Monday, April 2, 2012

MOTHER FLEA

Lester took this pic of Candy, his wife,
at a Cambridge alley.
My son, Lloyd and I visited my oldest son, Lester, while he was stationed in the UK in September of 2009.  Lester took us to Cambridge, home to the University of Cambridge and its 31 Colleges.  It's a wonderful and intriguing place, a destination to discover, and it boasts spectacular architecture in the shape of colleges, chapels, churches and courtyards combined with green parks, wide open spaces and the River Cam, which winds through its heart.
We rode on this bus to and from
Cambridge

The highlight of our visit to Cambridge is its flea market, the mother of all flea markets in my humble opinion.  Home to countless stalls from Monday to Saturday, selling fruits and veggies - much of which is organic, fresh produce, books, clothes, fresh fish, flowers and general bric-a-brac.  Crowds can often be found gathered around the stalls, particularly during the weekend. Close to the Holy Trinity Church, on Sunday the square hosts a large arts and crafts fair, including a number of antique stalls. Open: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00; Sunday - 10:30 to 16:00.

Lester loves their freshly-squeezed OJ
Traders have been selling their wares here for many centuries, from the Middle Ages onwards. Located on the western side of the city and next to the main University of Cambridge campus, Market Square is easy to find and stands alongside the City Council and the Arts Theatre, being close to the Corn Exchange. 


Lloyd and I love these freshly-
baked breads
Sited only a short stroll to the north is the ever-popular All Saints Gardens Market on St. John's Street, which is to be found close to the Round Church Visitor Centre and the All Saints Passage. Nearby attractions include the ADC Theatre and various eateries, such as Pizza Express. If you are driving here and looking for somewhere to leave your car, then you may like to make use of the Park Street Car Park, just around the corner from Round Church Street.    


The famous Cambridge Beer Festival in May is now firmly on the calendar for lovers of real ale, with cheddar cheese, pickles and other traditional British edible goodies to try.     


Gourmet Europe comes to town in the summer with the busy and bustling French and European Markets on Parkers Piece.  Parkers Piece is the city's bohemian area.  Grab yourself a satisfying bratwurst sausage, a delicious authentic crepe or some delectable Belgian chocolates!

Nowhere else can you see a sign like
this than in Cambridge!


Now that the 2012 Summer Olympics is fast approaching, I dream about being in the UK -- London, Nottinghill and yes -- Cambridge!




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9 comments:

  1. My PassionsApril 2, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    Great photography! I've always thought Cambridge was just for college kids -- little did I know it has more to it than meets the eye! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. jun concepcionApril 2, 2012 at 5:16 PM

    what a beautiful city, i wish i could go there in the near future with my lovey dovey, hahahaha! lol

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    1. Cynthia LopezApril 2, 2012 at 5:37 PM

      Thanks, JC - I definitely appreciate your being a follower. Luv ya.

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  3. Lester S DelvalleApril 2, 2012 at 5:41 PM

    Cambridge was an amazing city! Shopping the farmers market is an experience everyone should partake in.

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    1. Cynthia LopezApril 2, 2012 at 5:44 PM

      Indeed! Even to just sit there and watch the people go by... not to mention Cambridge U. I enjoyed UK.

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  4. maricelApril 2, 2012 at 6:05 PM

    Hi Cyth,

    i would love to visit UK oneday! in fact my daughter Valerie ex-boyfriend is inviting us to visit his new place by the dockland area in London. London is one of my dream cities to visit!

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    1. Cynthia LopezApril 2, 2012 at 6:16 PM

      Yes, you should! The 2012 Olympics is fast approaching, not sure if it's a good time to visit though. And don't forget Nottinghill - I have a Blog about Nottinghill on here too!

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  5. bambongApril 3, 2012 at 12:16 PM

    Lucky girl! I love those quaint villages. Everything fresh and out of the oven. Nothing beats Europe when it comes to flea markets. You should try Germany. Sad to say the truth, but after the Holocaust, a lot of antiques belonging to the affluent Jewish communities were stashed away and slowly coming out to light. It's a treasure hunt. Here in Cali, you'll be lucky to even find a Renoir repro, lol.
    I need to win the Mega Lotto to bring you around in the old world. I'm sure it'll be interesting considering we both share the same penchant for art and culture.

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    1. Cynthia LopezApril 5, 2012 at 11:10 AM

      You are soooooooo right, sistah, no place on earth compares to Europe when it comes to art, culture and architecture... from the Medieval to Baroque -- it really is a haven for artists and culture buffs! And yes, those quaint villages and cafes, they are so full of character and history, can't wait to go back!

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