Yesterday was my parents' and Karl's last day with me in Scotland. We decided to spend the day around Stirling instead of trying to fit in another day trip, so it was nice and relaxing! After having breakfast at the bed and breakfast (The lady was so nice and let me eat breakfast there with them in the mornings), we went out to finish everyone's missions. First, I had a pile of stuff to send home with them, so Dad helped me get that together and bring it back to the b&b. Then, Mom really wanted a British cookbook, so we looked around at different stores to compare her options, and Dad wanted to find a tie in a specific tartan, so he and Karl went to take care of that.
It was a day of running various errands, but it was actually really fun! When Mom and I were looking for her bookstore, we went up a street I had never been to before. There is an "Olde Sweet Shoppe" at the top of it, some cafes, bakeries, and restaurants I haven't tried...and of course, the most important, Dominos Pizza! It was really cool! I definitely need to go back up and check it out!
After getting everything settled and ready for their early morning departure, we went to go see The Most Exotic Marigold Hotel, because I knew they would really like it. We had originally planned to go to a restaurant Mom and I had found, but couldn't resist my Indian take-away, Chico's, so we ate there instead. So, so yummy! He told Mom and Dad that he would take care of me :)
They all walked me back to my flat, and we had to say goodbye, which I really hate. I know I will continue to have a fantastic time here, but watching them leave was definitely not easy. I think I am so blessed though, because I genuinely enjoy my family's company so much, and we have such great times together. Being away helps me see what a huge part of my life they are, and I'm happy about that!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Another Day In Edinburgh!
Today we spent another fun day in Edinburgh! Since the family had already seen all of the necessary tourist spots, we mainly focused on walking the royal mile, and going into shops that we had only window shopped in the day before. It was a pretty relaxing day, and it felt like the time just flew by!
One thing we got to do that we hadn't before was climb up Arthur's Seat. It was so so windy, but the view of Edinburgh and the surrounding areas from up there is just gorgeous! Plus it was fun to stretch our legs and get our hearts going a bit. Plus we needed to built up appetites for more shortbread!
I purchased a few pieces of Queen Victoria china when I was in London with Rebecca, and today as my souvenir, my parents bought me the last two pieces to make a full set--the creamer and sugar bowl! I'm so excited, because now I can have a tea for two with all one set of really pretty china! I eventually want to get more cups and saucers and plates (since I only have two of each), and also dinner plates, but I definitely have a promising start. Yahoo!
When we got back to Stirling, we went back to Molly Malone's for dinner with Amanda, which was really fun. None of us were hungry enough for dessert though, which means it's all about the toffee pudding tomorrow. That is non-negotiable.
Tomorrow is the last day the family is going to be in Scotland :( I really don't want them to leave...I think they should just move here for the next 11 weeks! It has been so much fun having them here and I'm not ready for it to end, but I suppose all good things have to come to a close eventually. We will be spending the day out and about Stirling, maybe going back up to the castle, and then taking a walk along the old city wall, which should be fun!
Until later!
One thing we got to do that we hadn't before was climb up Arthur's Seat. It was so so windy, but the view of Edinburgh and the surrounding areas from up there is just gorgeous! Plus it was fun to stretch our legs and get our hearts going a bit. Plus we needed to built up appetites for more shortbread!
I purchased a few pieces of Queen Victoria china when I was in London with Rebecca, and today as my souvenir, my parents bought me the last two pieces to make a full set--the creamer and sugar bowl! I'm so excited, because now I can have a tea for two with all one set of really pretty china! I eventually want to get more cups and saucers and plates (since I only have two of each), and also dinner plates, but I definitely have a promising start. Yahoo!
When we got back to Stirling, we went back to Molly Malone's for dinner with Amanda, which was really fun. None of us were hungry enough for dessert though, which means it's all about the toffee pudding tomorrow. That is non-negotiable.
Tomorrow is the last day the family is going to be in Scotland :( I really don't want them to leave...I think they should just move here for the next 11 weeks! It has been so much fun having them here and I'm not ready for it to end, but I suppose all good things have to come to a close eventually. We will be spending the day out and about Stirling, maybe going back up to the castle, and then taking a walk along the old city wall, which should be fun!
Until later!
Fish, Chips, and More Ghosts!
This is going to be a very fast entry, because I need to meet up with my family again in a few minutes. Yesterday we went to Oban! Even thought the train ride was a little bit long, it was SUCH a fun trip. Oban is so beautiful. It's basically like an older Seattle that never turned into a major city, so it has the ocean side charm, mixed with the old world charm I love about Scotland. Amazing.
