The first time I visited Cambridge was during my sophomore year of college. I studied abroad there for a semester, and it quickly became one of my favorite cities. The day that we spent in Cambridge was nostalgic, exciting, and comforting. I didn’t know how it would feel to be back there again, but it felt so familiar. Walking around the streets of Cambridge was something I had done so many times before, but this time, I was experiencing the city in a new way.
When I went abroad for the first time, I had months to explore Cambridge, and everything became very routine while I was living there. This time though, we only had one day. The walking tour of Cambridge taught me a lot about the city that I never knew. Learning about the history of Cambridge and the stories that I would never have known otherwise only made me love Cambridge more. It was the place I was most looking forward to visiting, and it did not disappoint. Cambridge is the kind of city that feels exactly like what you expect when you think about England: the cobblestone streets, the beautiful architecture, the quaint side streets filled with little shops. The pace of Cambridge is much slower than somewhere like London. It’s the kind of city where you can take your time, and that’s one thing that I really love about Cambridge.
Learning about Cambridge University was extremely interesting. There was so much that I didn’t know, and hearing about the rich history of the university was beyond impressive. My favorite part of our day in Cambridge, and perhaps my favorite part of the whole trip, was punting. I had done it once before when I was studying abroad, but the second time was just as amazing as the first. The weather was perfect. It was sunny and cool with a slight breeze. After three days that were packed with so much being able to spend that time on the River Cam was exactly what I needed. I was able to spend that time soaking in my surroundings and appreciating the experience. Punting on the River Cam is something that you can do over and over again, and it never loses its charm. Cambridge University is picturesque and one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.
Although this wasn’t my first time visiting Cambridge, I was still just as blown away by this city. What made our day in Cambridge so special for me was that it allowed me time to slow down and really take in what was around me. I wanted to cherish every moment there and really make the most of it. I’m sure I will return to Cambridge one day, and after the day we spent there, I want to go back even more than I did before. Cambridge is the kind of city that is so easy to fall in love with. It is charming and scenic and definitely worth visiting.
Cambridge was one of my favorite parts of our time in England. Despite having lived there, it was still exciting and impressive. I know this was the first year that Cambridge was on the trip, but I think it really adds to the experience, and it is worth spending at least a day there.