The cheeses

Hi all,

As you can see I'm actively trying to catch up to my actual life. I'm in the plane now ~ SPOILER ~ but I won't give away where I'm going. You'll read about it soon enough!

It has taken a few months. But I can now officially say I've had a real Cambridge experience: a formal dinner. People have been talking about it all the time, but I was never able to join in on the conversation. People would react astonished and slightly offended, when I mentioned I'd never been to one. So now, my team finally organized  to go to one together (thank you, Julia!); at St. Catharine's College!

The pre-drinks started at 7pm, so we were all supposed to be at the gates of the college by 6:50pm. Of course the lab work took more time then I intended, so I ended up hastily changing from my sloppy work outfit to a little black dress in the toilets of the lab, quickly fixing my make-up and leaving too late to arrive in time. Luckily my loving Turkish friend was late too, so we arrived together and first went to buy some wine (you had to bring your own) to eventually get there even more late ~ fashionable.

The pre-drinks were at the bar of the college, which actually looks like a real bar, and included prosecco (I think, at least it was served in a champagne glass). Güniz and I kinda had to chuck it as we were late. Everyone looked amazing! All together we moved to the actual dining room.

Wooden tables and chairs put in long rows, tables set with cutlery for two courses, numerous bottles of wine, and everybody dressed up nicely, some people wearing gowns (which is obligatory for members of the college). We had to stand at our seat, waiting for the sign to sit down. Meanwhile waiting, suddenly a women from the staff approached me, pointing at my shoes, and telling me I am not allowed to wear sneakers... First of all, I wasn't aware they were sneakers (they are boat shoes) and second, it was the best thing I had!! She asked me whether I had a different pair - yeah, I always bring 5 other pair of shoes wherever I go - but I replied that I did not have any ("I am so sorry..!!" - hehe) and eventually she walked off annoyed. Luckily she did not cash me outside..

At some point someone started murmuring something in Latin (I guess, seems legit) and after we were all allowed to take our seat. The whole thing felt just like I was part of a dining scene at Hogwarts. The dinner was a three course menu (starter: grilled mackerel fillets with a roasted beetroot and quinoa salad and salsa verde, main: confit duck leg with red wine sauce, pommes puree, curly kale, and green beans, dessert: black forest slice, cheese and biscuits) and it it was all served neatly - left side only. It was very delicious! I drank a whole bottle of wine by myself as well. The cheeses - omg the cheeses!! - were served with port, omnom. I couldn't stop eating..!
Eventually I had to leave the cheese behind. We went for a final drink in the bar again, played some fuss ball (why they suddenly use a German-like word I am not sure) and eventually went home around 11:30 because the bar closed - again.. of course.. you wouldn't want to prevent anyone from sleep right? 

An absolutely great experience! Loved the people & loved the food (I won't mention the cheeses again). Upcoming, in some weeks, I will have another Cambridge event.. definitely going to buy the right shoes!

Love to you all <3