Lovely Anna came to visit for Valentine's weekend and we hit the ground running with Formal Hall on Friday night, marking halfway through the academic year. We continued to a classical concert put on by the college. My housemate Christine played piano, accompanied by a violinist. The final piece by the orchestra was really good and we were right in the front row of the action! After stopping in the bop and listening to a live funk band, we headed home to sleep & prepare for a full day of being tourists.
Thankfully we saw some sunshine the next morning and Anna actually got a chance to wear sunglasses (I know, how exciting) as we toured Downing, Emmanuel, and King's Colleges. After a proper English Cream Tea, we headed to Kettle's Yard, a unique museum that allows you to sit in the chairs and read the books around a house that was donated by a friend of the university. It was so relaxing! They host jazz concerts so we hope to go back. Saturday evening we enjoyed a play by the Unversity Players called 'Death of Salesman' which is actually somewhat sad but a good "make you think" kind of play. We had good conversation and got to pray before bed, yeah for fellowship!
On Sunday we slept in and braved the dreary weather for a walk along the river to see the boat houses and eat Sunday lunch at Fort St. George pub. The classic roast was delicious and it felt so British to be there with the students, couples and families. We continued our exploration of Cambridge shops and colleges, making our way to the Fitzwilliam Museum. We happen to drop in on a free concert by an amazing pianist. She infused the air with beautiful sound in that beautiful building, it was fabulous. After a few hours, we had to call it a day because we couldn't see everything and vowed to return.
We snuggled into a pub for a afternoon treat before heading to an early dinner with my good friend Hanan at a Turkish restuarant. The pub scene is alot like the coffeehouses of the US, it is the place to pass time and talk about life. It's so encouraging what God is doing in both of our lives in our time in England!
After our medeterranian mezes, we headed to Holy Trinity Cambridge for the evening service. The worship was great and sermon challenging, again spurring conversation as we headed home to send Anna off. Exhausted from our explorations, we settle in for another week. Life is good with friends like Anna to share it with. :)