We went to The George Street Fish and Chips for lunch when we got there, which was supposedly the best fish and chips in the area. We all basically died and went to heaven. It was AMAZING! I have never ever had fish and chips that good before. Totally worth a trip back up to Oban so I can try it again!
After feeding ourselves and some seagulls, we made the trek up to Dunolli Castle, which used to be a MacDougal castle, but now is just ruins. Having seen the castle, we made our way back down to Dunolli house, where the real fun began! Two ladies, Elise and Catherine, made our visit to Dunolli house a completely worthwhile and enjoyable time. First, Elise took us on a tour of the house, and was able to show us the most amazing things. We saw portraits of people, and then were able to see, immediately after, the actual clothes they were wearing in the portrait. How cool is that? Being able to connect with history on this level really made it come alive for all of us. We realized again that history isn't just a story, like it's sometimes easy to think, these people were really alive!
We got a reminder that these people really existed when we went down for tea, following the tour. The housekeeper had made scones that blew my mind, they were so good! I know I go on and on about the food, but believe me. You have not had scones until you have tried those. During tea, we were talking about all sorts of cool historical pieces, and then we got into the ghost stories! I am going to leave the ghost stories for another blog, but suffice to say, we were all creeped out by the time we left!
We had to get back on the train to Stirling pretty immediately, and then had a fun train picnic of oat cakes, cheese, carrots, digestives, and ginger beer! It was a really fun time, and I can't wait for more adventures today!
Ta!
We went to The George Street Fish and Chips for lunch when we got there, which was supposedly the best fish and chips in the area. We all basically died and went to heaven. It was AMAZING! I have never ever had fish and chips that good before. Totally worth a trip back up to Oban so I can try it again!
After feeding ourselves and some seagulls, we made the trek up to Dunolli Castle, which used to be a MacDougal castle, but now is just ruins. Having seen the castle, we made our way back down to Dunolli house, where the real fun began! Two ladies, Elise and Catherine, made our visit to Dunolli house a completely worthwhile and enjoyable time. First, Elise took us on a tour of the house, and was able to show us the most amazing things. We saw portraits of people, and then were able to see, immediately after, the actual clothes they were wearing in the portrait. How cool is that? Being able to connect with history on this level really made it come alive for all of us. We realized again that history isn't just a story, like it's sometimes easy to think, these people were really alive!
We got a reminder that these people really existed when we went down for tea, following the tour. The housekeeper had made scones that blew my mind, they were so good! I know I go on and on about the food, but believe me. You have not had scones until you have tried those. During tea, we were talking about all sorts of cool historical pieces, and then we got into the ghost stories! I am going to leave the ghost stories for another blog, but suffice to say, we were all creeped out by the time we left!
We had to get back on the train to Stirling pretty immediately, and then had a fun train picnic of oat cakes, cheese, carrots, digestives, and ginger beer! It was a really fun time, and I can't wait for more adventures today!
Ta!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Edinburgh Castle, Cullen Skink, and Spooky Underground Tours!
Yesterday we went to see Edinburgh! Mom and I had a nice conversation on the train ride there, and figured out my short term life plan :) It was actually really nice to talk stuff through and get advice, and I'm feeling much better and calmer about my post-Scotland plans!
When we got into Edinburgh, we got right onto the Royal Mile. I showed them the Elephant House, we went by to pet Greyfriar's Bobbie, and then headed up to the castle! I had actually not toured the inside of the castle yet, so it was great fun to be able to see it! It sounds a little dumb to say, but castles are so huge! They seriously go on forever. We got a guided tour though, which really is the way to see places like that. Otherwise, you would probably miss a lot of it. Plus, we had dad, so we basically got two tours at once! Good deal!
After the castle, we wandered back down the mile, and stopped at a pub for lunch, where I tried Cullen Skink for the first time! It's basically clam chowder, except made with haddock and a slightly lighter milk base than clam chowder. Very very tasty! I definitely want to have it again. Then, we decided to try cranachan, because it's supposed to be an unmissable Scottish dessert. Turns out, you can miss it. It's basically just a lot of cream, which doesn't really suit any of us...we like our desserts intense (like the toffee pudding at Molly Malone's...HOLY COW that's AMAZING).
Following lunch, we took our time window shopping down the rest of the mile, stopping whenever a shop caught one of our eyes. It was a really relaxing and enjoyable time. Down at the bottom, at Holy Rood House, we debated climbing Arthur's Seat, but it was getting dark and we didn't want a repeat of my attempt with Erika! So we walked back up, mom and I taking note of tea places so that when we go back later in the week we can have a nice tea.
