John and Gayle at Pembroke College

The boats all ready for punting on the Cam

I have a dear friend whom I've known since we were practically babies.  His name is John and he's one of those wonderful guys who has made a big difference in the lives of many, many kids through his work as a high school counselor, mentor, coach, Boy Scout leader, and heaven knows what else.  He and his beautiful wife Gayle were able to take a lovely trip to England and France recently, and have graciously let me share their photos with you!

John and Gayle and their crewman Derek
Punting on the Cam

The University of Cambridge, located in Cambridge, England is the second oldest university in the English speaking world.  It is located on the River Cam - get it?  Cam - Bridge.  There, you learned something and you're only a couple of paragraphs in!

Okay, maybe you already knew that.  Never mind.  I'll try to curb my enthusiasm.

A punt is a shallow, flat-bottomed boat that is steered with a long pole.  Kinda like the gondolas in Venice.  I assume the weather is better in Venice, but Fall in England can be lovely, too.  My friends were lucky to see quite a bit of sunshine on their trip and enjoyed their punting experience on the River Cam!

Derek, the boatsman, is actually getting a Master's Degree at Cambridge.  He says that he's up to giving free tours and punting on the Cam to friends who visit as long as he doesn't have a class or a big project due that day!  Good fellow! Really cute, too.  John writes, "It's always nice to have an insider show you around!"

Pembroke College

John and Gayle's visit to Cambridge included a meal at Pembroke College.  Pembroke is one of the 31 colleges that constitute Cambridge University.  Pembroke is the third oldest college in the university and has over seven hundred students and fellows.  It is named after the Earl of Pembroke, whose widow, Marie St. Pol, was given a license to found a new educational establishment by my ancestor, King Edward III on Christmas Eve 1347.

Yes, you heard me: 1347.  Sailing to America wasn't even a gleam in Chris Columbus's eye in 1347...

Notable Pembroke alumni include poet Edmund Spencer, Prime Minister William Pitt the younger, and Eric Idle of Monty Python fame.  (Now, those are 3 names you don't see grouped together often! Ha.)

The college is large, with buildings from almost every century since its founding, as well as extensive gardens.

Pembroke College Dining Hall

My friends dined at the college dining hall.  John writes, "No owls delivering mail on this particular day..."

Dinner at Pembroke

Their meal consisted of lamb meatball casserole.  Looks pretty good!

Then on to the colorful village of Lavenham.

Lavenham, England

"I didn't build these houses in Lavenham," John writes, "but I think they used my tools!"

Ahem!  We're not THAT old, John!

Hope you enjoyed this little tour of Pembroke at Cambridge, England.  There will be more posts of John and Gayle's trip in the future.  Stay tuned!