of Sighs.
The University of Cambridge is located in the town of Cambridge, England. It takes about an hour by direct train from London King's Cross station.
Exiting the train station, you're already in Cambridge!
Cambridge consists of many colleges of various sizes, the most famous being Trinity College, King's College, Queens' College, and Peterhouse. Many parts of the University of Cambridge retain their medieval appearance, with ancient city buildings meticulously restored to their original state over centuries. Many college corridors and walls are still adorned with ancient and solemn statues and seals, and tall stained glass windows resemble magnificent paintings.
In Cambridge, Chinese elements are also visible everywhere. A bookmark printed with Xu Zhimo's portrait gave Sister Xi a little thrill.
There are also Chinese restaurants! It seems Chinese food culture has a wide reach.
Cambridge preserves many medieval buildings. King's College is known for its magnificent architecture, and the most famous among its buildings is the King's College Chapel. Its towering spire and majestic Gothic architectural style have become the symbol and pride of the entire city of Cambridge. Its lofty gates and spectacular church are undoubtedly the most unforgettable sight on "College Road."
The colleges on the west side of "College Road" are the oldest and most famous in Cambridge. We chose St John's College, whose ancient cloisters are the most worthwhile place to visit.
St John's College was founded in 1511 and is the second largest college in Cambridge. Entering the college, crossing the main gate, passing through the forecourt, chapel, and middle court, you reach the banks of the River Cam. The college buildings along the way are mainly Tudor and Jacobean style. The tower brick gatehouse, begun in 1514, bears colorful heraldic crests. Most college buildings were built in the 16th and 17th centuries and are adorned with portraits of famous alumni.
What appears before you now? A castle? A cathedral? A nobleman's mansion? None of these—it's merely a teaching building of St John's College. Such a magnificent building makes the editor marvel! The second court of St John's College is the most famous, praised as "the most beautiful Tudor court in England."
The ancient cloisters of St John's College are the most worthwhile place to visit. Walking through these cloisters feels like traveling through a period of time. Along this journey through time, Newton, Darwin, Byron, Keynes, Li Ka-shing, Hua Luogeng, and even Prince Charles accompany you, allowing you to feel the deep cultural heritage here.
Unknowingly, our sisterhood has already arrived at the Cambridge River. There are two bridges on the River Cam: one is Wren Bridge, built in 1712, and the other is the famous Bridge of Sighs. It is said that this was the "Cambridge bridge" where Xu Zhimo wrote his poem.
The river is the essence of Cambridge. Just as Xu Zhimo transliterated Cambridge as "康桥" (Kangqiao), people call the River Cam the "Kang River." The river is narrow and gentle, winding through the entire town. The huge willow trees seem to have become the guardians of the Kang River.
The River Cam, running roughly north-south, bends slightly and flows through the town, with willows along its banks, creating a pastoral atmosphere. Take a punting boat and slowly enjoy the sights of the university city. The beautiful scenery along both banks of the River Cam is fully visible. At this moment, you can truly understand what Xu Zhimo meant when he wrote, "In the gentle waves of the Kang River, I am willing to be a waterweed."
The lawn of the New Court is incredibly comfortable! Looking out, there is endless greenery. It feels like a Romanesque cloister, with students moving through the light and shadow.
Britain is indeed a religious country. Churches are everywhere, and even colleges have small chapels! Whenever the church bells ring, I think of Jolin Tsai's song "Sunrise Without Sunset," whose prelude is exactly the same!
After visiting Cambridge colleges, the Ruili sisterhood chose to dine at The Eagle bar. This is the most famous bar in the commercial area.
It stands opposite St Bene't's Tower. The bar displays many relics left by Allied air forces during World War II.
It was here in 1953 that the father of DNA, Francis Crick, announced with Watson that they had discovered "the secret of life."
Lunch was sumptuous. No wonder famous scientists and writers loved this bar. While experiencing Cambridge's culture up close and tasting delicious food, the beautiful reporter team finally enjoyed a leisurely time.
The most beautiful Cambridge days in August—a tranquil town, a world-renowned university, a classic poem—everything blends together to create a mysterious Cambridge. Are you tempted?
The most beautiful Cambridge days in August: a tranquil town, a world-renowned university, a classic poem—everything blends together to build a mysterious Cambridge.
Travel Tips:
Taking a boat trip on the River Cam is a must-do when visiting Cambridge. The route passes multiple attractions such as the Mathematical Bridge, Queens' College, King's Bridge, Trinity College, Bridge of Sighs, Garret Hostel Bridge, etc. The scenery is splendid and endless.
Equipment: One 5-meter-long pole, one 6-meter-long, 1-meter-wide uncovered boat.
Capacity: Small 5-6 people, medium 12 people.
Operating hours: Every year from Easter (end of March) to the end of October. Daily 10:00-17:00 (also on weekends; suspended in heavy fog or heavy rain). Departures every 15-30 minutes.
Boarding location: Mill Lane near Silver Street.
Cost and itinerary: (About 10 pounds per hour. Pay before boarding. Credit cards accepted. Boat model: medium, capacity 12 people.)