When we got back up to the church, we decided to take on of the haunted tours of Edinburgh. The one that sounded the best to us was the underground one. The tour guide took us down into these tunnels, essentially, that run under Edinburgh. They were places for merchants to store their goods, but because the underground tunnels were built with limestone, all the moisture ruined their products. So, the merchants evacuated the area, and the scum of 17th century Edinburgh moved in. The tunnels go on on and on, but the tour only consisted of a small chunk of it. Believe me though, that was enough! It was so dark and clammy and creepy in there. Our tour guide told us about the sightings of various ghosts and the like down there. I have to say, it's easy when you're sitting in the sun somewhere to say that you don't believe in stuff like that, but when you're down in places like that, you really start to wonder.
After our tour we caught the train back to Stirling, and tried to find a place for dinner! I was originally going to show them my favorite curry place, but they were out of lamb, which is my favorite, so we decided to try again tomorrow (now today). The only other place still open, since restaurants close early here, was a Chinese buffet. But, it was actually tasty! I was pleasantly surprised, and would definitely go back. We also didn't realize how hungry we all were after a light lunch hours earlier.
After dinner they walked me back to my flat, and I gave them Rick Steves for their trip to Glasgow today. Since I had class today I couldn't go with them, which was unfortunate, but it's the only day I'm missing, so it's really not that bad. And I get to see them again in less than an hour to try my curry place again!
It has been so fantastic to have my family here and be able to show them all of my favorite places in Scotland so far. Tomorrow we're doing a day trip to Oban, which I haven't been to before, so I'm really excited! Dad went before, and he heard that the best fish and chips place is up there, so that's definitely something to look forward to! Also the scenery is supposed to be amazing or something.
XOXO!
When we got into Edinburgh, we got right onto the Royal Mile. I showed them the Elephant House, we went by to pet Greyfriar's Bobbie, and then headed up to the castle! I had actually not toured the inside of the castle yet, so it was great fun to be able to see it! It sounds a little dumb to say, but castles are so huge! They seriously go on forever. We got a guided tour though, which really is the way to see places like that. Otherwise, you would probably miss a lot of it. Plus, we had dad, so we basically got two tours at once! Good deal!
After the castle, we wandered back down the mile, and stopped at a pub for lunch, where I tried Cullen Skink for the first time! It's basically clam chowder, except made with haddock and a slightly lighter milk base than clam chowder. Very very tasty! I definitely want to have it again. Then, we decided to try cranachan, because it's supposed to be an unmissable Scottish dessert. Turns out, you can miss it. It's basically just a lot of cream, which doesn't really suit any of us...we like our desserts intense (like the toffee pudding at Molly Malone's...HOLY COW that's AMAZING).
Following lunch, we took our time window shopping down the rest of the mile, stopping whenever a shop caught one of our eyes. It was a really relaxing and enjoyable time. Down at the bottom, at Holy Rood House, we debated climbing Arthur's Seat, but it was getting dark and we didn't want a repeat of my attempt with Erika! So we walked back up, mom and I taking note of tea places so that when we go back later in the week we can have a nice tea.
When we got back up to the church, we decided to take on of the haunted tours of Edinburgh. The one that sounded the best to us was the underground one. The tour guide took us down into these tunnels, essentially, that run under Edinburgh. They were places for merchants to store their goods, but because the underground tunnels were built with limestone, all the moisture ruined their products. So, the merchants evacuated the area, and the scum of 17th century Edinburgh moved in. The tunnels go on on and on, but the tour only consisted of a small chunk of it. Believe me though, that was enough! It was so dark and clammy and creepy in there. Our tour guide told us about the sightings of various ghosts and the like down there. I have to say, it's easy when you're sitting in the sun somewhere to say that you don't believe in stuff like that, but when you're down in places like that, you really start to wonder.
After our tour we caught the train back to Stirling, and tried to find a place for dinner! I was originally going to show them my favorite curry place, but they were out of lamb, which is my favorite, so we decided to try again tomorrow (now today). The only other place still open, since restaurants close early here, was a Chinese buffet. But, it was actually tasty! I was pleasantly surprised, and would definitely go back. We also didn't realize how hungry we all were after a light lunch hours earlier.
After dinner they walked me back to my flat, and I gave them Rick Steves for their trip to Glasgow today. Since I had class today I couldn't go with them, which was unfortunate, but it's the only day I'm missing, so it's really not that bad. And I get to see them again in less than an hour to try my curry place again!
