It all began when we boarded our train that morning and were "lucky" enough to be in the coach with 3 "stag" parties. (There was one "hen" party in another coach, but it was very quiet and civilized.) The three stag parties were each unique. One fun loving, friendly and talkative; one all dressed as characters--one was dressed as John McEnroe) and the third...the rowdiest, loudest people we have all ever heard or been "lucky" enough to be trapped in the small space of our coach with. All three stag parties had a common thread (besides being stag parties)...they all had numerous suitcases of gigantic beers.
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| View of canola fields from the train. |
Once we arrived, we had to take our luggage to our hotel. It was a very quaint little place that was a warren of rooms. Sam and I were given the flat so we didn't stay in the main building with the students.
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| Nice stairwell at hotel. |
We dragged all 25 people and luggage on foot (of course) to the hotel and then headed off for a bus tour of the city.
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| Sir Walter Scott Monument |
Where Robert Louis Stevens was inspired to write The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Now a bar.
Heard the saying "Daylight Robbery?" William Penn instituted a window tax. All houses with more than 10 windows were taxed. Smart people beat the system by blocking out the windows but keeping the concept.
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| Guiness Book of World Records, Smallest Shop |
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| Edinburg Castle at the top of the hill |
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| The very modern Scottish Parliament building |
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| Gates into Parliament |
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| Windows in Scotland's Parliament |
Salisbury Crags
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| Beautiful! The gorse was blooming everywhere! |
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| The hike to Arthur's Seat |
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| View of the city from the train station |
As we left the busy concrete and metal of the capital city of Edinburg, we noticed distinctly a change in the brilliant green and beautiful scenery.
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| Guardy loo! Sam's on the loo! What you called before you dropped your slop or waste! |
Our next stop took us through many valleys, lochs and beautiful landscape.
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| The River Teith |
At the Inverery Castle the students explored some trails, ventured into the castle and overall spent some quality time outside of the bus. Home of the Duke of Argyle---also the head of the Campbell clan.
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| These are some of the biggest Rhododendren I have ever seen! |
The next stop was the Rest and Be Thankful Stop. A part of the old stagecoach pathway--you can see why people would appreciate a stop here. Perilous and beautiful.
Loch Lomond
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| Just for scale |
Sunday morning, we checked out and headed to tour Edinburg Castle. On this day, The Queen was visiting and there were many formalities around the city.
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| View from the top of the castle |
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| I love this picture...couple kissing on bench in background |
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| Toni, Sam and bunch of strangers...couldn't get a shot w/ out people |
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| More great views |
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| Mary Queen of Scott's Sitting Room ceiling. |
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| Mary Queen of Scots room |
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| Regimental mascots and officer's dogs buried here from 1837-1901 |
A presentation of armor and protection took place in the Great Hall. A volunteer helped out.
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| On watch |
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| No! Not the Gaol! |
Everyone is probably familiar with the story of Greyfriar's Bobby? There was a Disney film
(I think) about this dog that stayed by his Master's graveside for 14 years. Recently, an academic (damn! those academics!) uncovered that the whole thing was a hoax to make a profit, and that in fact, there were at least two dogs who came to the cemetery. No matter, the story is sweet and the pub and statue still stand, as well as the expensive head stone.
There are some really different-looking headstones in this cemetery.
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| Perhaps a pirate? |
Scotland was beautiful. The trip was fabulous. I would go back.
Signing off!
Toni
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