The rest of Riseley

On Friday I began my recovery/rest/relaxation time in Riseley. Slept in, dealt with emails etc (ugh), then headed to the big smoke of Bedford to stroll around the shopping area. It is quite a nice quaint little town. Then down to the river, all very English and reminiscent of several places in NZ. There we watched people row Norse-themed boats incompetently on a little pond, while eating icecream and laughing at them. Then to the 'American Diner' for lunch, which was actually very good despite the poetically cheesey surroundings.

Friday night was spent out and about, first to an outstandingly authentic English pub called the Wellington Arms. It has a sign outside saying: "REAL ALE PUB. NO FOSTERS!! NO STELLA!! NO CARLING!! NO CRAP!" Needless to say the beers were hand-pulled and ever so slightly warm. Then Kieran and I met up with Menna and her mates at some other place in town.

Saturday was more cricket, me again on the Riseley team, this time in the full 40-over game against an all-Pakistani side. They bowled first and really shook our openers, dismissing them cheaply. By the time I got in I was facing spinners, and had quite a lot of fun! Only scored three runs before being caught out after stupidly playing at a bouncing ball, but did stay in for about 20-30 minutes and the highest-scorer in our partnership was actually extras (wides, byes, no balls). They chased the target down easy in the afternoon sun, but not after some good wickets were taken and I was worked hard (also enjoyable) in the covers. After our defeat we went to a barbecue in the village where good times were had, including dj sets and getting told off at about 10pm by a village grump, classic.

Sunday we visited Cambridge, about 45 minutes drive from Riseley. You park outside town at the Park & Ride, then take a huge double-decker bus into the middle of town...arriving after a few crazy turns at intersections that required the reversing of several other buses. Despite all the touristy touches (no less than a dozen people asked us if we wanted to go punting...all the punting seemed to be punt-your-own though...) the town has retained some character, and then you get to the Colleges and they truly are as they've always been. Pristine lawns and really nice stone architecture, and sooooooo quiet. Cushy summer research fellowship in 2010 here I come...