It has been so fantastic to have my family here and be able to show them all of my favorite places in Scotland so far. Tomorrow we're doing a day trip to Oban, which I haven't been to before, so I'm really excited! Dad went before, and he heard that the best fish and chips place is up there, so that's definitely something to look forward to! Also the scenery is supposed to be amazing or something.
XOXO!
Bringing the family to Stirling!
On Sunday my parents and Karl got to Scotland!! I caught the first train from Stirling to Edinburgh to meet them at the train station, and I accidentally got off a stop early because I was so anxious to see them! Luckily I realized my mistake quickly and jumped back on.
After meeting up, we caught the train immediately back into Stirling, got them situated, and then went to my favorite pub in Stirling, Molly Malone's, for a bite of lunch. Karl got fish and chips, dad got haggis, mom got an Irish take on a savory crepe, and I got ham and eggs! It was all really delicious, and we got to share...including dad! We all tried haggis. It was actually not bad. I wouldn't order it myself, but it wasn't as awful as I was anticipating, and now I can say that I've tried it! So that was good.
After lunch, we walked up and toured Stirling castle, which took a few hours since it's relatively extensive. We stopped for some tea and scones after the castle, and they all realized how tired they were, so they went back to the b&b to relax and get ready for the next day!
After meeting up, we caught the train immediately back into Stirling, got them situated, and then went to my favorite pub in Stirling, Molly Malone's, for a bite of lunch. Karl got fish and chips, dad got haggis, mom got an Irish take on a savory crepe, and I got ham and eggs! It was all really delicious, and we got to share...including dad! We all tried haggis. It was actually not bad. I wouldn't order it myself, but it wasn't as awful as I was anticipating, and now I can say that I've tried it! So that was good.
After lunch, we walked up and toured Stirling castle, which took a few hours since it's relatively extensive. We stopped for some tea and scones after the castle, and they all realized how tired they were, so they went back to the b&b to relax and get ready for the next day!
Glasgow!
I haven't had a chance to update my blog in a while, so I'm playing a little bit of catch up today! Last Saturday, the 10th, Amanda and I went to check out Glasgow. We had run through it when we got on the wrong train two weeks before, but we wanted to actually check out the city! We did the Rick Steves walking tour, which was really good, as always! That man is a genius!
The first stop on the walking tour was the lighthouse, which has fantastic views of the city. There was some sort of event going on, we couldn't figure out what, but the top observation floor was closed for the day! We were really bummed, but then this old man told us that they were still setting up, so we should just take the elevator up and say we didn't know. So, that's what we did! Luckily there wasn't anybody up there even, so we got to take a look and get our pictures! It was really pretty, and it was also a clear day so we could see pretty far.
After the lighthouse, the walking tour pretty much just consisted of architectural designs and the like. So there wasn't anything really dramatic, but it was a nice walk around the city and we felt like we got the city down pretty well.
Before going home, we took a ride on the Ferris wheel, because Amanda was very excited by it! It was fun to see more of the city, and the little kid in me was thrilled to be on a ride :)
Overall, it was a pretty relaxing day! We caught the train and were home by dinner! I think we don't need to go back from a tourist perspective, but there is definitely a lot of shopping and great restaurants and pubs we wanted to check out! Until then, Glasgow!
Ciao!
The first stop on the walking tour was the lighthouse, which has fantastic views of the city. There was some sort of event going on, we couldn't figure out what, but the top observation floor was closed for the day! We were really bummed, but then this old man told us that they were still setting up, so we should just take the elevator up and say we didn't know. So, that's what we did! Luckily there wasn't anybody up there even, so we got to take a look and get our pictures! It was really pretty, and it was also a clear day so we could see pretty far.
After the lighthouse, the walking tour pretty much just consisted of architectural designs and the like. So there wasn't anything really dramatic, but it was a nice walk around the city and we felt like we got the city down pretty well.
Before going home, we took a ride on the Ferris wheel, because Amanda was very excited by it! It was fun to see more of the city, and the little kid in me was thrilled to be on a ride :)
Overall, it was a pretty relaxing day! We caught the train and were home by dinner! I think we don't need to go back from a tourist perspective, but there is definitely a lot of shopping and great restaurants and pubs we wanted to check out! Until then, Glasgow!
Ciao!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Weird Collision of Two Worlds!
A few days ago, I found out that a friend from WSU who graduated a year ago, Erika, was randomly coming to visit Scotland! Another reason why social media is amazing - if it hadn't been for Facebook we would never have known!
