PUNTING IN CAMBRIDGE

I've really been going all-out with the iconic British experiences lately, haven't I? The most recent was punting in Cambridge.

This last bank holiday weekend a group of eight of us headed north to Cambridge to celebrate my flatmate's birthday. The majority of the group drove up there on Sunday, and I was one of three who caught the train Monday morning. I was glad I missed out on Sunday's adventure. When we arrived in time for a lazy brunch on Monday we were greeted by the sight of one of the worst collective hangovers I've ever witnessed (from the outside at least). Baggy eyes, drawn faces, one girl couldn't even face breakfast and was sleeping (and allegedly throwing up) in the park down the road.

It was a beautiful day though, and as the whole point of travelling to Cambridge was to get on the river they managed to pull themselves together and off we went...to buy beer and wine to help us punt. Half of us decided to hire our own punt, while the others decided to be big, scaredy, girly-pantses and join a boat with a professional punter. So while they were gliding smoothly down the river Cam, learning a little local history about Kings College or Trinity College, we spent an hour lurching from one side of the river to the other, bashing into any boats that got into our way, and generally looking quite the opposite of sophisticated.

I can proudly say that we didn't technically hit the side of the canal/river once, due entirely to the fact that the person sitting in the front of the punt - designated the 'paddle-girl' regardless of gender - was charged with leaning forward and pushing off from the wall before the boat hit it. We also didn't lose the pole, despite a few close calls which nearly saw the punter tumbling in the water.

We ended the day by ambling around the town centre, visiting a street market, and having a relaxing lunch and quiet beverage for those who had recovered enough to partake in the amber ale. All in all a lovely, sunny day spent in good company. Happy birthday, J xx