Cambridge: A Place Apart for Centuries

King's College Chapel, its court, chapel nave, fan ceiling, & world-famous choir

With eight centuries of scholarly endeavors under its belt, Cambridge truly exemplifies the notion of the academical village. Composed of 31 colleges, the University of Cambridge--along with rival Oxford--forms an axis mundi of learning (although if I was ever fortunate to be given a choice, Cambridge is hands down much better). Only an hour north of London, the village is clearly light years away in demeanor with a serious air wafting about the academic cloisters and quads. Students and dons weave by on bicycles and flat-bottomed boats (called punts) lazily meander down the river in scenes that could come straight out of "Chariots of Fire." Yet, the modern world intrudes as bio-tech firms seem to sprout like mushrooms. A pilgrimage to the Eagle Tavern prompted a quiet toast at the table where Watson & Crick announced their discovery of DNA; in an adjoining room the walls and ceiling are covered with names and emblems of both RAF and US airmen. Evensong at King's College Chapel was a great place to end the day. Sitting in the chapel and listening to the voices of the Men's Chapel Choir, it was easy to be transported in time back to a medieval monastery for a day of reflection and introspection.

Christopher Wren's Library at King's College, punting on the River Cam