Cambridge is becoming more real everyday. Thanks to the wonders of technology Ben and I took a stroll through downtown Cambridge yesterday. Past King’s chapel, through the narrow streets, window shopping, scoping out cafes, in awe of the tradition, the heritage, the architecture. I feel as if I already know Cambridge a little as we have been there through the internet quite a bit lately. You see we are in the middle of our accommodation hunt. And while, a place to call home in Cambridge seems like a small formality compared to the sights we will take in everyday, it matters more than I thought it would. The reality is that we will be there for a year, without a car and without a community so many factors play into which neighbourhood we choose, the amenities available, and the inspiration I find at the kitchen sink (goodness knows I spend enough time there).
But lets back up for a moment and look at logistics. In the last month, many things have fallen into place. Ben sent in all of his required documentation and is now confirmed. He was offered a place at St. Edmund’s College and is happy with that. St. Edmunds is known for its international community with over two thirds of its population coming from outside of the UK. The small student base of just over 350 is made up of mature undergraduates or graduate students. It is the only Roman Catholic College and its roots go back to 1871 following the repeal of the Test Act which allowed Jewish, Non-conformists and Roman Catholic Scholars to return to the University. And a little bonus is that one of our past professors is also a member of St. Edmunds. We are unsure what College Membership really implies but there is a community which we are expected to take part in.
We have also secured our financing and should nothing go awry we will have enough money to live out the year. The question is where we choose our comforts and where we hold back. Hence, the great accommodation debate.
While it would be convenient if St. Edmunds was able to offer us a flat or maisonette, we have been told our chances are slim as most of their accommodations have already been allocated. We have been advised for our “peace of mind” to look elsewhere.
The main source of reference is the accommodation database provided by the college. There are a number of University owned buildings as well as private listings. And while there are many options, none that seem to fit. It is a time of being realistic about what really matters to me. Can I live in a bland space, white walls, dull carpet, teeny tiny kitchen and no washing machine in exchange for a great location and more dispensable income? Or do we find a place with victorian charm, oak flooring, airy kitchen, fireplace, in a great neighbourhood at the cost of a trip to Scotland, or Ireland or PARIS. Gasp!
But it does not stop here. Another reality I have to face about myself is that I am gifted with hospitality. When I think about the student life I think about being the home in which our Canadian friends eat moist seasoned turkey and warm apple pie at Thanksgiving. I think about where our Christmas tree will go and how it will look adorned with homemade ornaments as we arrive home from the Christmas Eve Service at King’s College. The lights reflecting off the bay window which looks out over a quiet snow dusted street. Our stockings hung on the mantel waiting for the modest goodies Santa will leave in the night. I think of hosting our friends and family who come to visit. How we will walk with them down our street to the open market and pick up fresh fixings for a delicious homemade meal….
I want to just stop there. Savour.
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| Jesus Green in Winter |
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