Background

So you can find the hidden doors
to places no one's been before
and the pride you'll feel inside
is not the kind that makes you fall,
it's the kind that recognises...
the bigness found in being small.

-- A. A. Miln

This year, I have told my parent that it is not necessary for them to come because the event should be exactly the same as when I received my MPhil degree, which they have already experience (same place, same dress and even the same blue hood!). One of Cambridge's strange tradition is that it asks the alumni to wear their previous Cambridge degree (e.g. MPhil dress) to take the new degree (e.g. PhD) so that an only different in my dress is a string on my gown.

Therefore, I have decided to invited my close Cambridge friends to join the guest lunch instead. The first one is P' Mod, my newnhamite big sister and one of my main proof-readers, with whom I have shared a house in my final PhD year (2003). The second is P' Boy who kindly volunterred to be my honourary photographer and one of the best friends in many events since year 2000.

The third one is khun Aun+ (Chatchai Unahabhokha), who is my boyfriend and has taken care of me well since 2002. He has always been my victim who have to help me on almost everything in my final hectic PhD period.

Overview

One must learn by doing the thing,
for though you think you know it,
you have no certainty until you try.

-- Aristotle

After the meal, P' Boy, P' Mod, Khun Aun+ and me went around Newnham and the surrounded area to take some 'studio-style' photos. Although the weather that day was not as excellent as when I had my sunshine MPhil congregation, it was not too bad in my oppinion (e.g. only too cloudy but no rain).

P' Boy's photographic skill becomes very nice these day (see the picture on the left). I'm sure that he will be a professional photographer soon. And also, khun Aun+ who has kindly volunteer to shot some 'behind-the-scene' photos for me proof to have some artistic skill as well (see the picture above).

We have got around one hour before my congregation session at the senate house (3pm). So, we decided to take as many photos as possible because my schedule afterward can be a bit tight (and I have to return my gown & hood that evening).

Implementation

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference.

-- Robert Frost

There were no parade to the senate house this year because there were only 5 students from newnham college to receive the degree. So, I decided to take my little poor bike along to be used after the late-night party, which will definitely be organised later on.

The very interesting things on that day was the flags. This wave nicely on most of the colleges (due to the strong wind that day) as shown in the photo above.

Picture on the left is me with the Mathematicial bridge @ queen college (with Cambridge tourists on the punt) which is the Cambridge symbolic scene that I will definitely miss when I go back...

My life in Cambridge is like a dream... it has been almost five years that I have been here (1 year MPhil + 3 years PhD + 8 months full-time post-doc research associate fellow). Cambridge is a lovely little beautiful city, which I have felt in love since the first day that I arrive...

...That time, my dad told me that I should keep going because the best thing that human can do is to have a 'responsibility' in our own choices. Then, after a couple of years, I have experience that his teaching is truly rewarding. Finally, I have managed to complete another route of my journey :)

And yes, here I am, in an impressive moment when a number of nice friends joined my little photographic session in the Senate's house's court yard. First of all, thank P' Ayuth, P' Mod and Aun+ to be my guests and attend the main event in the Senate house. Also, thanks Nong^ C for a lovely flower that last for 3 weeks!

The above picture on the left is my comp lab friends Marco, Huiyun, P' Boy and Leo whom I must thank for coming (note: Leo's LSE will join with comp lab soon). The above picture on the right can be catagorised as the Thainight dressing team: Sirirat, Mew and Por.

The picture on the right is the north house gang where nong^ C sustitute our absent nong^ Boon who was in Thailand during that time.

The picture below on is me with khun Aun+ once again (^_^) and on its left shows my early guests group photos (from left to right): Lyn, P' Tam, P' Ayuth, P' Mod, Jakr, me, P' Boy, Sirirat, C, Or^, Leo, Marco and Huiyun.

Result

All that we are is the result of
what we have thought.

-- Buddha

The photo session could not be complete if I miss this most famous Cambridge's symbol: the elegant King chapel (viewing from the river Cam). This is exactly a postcard view with myself wearing a gown in front of it ;-)

The picture below is my lucky moment that I have found our Thai MPhil students along the way (from left to right): Nong^ Pae, nong^ Kai and nong^ Coer. And yes, last but not least, the picture on the right (below) shows another "the-must" photo. It is me and the graduation bear whom I used to took a photo with when I graduated with my MPhil degree last time. This time I decided to get closer (^_^).

Conclusions

The day of work is done.
Hide my face in your arms, mother.
Let me dream.

-- Rabindranath Tagor

After that, Aun+ kindly organised a graduation cerebration (+ more) in the Bun shop, which is a spanish restaurant (Tapas menu + cocktails). The guests who come to join the party are: C, P' Ayuth, Or^, Leo, Marco, P' Boy, Krit, Oad, P' Mu and Knot.