Favorite Trip So Far...

After spending the weekend in Edinburgh and Loch Ness, Scotland, I definitely have a new favorite trip so far. I took the train Friday after work and after about a 4 hour journey, met my friend at the train station, this is one of the Canadians that I met on the Wales trip. We just hung out at her house that evening.

The fun began Saturday morning with my first stop being the Edinburgh Castle. This castle was just phenomenal and was quite an interesting self guided tour. The view from this place was neat as it overlooks all of Edinburgh. The fact that it had rained a little that morning, was great, as I enjoyed the spectacular views of the city all with a rainbow overhead. I wandered through castle rooms, read interesting facts, and even got to see the royal crown and scepter. I also got to enjoy watching the changing of the guard. But the highlight was definitely an unexpected treat...as I was making my way around the castle grounds I noticed that barricades were being set up, military troops were in their dress uniforms, and special visitors were being seated around some of the castle cannons. So I decided to stick around to see what was happening. Well, I found out that Prince Charles was visiting Edinburgh for the weekend and a 21 gun salute was going to take place. It was incredible to listen to the Scottish bagpipes and here the VERY LOUD cannons being blown. Following my castle adventures, I made my way down the Royal Mile, the famous street in Edinburgh. I visited St. Giles Cathedral which is said to be the mother of Presbyterian churches. Not as extravagant as the other cathedrals I have seen while being over here, but still gorgeous. I then enjoyed watching a 3-D movie on the Loch Ness monster. Real or Fake?? I think something exists deep down in the waters, but I don't think its a monster. After the short movie, I joined a guided tour of the underground vaults and medieval streets. This was very fascinating, as I learned what life was like to live and work below ground, while walking through the creepy, damp rooms. I continued my way down the Royal Mile, before stopping in John Knox's house. While I did not find the inside to be to interesting, for me to say that I got to visit John Knox, one of the leaders of the Presbyterian religion, is awesome. My next stop, was another Harry Potter one. I went to the Elephant House coffee shop, where JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book, as she is from Edinburgh. After some shopping, I met up with my friend and then enjoyed a nice evening out in Edinburgh with some of her other friends.

Sunday morning I met up with the tour bus which I would be taking to Loch Ness. We drove through the gorgeous countryside of Scotland while making our way to our destination. At our first stop, I got to feed a Highland Cow, the long haired, longhorn looking, Scotland animal. He was just adorable...yes I got pictures. We stopped at a few other picturesque sights overlooking mountains, green fields, and yes...more rainbows...before finally reaching Urquhart Castle on the banks of the Loch Ness. I watched a quick 8 minute video on the history of the castle, before exploring the ruins of it. It was absolutely gorgeous to look out over Loch Ness from the top of the castle tower. Once my exploration was finished, I hopped on board a mini-cruise, and enjoyed sailing across the Loch. Unfortunately, I didn't see Nessie...and that is not because I wasn't looking. After the cruise docked, I had a short time in the Loch Ness shop before boarding the bus for the journey home.

Monday morning, as I took my first holiday from work, I visited Holyrood Palace, the residence of the queen when she is in town from London and the old residence to past kings and queens of Scotland. This place was quite interesting as well I was able to see the great hall, the dining room with place settings, bedrooms, the throne room and library's, most of which are still used for occasions today. I also got to see the remains of the Abbey, which used to be part of the palace. After my audio guided tour here, I made my way back up the Royal Mile, to the Scottish Whisky Experience. Scotland is famous for their whisky, and though I am not a whisky fan myself, I thought that I should learn more about another aspect of the country. And, I did learn quite a bit. After a short 'ride' to learn how whisky is made, I then learned about the different regions of Scotland and the different types of whisky. At this point, I got to smell the different types of whisky flavorings, such as vanilla, flowery, oak and spice. Part of the tour was also seeing the largest whisky collection in the world, almost 4000 bottles, ranging in a variety of shapes and sizes. Then came the taste test...which I spit out...still not a whisky fan. Ha. But I did get to keep a souvenir whisky glass from the experience. Following this tour, I made my way to the Scott's Memorial, a memorial to an important man in Edinburgh's history, where I climbed 287 steps to the top. Even in the drizzle, the views from the memorial were incredible, as I could see all of Edinburgh. I got some great pictures. After a quick stroll through more of town, and a quick bite to eat, I headed to the train station for my journey back.

All in all, it was an amazing trip, with amazing weather. I woke up this morning with a cold. I am off to fight that, so that I can enjoy my next trip...Friday to York.