Double-decking it to Bury St Edmund and Cambridge...

In amongst the abby ruins with the
St Edmundsbury Cathedral in the background

Tues 17 is our first experience of bus transport in England. We catch a rickerty doubledecker bus to Bury St Edmund (the locals warn that the 'Bury bus is one of the worst buses to catch as it often breaks down). Our fingers and knees are crossed as we take this perilous journey. The driver surely must have got his licence out of a Kornie packet. He drives down tiny narrow lanes, edged with hedgerows and fields of bright yellow rapeseed, at great speed. Other vehicles have to back up to allow us to pass. We take detours into the cutest little villages on our way and after 40 minutes arrive exhausted.

Pleased to get off the bus at 'Bury, we are straight into our sightseeing and walk to the Abbey of St Edmund where we have lunch in the gardens (with pigeons, ducks and a squirrel in attendance) and then wander around the massive ancient abbey ruins. We visit the St Edmundsbury Cathedral and St Mary's Church where Mary Tudor, Queen of France is buried. We wander the streets where I buy two little handy books on wild animals and birds of Britain and Europe. Max finds a bikeshop. We are each in our shopping bliss!

The Nutshell - smallest pub in Britain

The town is delightful but we find the newer shopping area not so appealing nor as interesting. Back in the quaint streets of town, we discover the smallest pub in Britain. We squeeze ourselves in and have a drink (one for you, Neil). The pub is full. Just seven of us, counting the barman, in total. It's fun and the locals are very friendly.

Weds 18 sees us catching a much nicer bus to Cambridge. We are both enchanted immediately as we wander aimlessly along narrow cobblestone streets with towering churches and university buildings casting their intellectual eyes over us. The town centre (once a historic market place) is bustling with tourists and students - it's exam time. Cycling rules here and we are amazed at the number of bikes propped casually against the walls along narrow footpaths. Old bikes and new - all types are here. People whizz past (on bikes) at great speed and we keep on our toes to avoid being mowed down as we pause to take photos.

A 'punt hawker' catches our eye and tries to sell us into a punt ride along the river Cam - for a discounted rate of 20 pound we accept. Our punt ride along the 'Backs' (the river backs onto the universities and churches) is both relaxing and entertaining as our young guide gives us the history of the universities, churches, buildings, bridges, and people, laced with his own humerous style.

We finish a lovely day with a Cream Tea at Aunties and watch the territorial 'punt hawkers' squabble amongst themselves as they compete for customers.

Cambridge was recently voted the 4th top UK tourist destination and we would have to agree. We loved it!

After nearly a week since our arrival in the UK, we finally start to sleep longer - the birds, however, still rise with the sun somewhere around 4am in the morning... it's usually a long day for us little Kiwis.