Today, Ray gave me a world-wind tour-by-bike of Cambridge, which seems to be the best and most appropriate way to see the city anyway. We parked at Ray’s son’s house and rode along the river into a stiff headwind laced with pellets of rain. Luckily the rain subsided as we got into town. We enjoyed peeking into the courtyards of several colleges (they charge for admission...), touring some of the narrow side streets, and generally taking in the highpoints of the charming town. Ray was generous enough to offer to “guard” the bikes while I took a tour of King's Chapel, which did not disappoint. The practicing organist pierced the austere atmosphere while I wandered around looking up at the soaring windows, vaulted ceiling, and impressive oak organ screen.

History lessons aside, the real highlight of the trip to Cambridge was getting a personal viewing and inside perspective from landscape painter and Ray’s son's partner, Melanie Max. I felt quite honored to hear her thoughts and process on her painting and to be asked to share my impressions as we stood casually in her living room before all four of us headed to dinner at a nearby Algerian restaurant. Check out her work at www.melaniemax.co.uk.

-- Fall colors, punt boats, and the College Magdalene – the last of the Cambridge colleges to admit women in 1988… --

-- punt boats are propelled by pushing a pole against the shallow river bottom --

-- Round Church built in 1130 by the Knights Templar --

-- the vault of King's Chapel rises 80 feet from the floor in the most spectacular display of fan vaulting --

-- Ruben’s The Adoration of the Magi in the altar --