I admit to being way behind in posting about our trip. Life got in the way and then I started and then promptly lost what I was writing…at any rate. I will try again.
Back in May Kevin, Chris and I packed up and headed off to Scotland to visit Kevin’s brother and family. This was my first overseas trip – hard to imagine since I was a military brat growing up – but that’s the way it is. I can’t tell you how excited I was for this trip. The idea of getting to see a part of Europe, see places I had read about and seen in movies was enough to get me giddy. Getting to see Dan, Sarah and Hazel – good grief – its no wonder I couldn’t sleep for about 2 days before we left!
Upon our arrival in Glasgow our biggest challenge was staying awake to try and get our selves in the right time zone. Thankfully, Dan & Sarah have done this with other visitors and have the right plan of attack. We walked over to visit the University of Glasgow, not far from their apartment. It was just far enough to keep us awake and going and not fall asleep in our dinner later.
I think nearly everyone in the family has had their picture taken here! Can you tell we love the architecture?
Hazel and her well traveled monkey!
Kevin & Susie - University in the background. Gorgeous park!
After a good night’s sleep and a wonderful breakfast (Sarah is a fantastic cook!), we headed off to see the sights in Glasgow with Sarah and Hazel. Of course one of the first shops we hit was Cath Kidston. Girlie heaven! Trying to contain myself and not damage the budget for the rest of the trip was really difficult! After Hazel and Sarah headed home for naptime, the three of us wondered around the town and eventually ended up in a little Tapas place for lunch. Totally yummy!
The next day Kevin, Chris & I ventured out to Edinburgh on our own. Kevin had been there before with Dan and knew how to get around with the trains, etc. We toured Edinburgh Castle, had lunch just off the Royal Mile and then wandered into another section of town and came across the largest used book/rummage sale I have ever seen! A couple of churches put together this sale every year during Christian Aid week. There were books everywhere, in and outside the church. Chris was very excited – he did buy some books and spent a very happy hour or so perusing the tables. We then walked up Calton Hill to the highest point in Edinburgh – it is also the location of a national monument, started – but not finished when the money ran out. After that we headed back down to town and Kevin took Chris and I out to the Hard Rock Cafe. Another new thing for Chris and I – never been to a Hard Rock Cafe before.
Bound for Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
Chris
Edinburgh Castle
The book sale - there were 40 or more tables each side of this building plus the entire inside was full of books!
Calton Hill
Don't ask me how they got up there!
Kevin's haggis burger
It was a totally incredible day. I wish I had worn my pedometer! All I really know is that we walked a LOT! I think I will stop here and save more of the trip for another post.
