"Thank you and welcome to Edinburgh," came the captain's voice as the plane pulled into the airport. After an arduous 6.5 hour journey to get to Scotland's capital, Victoria and I were thrilled to finally hear those words. Our adventures started with a bang when we couldn't find our bus (because the stop had been closed and sent somewhere else in the airport). We ended up running through a mud puddle in a desperate dash to catch our ride. Our hostess was lovely and her house felt like home away from home.
We dumped our things in our room and immediately hit the city. Our first move was - of course - afternoon tea! We went to a small place called 'Anteaques'. It was an antique shop with tables throughout. The rest of the day was our orientation to the city - we had a day bus pass, so a large part of that was riding buses in circles just to see where they led to.
Friday we met Victoria's mother's cousins who live out in Larbert. We took a bus to Falkirk, where they picked us up in a BMW 360d manual 6-speed convertible. It was a pretty exciting ride. The day was lovely as they took us to landmarks, both old and new.
Saturday we headed out to Dunbar (30 miles east). We walked on the beach, got tea, wandered old graveyards, and visited Scotland's oldest brewery. 'Graze: Chocolate and Coffee' is now in the running for best cream tea.
Today was spent wandering Edinburgh. We visited St. Cuthbert's Parish Church where Victoria's ancestors were married in the 1840s. The church was beautiful, with ornate paintings, sculptures and stained glass. After that we accidentally stumbled upon a Remembrance Day (Veteran's Day) Parade complete with a Brass Marching Band as well as a traditional Bagpipe March. This was a highlight of the day. We attended both morning worship and an evening concert at St. Giles Cathedral. The afternoon consisted of tea and souvenir shopping. 'Curious Tea Shops' definitely takes the cake (or should I say scone) for themed tea rooms. With each room decorated differently, this shop is based around Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. Since this is one of my favorite books, I was more than thrilled to find this place.
I am writing to you while sitting in a pub waiting for our bus. Scotland has definitely won a place in my heart. It lives up to all its praises and I wish I could spend more time here (at this rate, I may start crying when I land in Norway - Yes, Victoria is warned and ready to hand me tissues :P ). I will be sure to post with photos at some point this week, but hopefully this shall be enough to keep you all on the edge of your seats.
Tonight consists of a 9-hour megabus ride. This is going to be one long night.... (but so worth it of course). :)
Cheers!
Beth
We dumped our things in our room and immediately hit the city. Our first move was - of course - afternoon tea! We went to a small place called 'Anteaques'. It was an antique shop with tables throughout. The rest of the day was our orientation to the city - we had a day bus pass, so a large part of that was riding buses in circles just to see where they led to.
Friday we met Victoria's mother's cousins who live out in Larbert. We took a bus to Falkirk, where they picked us up in a BMW 360d manual 6-speed convertible. It was a pretty exciting ride. The day was lovely as they took us to landmarks, both old and new.
Saturday we headed out to Dunbar (30 miles east). We walked on the beach, got tea, wandered old graveyards, and visited Scotland's oldest brewery. 'Graze: Chocolate and Coffee' is now in the running for best cream tea.
Today was spent wandering Edinburgh. We visited St. Cuthbert's Parish Church where Victoria's ancestors were married in the 1840s. The church was beautiful, with ornate paintings, sculptures and stained glass. After that we accidentally stumbled upon a Remembrance Day (Veteran's Day) Parade complete with a Brass Marching Band as well as a traditional Bagpipe March. This was a highlight of the day. We attended both morning worship and an evening concert at St. Giles Cathedral. The afternoon consisted of tea and souvenir shopping. 'Curious Tea Shops' definitely takes the cake (or should I say scone) for themed tea rooms. With each room decorated differently, this shop is based around Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. Since this is one of my favorite books, I was more than thrilled to find this place.
I am writing to you while sitting in a pub waiting for our bus. Scotland has definitely won a place in my heart. It lives up to all its praises and I wish I could spend more time here (at this rate, I may start crying when I land in Norway - Yes, Victoria is warned and ready to hand me tissues :P ). I will be sure to post with photos at some point this week, but hopefully this shall be enough to keep you all on the edge of your seats.
Tonight consists of a 9-hour megabus ride. This is going to be one long night.... (but so worth it of course). :)
Cheers!
Beth
Sounds delectable!!! Pictures!! I am calling for pictures!!! :)
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