Cambridge for "work"

The duty of my job called me down to Cambridge last week. Because I was staying over the weekend, Janna came down and we did a little exploring. Saturday morning we headed out to find the Ely cathedral. The term "headed out" seems so simple, but in reality it was my first time driving in the UK without Dust or Jan reminding me that "right equals death". Actually I picked up driving on the wrong side of the road rather easily. I say wrong, because I think everyone should be on the right (my attempt at a political joke). The driving part is not too bad, it is just the finding things part that's been a bit tricky. (How do I get off this roundabout?) On our way to Ely cathedral 20 miles north of Cambridge we ended up near an amazing airplane museum 10 miles south of Cambridge. Figure that one out. Of course we had to go in. I have no way to describe it other than WOW. Six massive buildings full of the most amazing examples of western ingenuity.


Again I will reveal my true dorkyness, but I was fascinated to see two of the jewels from the Lockheed Skunk Works program. The U2 and a SR-71. Yet two more bits of proof that America Rocks.


Of course there were many WWII exhibits, but we liked this German plane the best. It was captured early in the war and went on a tour throughout the US to raise money for the war. For a donation Americans could scratch their name in the paint. The entire plane was covered with the names of great Americans. While I was off drooling at something, Janna talked to the old guy in the black coat. He was a kid who lived though the bombings of London and left quite an impression on her.


Another neat exhibit was the second Concord built. Apparently they flew it to Moses Lake, WA to test it in icy conditions.


Believe it or not this was a section of a gun barrel Saddam was assembling. Maybe they should throw away the noose, reassemble this baby, and make him an astronaut. After six hours of sheer delight for me and pure boredom for Janna, we made a second attempt to find Ely.




Success. Here is a cathedral made in 1200 or something like that. It was cool, but it can't fly at mach 3, so you will have to e-mail Janna if you want more info.



To conclude the day we enjoyed a British holiday called Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night. Back in 1605 Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the British Parliament. All the gun powder was in place in tunnels under the Parliament. He was just about to light the match when they caught him. Most Brits can't agree if the celebration is because he was caught or because he attempted to blow the place up.
Sometimes I really love this place. I can't believe Montanans haven't yet thought up a carnival game to win booze.