Cambridge Cravings

      With Labor Day weekend in full swing, it's time to come to terms with the fact that summer is officially coming to a close (I swear they get shorter every year). But truth be told- I feel like my summer ended as soon as I left Cambridge. Ever since my return to the states, I've been dreaming of going back. I'm craving the maze of cobbled roads (lovely for getting lost on), emerald green fields, crisp afternoon rains, quaint coffee and tea shops, and expansive college campuses on every corner.

      BUT until that can actually happen- I'm just going to have to occupy myself with things that remind me of the amazing city. My plan: to incorporate "smart" Cambridge inspired pieces into my fall wardrobe. But what exactly does that mean? I'm thinking...

This Cambridge Blazer by Two Penny Blue is the perfect cut and color (and the company has an amazing mission)!

What could be better than a Burberry tweet coat topped off with a bow belt?

This Cambridge Satchel would add the perfect finishing touch to any fall ensemble

Button Down + Stripes + Tweet = So smart and  chic! (J. Crew)

Summer Adventures: Cambridge Coming to a Close

It's crazy to think my study abroad program ends tomorrow. Between all of my weekend travels, daily adventures, and general lack of any sense of time (is it seriously Monday and almost August?)- it really has flown by! While I do crave a few comforts from home, I'm sincerely going to miss this place.

Especially:

- Relaxing afternoon walks in the English countryside

- The impressive architecture of the many (31!) colleges of Cambridge

King's College

St. John's College

- Days spent outdoors by the River Cam (never without a Pimm's in hand)

- Afternoon tea

At Auntie's Tea Room

Yum!

- Visits to local historical sites, such as:

The Cambridge American Cemetery

The Eagle

After Dinner at the Eagle

-  Summer Shakespeare performances

Downing College, Set Up for The Taming of the Shrew

-  AND (of course) all the local Olympic hype

Torch Running at Cambridge 

Summer Adventures: Barcelona

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya 

While I encountered a few loses (bye bye iphone) in Barcelona, I still fell in LOVE with the city. Truth be told, I could never live there, BUT with it's laid back atmosphere, warm beaches, and late night party scene- Barcelona truly is the perfect vacation spot. Some of the highlights from my weekend include going on a bike tour of the city (I have no idea how I survived having not ridden a bike in 10+ years...I really put the saying "it's just like riding a bike" to the test), visiting the Casa Batlló, indulging is Spanish tapas and sangria, and lounging on the beach. This trip left me feeling relaxed and recharged, just in time for finals!

Pre-Bike Tour

All the Girls Before a Night Out

Arc de Triomf (the only red bricked one)

Visiting  La Sagrada Familia

Christopher Columbus Once Stood Here

On the Roof of  Casa Batlló

Summer Adventures: Copenhagen

Vie of One of the Many Canals

   
     This past weekend, I traveled to Copenhagen with a few close friends. While I was a bit unsure of what I'd signed myself up for (due to lack of research), I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the city and the friendly nature of the people. I tried to make the most of my short weekend by climbing all 400 steps to the top of the Vor Frelser Kirke for a 360 view of the city, relaxing on a canal tour (which included a view of the Little Mermaid statue based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale), visiting the Rosenborg castle for a taste of the royal life, having a cocktail at an ice bar (literally as cool as it sounds), and popping in the National Museum and Glyptoteket for my art/history fix. I know I know- it sounds like a lot, but no worries I managed to fit in plenty of leisurely lunches along the canal as well. It was an amazing weekend, but now I'm back in Cambridge attempting to focus on classes while planning out my remaining weekend adventures. Can you guess which is winning?

At the Top of the Vor Fresler Kirke

All the Girls Bundled Up at the Ice Bar

Rosenborg Castle

In the Rosenborg Gardens

The Glyptoteket

Summer Adventures: Legal London

The Great Hall

   Since I'm over here studying law, it's only fitting that I take a day trip to London to learn first hand about the English legal system. I spent most of the afternoon touring and having lunch at the Middle Temple, one of the four Inns of the Court where barristers (lawyers who present in court rooms...not the guy who makes your coffee at Starbucks) study at.  It was thrilling to walk through and eat in such a historic place. Since its founding, the Hall has been frequented by royals, including Princess Diana and Prince William. Even Shakespeare's Twelfth Night was first performed in the Hall- cool right? Although I'd probably be a solicitor (lawyers that handle paper work and stay out of the court room) if I were to practice in the UK, it was so interesting to learn about the ins and outs of life as a barrister. Plus, who can complain about spending another day in London (even if it does involve taking a walking tour in suits and heels)!

Having a Drink in the Prince's Room 

Look familiar? This is the spot in the 2nd Bridget Jones movie where she gets engaged!

Summer Adventures: Edinburgh, Scotland

View During the Train Ride

    This past weekend, I traveled  by train to Edinburgh with some friends. Between delays due to flooding and landslides  and the stag party (aka bachelor party) on board- it was quite an eventful ride. But, we eventually made it to Edinburgh and boy was it worth it! The historic city is built on several levels with a castle (yes, a castle!) in the center and loads of hidden treasures on its narrow cobblestone streets. We tried to fit in as much as we could during our days and managed to have dinner at the Elephant House (where J.K. Rowling, inspired by the view, wrote Harry Potter),  take in views of the city from the top of Calton Hill, go on a walking tour, climb to the top of Arthur's Seat, drink and dance in both the Grassmarket and New Town areas, and tour the Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland for a bit of history. All in all it was an amazing weekend that has left me craving more Scottish cider, mash, and bagpipers!

Street View of the Royal Mile

Post Climbing to the top of Arthur's Seat

View from the Terrance of the National Museum of Scotland

Summer Adventures: Settling in at Cambridge

      

     I've officially begun what will most likely be my biggest adventure during law school. While I sit here sipping on cider (Magners of course), it's hard to put into words how enthused I am to be over here. So far, the classes have been pretty interesting (most likely due more to the Brits' accents and dry senses of humor than the actual material). But more importantly-  the town and people are amazing! Cambridge has a quaint sensibility to it while simultaneously maintaining a lively night life (EVERY night).

On Downing College Campus

      I'm quickly composing quite a long list of "musts" to do before leaving (more on this to come soon!) and am busy booking weekend excursions all while attending classes and taking mini adventures daily. Basically, my life at this moment is filled with too many "moments" to fully digest. I know it's going to be an amazing summer- I just hope I can remember it all when it comes to a close!

At the Fitzwilliam

View Near the River Cam