Thankful for the Markets

I don't really use the markets as much as I should. I am currently taking part in a course called, Carbon Conversations, so that I can reduce the amount of carbon I contribute, I know I am just one person but I want to do my bit. Buying local food not only reduces the distance you food travels, but then you can eat foods that are in season and help out the local farms and business people, sounds like a win-win to me!

I am very fortunate that Cambridge has their market everyday of the week. I went last week to get my bits for Thanksgiving (yup, I still celebrate it) and really got some good fresh vegetables. I was trying to make a pumpkin pie but I have two problems, one- you can't get the pumpkin pie filling in the can and two- I am allergic to milk and soya so I couldn't have it if I can get it. So I initially was going to try it with butternut squash but they had cooking pumpkins (suggested by the stall holder). I like that being able to talk to someone which seems rare in today's world when you need some help. It turned out okay but its not the same but I wouldn't expect it to be most dairy-free recipes are close but never exactly the same. The good thing is all my guests were British so they didn't know what it should taste like:)

I got my other bits and had bought the turkey from the local butcher. Who was very knowledgeable and has helped me to cook two perfect turkeys.

Where I work now, they have bus that will take you into the centre of  town at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I get off early on Fridays so I think I might have to make using the markets a more regular things.

That way I can know that not only am I reducing my carbon footprint, helping out the locals but I am getting good food that is very fresh.

So maybe you can't make it every week, but do try to use the local markets for your fruit and vegetables. I think that they are also cheaper than what you will get in the supermarkets and definitely fresher than the produce you will find on base.

Bath

It is worth visiting Bath if you are going to Stonehenge or vice versa but get up early!

Bath is famous for its Roman Baths but there is so much more to this Somerset city. It takes about 3.5 hours from Cambridge to get there but is worth the drive.

The Roman Baths is a great place to start your visit and is very interesting for little people! They have a great exhibit to get them involved in learning. This tour takes between 1- 1 ½ hours so plan ahead so you don’t feel rushed.

The next thing I highly suggest to do is visit the Bath Abbey. It is right next to the Roman Baths. You should take the 45-50 minute Tower tour. It is not very expense and the tour guides are great! It takes you up to see a beautiful view of Bath.

Take a scroll near River Avon and take a look at the Pultney Bridge which was completed in 1773. It is one of four bridges in the world that has shops that across the bridge on both sides.

The Royal Crescent is a sight to behold. If you have seen the movie, The Duchess, you have seen the beautiful architecture. It has 30 houses in total, the facade on the front all look the same but the backs are very different.

If you are a Jane Austen fan, then you must stop at the Jane Austen Centre. It covers the Jane’s experience in Bath.

If you like fashion, the Fashion Museum is for you. They have displays of clothing over the years which is very interesting. They also have items that children can put on so they can see what type of clothing people used to wear. If you go here and the Roman Baths, you can save money on your ticket price to both.

I can also recommend a very good Nepalese restaurant, Yak Yeti Yak.


If you visit Bath, it is very worth a visit to the Bath Abbey. For one reason, you can get a great idea of how the construction of the fan-vault ceiling as seen in Kings College in Cambridge was done. Also the tour up the tower is worth the 6 pounds. The view is great but also they take you through the bells, the face behind the clock tower and the great view from the top. Loved this tour!

You can also visit the only museum dedicated to America, The American Museum.

Whatever you decide to do, Bath is worth the trip!