On Wednesday I went up to spend the day in Edinburgh with her. We went to the Elephant House again, partially because I love it, and partially because Erika has an obsession for elephants, so we were both happy. Really, we just kind of wandered around, did some shopping on Prince's street, and ate dinner at a cute pub below the castle. After dinner we decided to use whatever daylight we had left to walk up Arthur's Seat, this ancient volcanic plug. Basically it's a huge, rocky hill. We didn't get too far up, because it was getting dark and all I knew about Arthur's Seat was that the main detective in the British detective series "Case Histories" found a dead body up there once. I decided to wait and tell Erika about that until we were back into central Edinburgh. What we did see though, was beautiful, and I really want go back up in the daylight!
I ended up staying the night so that we could explore some of Edinburgh's pub scene together, but since I had class at 10 the next morning I had to leave at the crack of dawn. I was a little bit nervous while I walked through Edinburgh before the sun started to come up, plus a little bit grumpy from lack of sleep. All of that faded away though, when I saw the sun rise over the Scottish scenery on the train ride home. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
On Saturday morning, Erika came up to spend a few days in Stirling. It was really fun to be able to show someone else around my little town, and made me feel for the first time like Stirling is my home, or at least my safe place. Since there's not too much to see in Stirling, we went to check out Loch Lomond, which is Scotland's largest freshwater lake. Just our luck, my first day of real rain was the day we chose to do an outdoor activity! But the loch was really pretty, and it's always fun to go see something different.
We spent Sunday poking around Stirling, walking up to the castle, looking in some of the little shops, just kind of having a relaxed day in town. For dinner, I took Erika to my favorite little whole in the wall, a tiny curry take-away place. This small old man owns it, and he's the only one who ever works there. The last time I had gone, I asked for spicy, and he was really worried that it was too spicy for me, but it wasn't spicy enough! So this time, Erika and I both told him that we wanted it really spicy. Holy Moley, did we get spicy! We sat on my room floor, eating our curries, crying from the heat and laughing at the situation. It was really delicious though!
It was very odd to see Erika in Scotland. It's kind of like your brain boxes things up. The friends who I have made here, the places I've gone, everything is put into my Scotland box. And everything from home is in its own separate box. So having Erika in this other world was very, very odd and actually kind of surreal. It was so much fun though, and made me very excited to show my parents and Karl around in less than a week!
On Wednesday I went up to spend the day in Edinburgh with her. We went to the Elephant House again, partially because I love it, and partially because Erika has an obsession for elephants, so we were both happy. Really, we just kind of wandered around, did some shopping on Prince's street, and ate dinner at a cute pub below the castle. After dinner we decided to use whatever daylight we had left to walk up Arthur's Seat, this ancient volcanic plug. Basically it's a huge, rocky hill. We didn't get too far up, because it was getting dark and all I knew about Arthur's Seat was that the main detective in the British detective series "Case Histories" found a dead body up there once. I decided to wait and tell Erika about that until we were back into central Edinburgh. What we did see though, was beautiful, and I really want go back up in the daylight!
I ended up staying the night so that we could explore some of Edinburgh's pub scene together, but since I had class at 10 the next morning I had to leave at the crack of dawn. I was a little bit nervous while I walked through Edinburgh before the sun started to come up, plus a little bit grumpy from lack of sleep. All of that faded away though, when I saw the sun rise over the Scottish scenery on the train ride home. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
On Saturday morning, Erika came up to spend a few days in Stirling. It was really fun to be able to show someone else around my little town, and made me feel for the first time like Stirling is my home, or at least my safe place. Since there's not too much to see in Stirling, we went to check out Loch Lomond, which is Scotland's largest freshwater lake. Just our luck, my first day of real rain was the day we chose to do an outdoor activity! But the loch was really pretty, and it's always fun to go see something different.
We spent Sunday poking around Stirling, walking up to the castle, looking in some of the little shops, just kind of having a relaxed day in town. For dinner, I took Erika to my favorite little whole in the wall, a tiny curry take-away place. This small old man owns it, and he's the only one who ever works there. The last time I had gone, I asked for spicy, and he was really worried that it was too spicy for me, but it wasn't spicy enough! So this time, Erika and I both told him that we wanted it really spicy. Holy Moley, did we get spicy! We sat on my room floor, eating our curries, crying from the heat and laughing at the situation. It was really delicious though!
It was very odd to see Erika in Scotland. It's kind of like your brain boxes things up. The friends who I have made here, the places I've gone, everything is put into my Scotland box. And everything from home is in its own separate box. So having Erika in this other world was very, very odd and actually kind of surreal. It was so much fun though, and made me very excited to show my parents and Karl around in less than a week!
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