Cambridge Food Tour Review

I was lucky enough way back before Christmas to win a Cambridge food tour for 2 but it was only now I've been able to redeem it. We just had to pay for the teen which was roughly £50 and that was it so really £50 for the three of us. Parking with Cambridge itself is notoriously expensive so instead we opted for the park and ride £1 to park and £8.50 (on bus price ) for the three of us though it is £9 if you pay at the machine.

We met by an exclusive little bakery / tea shop / I just want to live in there sort of place . It was just us  3 on the food tour plus the guide so 4 people in total.The tour starts off at Fitzbillies, and works its way around Cambridge visiting places like The Eagle pub and its history, Aromi, the food market, Fudge Kitchen, Cambridge Cheese Company and the Free Press Pub. You'll sample food at each of the places as you go round which gives you an insight into what is available around Cambridge. 

Having done this tour we now know where I would go out to eat when in Cambridge and where to go and buy those special food items. It also get a good basic tour of the sights of Cambridge as well. The tour guides know their stuff so feel free to ask questions and they are very friendly.

One Way To Make Money At University

So you've got your results , you've got your place at University and your parents have stumped up the £300 deposit for yourUniversity accommodation , your mother is breathing into a paper bags at all the additional costs that go with it. Your mother spends £170 on various bedding items then your Father breathes into a paper bag let's face it University isn't cheap and you're young to have to face facts you're going to need a job and other avenues of income at University.

Making Money From Your University Room

Obviously you're not going to sub let your University room as that is strictly against the rules and you'll get kicked out of your accommodation and university ! But you can make money from your university room by ticking a box when you're making your accommodation choices You'll have to be available for certain open day events , wearva T-shirt and talk about your room experiences of University life. I'm unsure yet of how much you get but I saw one University where you get £75 off your accommodation costs , every little helps as they say.

Sometimes there are even opportunities to take part in promotional pictures for example of students actually cleaning their room.

 

I'm The Parent Who

It's result day tomorrow and this blog post may go by without a glance or a foreword thought but A level results is a big thing. Everything rests on a few exams that my son has worked do hard for. Yes at times I feel like my sons social secretary but what it is to be young.

I can not be nor ever will be a conventional parent because that's not me, I'm the parent that causes my son at times to hide behind his fingers. I'm a legend in the world of parent evenings especially when I told my sons year 10 English teacher he didn't really like her... much back peddling later he had learnt a new skill.

I'm the parent who can't really do a serious family protrait ...

What To Take To University

What to take to university

You'll be amazed that people have actually taken washing machines to university! I know that the washing at university is a bit of a rip off but still ! We have been teaching the teenager life lessons this summer ready though he did question as to why we made him mow the lawn !

University room- You are give a desk chair and a mattress

1. Duvet, duvet cover, sheets, mattress protector (take a few of each)

2. Pillows, pillow case

2. A  rug to spruce up your room a bit

3. Cushions

4. Decorations to make you feel more at home within reason .

5. Photos and blu-tac

6. Scissors and Sellotape (Something that was always in the teens bedroom )

7. Laptop, phone, chargers, camera

8. Door-stops (good for being sociable!)( but makes sure valuables are locked out of the way !)

9. Books, films, speakers

10. Wallet,purse, cards, ID, important documents etc

11. Messenger Bags (essential c for nights out!)

12. Posters to brighten up your bedroom ( Imagine Dragons poster I think will make it to University)

13. Clothes (and coat hangers)- suitable for winter and summer! 

14. Sunglasses (an essential to cover up those massive Freshers eye-bags)

15. A TV make sure either or your parents pay for the TV licence ! 
16. Clothes horse (or another variation of the word depending on where you are from!)
17. Stationery and books
18. Clothes basket
19. Ear plugs. Prepare for a few sleepless nights
20. Medicine (paracetamol is a Fresher's must)



What else you you need will really depend on your course my son for instance will be doing an archaeology course , I was wondering what he needed so I went and asked the archaeology department on twitter ( #trendyparent = teen cringe ! ) 

As an archaeology student the teen is going to need (according to the very nice archaeology student department ) a good pair of work boots/sturdy walking boots and good outdoor clothing , he needn't worry about anything else as it is provided by the archaeology department. Outdoor clothing just doesn't just mean a nice water proof coat, it means a good pair of work jeans or shorts as the teen will be on a dig quite possibly come next summer. And Engelbert Strauss does a great and affordable range of work wear which will be suitable for this purpose and will be long lasting especially when every penny counts for a student as you have to be frugal.

Last summer we went round countless universities investigating the archaeology departments at one university we even went to a lecture on the history of Chickens. I am not bothered about the teen going to University as he will hopefully be going to York where there is the worlds most famous tea rooms in my opinion Bettys.


So this summer we will be doing loads of shopping for going to University ! 

Rome Travel Made Easy

I've gone from this Morning of staring at St Peters Basilica to the services at a Newport Pagnall to vacuuming the house and all that entails from being on holiday but I've relaxed on holiday and despite me posting honestly I've been less active on social media. You see life isn't about the likes on social media it's the here and now and appreciating what you've got.

The end of holidays are always a shock you hold on to every scrap of memories from your holiday.

You battle through with a delinquent tea that quite frankly tastes of sorrow but people watching is a free alternative to the airport lounge. Normally you'd find me ( us the family in the airport lounge ) but we didn't do this on the flight out not coming back as Heathrow Terminal 5 is actually ok ( I always love going from Heathrow) And Fiumenco airport is pretty cool to as airport s go !

Did you know that this holiday I've walked the equivalent of two whole marathons in 37 c heat with added humidity on top ! One day it was even 42 c ( the day I got a bit of heatstroke) 

I've never walked so far in my life sightseeing and soaking up the culture! so when you are walking around Rome do make sure you have comfortable airy shoes  I did wear my walking shoes one day with comfortable insoles but then just wore my Fit flops after that.

They say Rome wasn't built in a day but it has certainly given me a kickstart in the fitness steaks.  . (Oooooh steak )

Of course when in Rome you eat as the Italians do 

When coming to Rome do pack an empty water bottle as there as so many water fountains around Rome where you can fill your water bottle up for free don't buy from people flagging water in the street for one Euro, buy water from supermarkets when you need to.

Public transport is easy and cheap in Rome you can either take the Metro or bus we used the public where I have to say you can't be shy about your personal space !

Personally I don't think you really need to take a bus tour in Rome but you could do if you're short of time.Once you've taken the bus or Metro it is really easy to walk to your chosen destination such as the Trevi fountain, Vatican City and so forth.