As I finalized trip details on Thursday evening, I checked the internet and noted three possible return train connections from Cambridge to Stansted Airport. I wrote these times down on a sheet of paper. I circled the first option since it obviously included the most "insurance" time that I might need in case of unexpected delays. I also wrote down my destination contact numbers and addresses on this paper.
The early morning drive from my flat in Glasgow to Prestwick Airport Friday morning went smoothly, and I found an ideal (and free) parking spot just off the carriageway next door to the airport entrance. I only had to pull my wee rolling suitcase a few hundred metres to the check-in desk - with plenty of time to spare before my departure.
Things started to slowly unravel when Ryanair's flight to London was delayed 45 minutes. It didn't seriously impact my schedule, but it forced me to take a later train to Cambridge and lose out on some exploration time.
After I arrived in Cambridge, I decided to rent a bike for the day, leaving my suitcase at the shop. I rode around a bit until I found a park bench to sit and get my bearings. I pulled out my iPod to check the time (it functions as my watch), but was disappointed to see that the batteries were completely dead. Apparently I bumped it on sometime the night before after I had fully charged it. Around the same time, I noticed that the sheet of paper with my return train times and contact numbers was missing. I wasn't overly concerned because I remembered the time for the first return option, and knew that I had back-up options.
I spent the rest of the day riding around taking pictures. After lunch, I paid a visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum, a fantastic place with many rooms full of treasures. While studying the medieval weaponry and oil painting masterpieces, I lost track of time, and after awhile asked the docent at the counter what time it was. I kicked it into high gear when I realized I only had 15 minutes to return my bike and get to the train station before my first return train option to Stansted departed.
Of course it took 20 minutes to return the bike and get to the station. As I looked up at the departure board, I was disturbed to see that my back-up options were non-existent. Earlier in the day I had heard announcements about train delays and cancellations due to both flooding and problems with electrical systems, but at that time I wasn't impacted by the effected routes.
The next direct train to Stansted would deliver me at the airport a half hour after my flight to Sevilla. I asked about taxis, but was told that I would never make it to the airport in time with the normal Friday evening rush hour congestion. Besides, the line for the taxis doubled back about four times, and there was only a trickle of cars servicing the queue to take passengers.
After some frantic deliberations with station staff, I discovered an indirect rail route back to Stansted that would get me there 30 minutes before my flight. I knew that would be cutting it close, but I had to give it a shot.
Fortunately the weather in Cambridge was great for exploring the city on a bike. When I took this picture, I laughed at the "90% chance of rain" weather forecast, but the showers eventually hit when I was trying to rush back to the train station at the end of the day.
The tower of St. John's College Chapel commands a prominent position in the city skyline.
I didn't catch the name or function of this building, but I figured it was constructed to honor some legendary Monopoly champion - shown here clutching one of his prized hotels.
Punting on the River Cam.
Classic tourist cuisine. A short baguette with some burnt ham and 13.5 black olives. Some corn kernels, too!
I wasn't going to let a stupid basket mounted on the front of my rented mountain bike keep me from pushing it to the limit.
The entrance to the Fitzwilliam Museum. If you have a chance to visit this great place, be sure to give yourself more than 15 minutes to enjoy the exhibits and galleries.
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