Eleven pandas punting...

One of the more surprising things seen on a trip to Cambridge! Ben and I were charged with occupying Alex for the day, while Chris, Lizzy and Pete finished the preparations for a surprise 21st birthday party. We spent that afternoon in Cambridge, wandering round the market, city centre and the backs, where we spent a long time watching masses of people punting on the River Cam. Lots of people watching, eating the best ever gelati from a Sicilian cafe (Aromi) and quaffing cider at a riverside pub.

Alex had no inkling of what was going on at home. He nearly turned tail when we returned and he went into the living room to find all his friends in fancy dress costumes inspired by his favourite things. He said it was like some sort of surreal dream!! I then helped him onto his costume - a steampunk version of Ichabod Crane from Sleepy Hollow, procured using items from the internet and a local retro charity shop. The best buy was a perfect bowler hat, made in Peterborough, for a mere £3! He soon relaxed into party mode, and everyone had a great evening, despite the fact that quite a few people were suffering from colds.