Travel is one of my favorite things to do. In fact, everyone in the family likes it, even the little guy. He's been on flights that last 12 hours, and not had one complaint (knock on wood that it stays like that), and for that I consider myself very fortunate.
In any case, because it is one of my most favorite things, I have had a tab at the top of this blog since I started it, but have never written a post that could be filed there. Today I have a little time before I have to go out, so on a whim I decided to do a post. I have been going through the photo albums for the last couple of days. That's not something that happens often, but when it does, it's something I always end up enjoying immensely.
Today I picked up one from a trip we took to Scotland, and looking through it made me want to share. This trip was special because we were staying with friends (and wonderful hosts) instead of in a hotel. They took us around to the touristy sites, but they also took us around to some more personal ones, and it really meant a lot to us. And they fed us... a lot. Hubby tried Haggis but could not be talked into attempting the Black Pudding (blood pudding), and at their house too, is where I tried my first scone (I played it pretty safe). We also had some fantastic meals out, and the trip was one that I remember very warmly.
That's not to say the weather was warm. On the contrary, the weather was a bit wacky. You can see from the sky here that it alternated from beautiful, clear blue skies to instant gray and darkness, and then right back again. It even hailed on us once, for about 30 seconds, and then miraculously the sun was out again with not a sign of bad weather.
The weather, though, was a highlight of our trip, and despite the chill that was always in the air we were amazed at how fast it could change.
Another highlight of the trip was, of course the castles. Among them, we went to the very famous Stirling Castle, and also to the Wallace Monument (Braveheart). It was a pretty steep hill to get to the top of the monument and I didn't find out until later (much later...as in when we were back home later) that they give rides up. The sword that William Wallace held was glassed there and it was very large, much larger than I would have thought. Wallace must have been a very tall/strong man.
Stirling Castle |
Wallace Monument |
We also went to castles that were abandoned or not open to the public. My very favorite castle was one that was in partial ruins. The couple who were graciously showing us around used to play in this castle when they were children. Can you imagine? I used to play at the elementary school playground during the summer when I was a kid, they played in and around castles, lol. This is the one I loved, Bothwell:
Bothwell |
We did a lot of 'regular' visiting too, just hanging around the house and chatting, or going to the store, or the restaurant down the road (where I got the best Enchilada I have ever tasted, lol!), and driving around to see the land. What a great deal of beautiful land Scotland has, and it's every single place you look.
Our friends took us to this Electric Brae, which I thought was neat:
And my husband could not pass up getting a look at the Celtic Football Club in Glasgow. He also got a tickle when he saw a stadium that housed The [Lisbon] Lions, which is the name of the US football team my husband loves. I can't make any excuses for that, it's a fact, he is a lifelong fan of the Detroit Lions, lol.
Celtic Football Club in Glasgow |
On one of the days we were there, our friends took us to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and what a treat that was to visit! We've been to quite a few places and my husband always says that was his favorite city, he just thought it was absolutely beautiful. I liked it quite a bit, but he really just fell in love with it.
While we were there our friends took us on a nighttime ghost tour (quite popular in those parts). This is me sneaking a picture of hubby in line (or so I thought until he picked up his camera to take a picture back, lol).
Then it was time for the tour, which was so cheesy that we all couldn't stop laughing about it the next day, but still, it was a once in a lifetime experience for us. And it was fun.
On the Ghost Tour |
They also took us to a black market and told us not to take pictures...after I took a picture, haha. I didn't know, honest. I'm still not sure why it was called a black market. There were tables set up everywhere with people selling things. It all seemed pretty legitimate, and I always thought the term 'black market' had sneaky connotations to it, but maybe I watched too much TV as a kid. ;)
And then it was time to head back home. The trip was lovely, and very memorable. It is a place we hope to return, not only to see the beautiful land, but also to see our friends.
We always have house sitters at our place when we leave, and we usually catch a ride from the in-laws to and fro so we don't have to worry about leaving our car at the airport. My mother-in-law always gets a picture of us unloading. One time her and my father-in-law had a sign up with our names on it and that made me laugh.
Here we are coming out of baggage and into the airport |
Trips are always so much fun, and so wonderful to experience, and this is the time of year I always get Spring Fever and want to go! go! go!
Scotland is a beautiful land. If you've been, you already know that to be true. If you haven't been, and you get the chance to go, don't even think about it, just do it!
Thanks for your visit!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to go. It's def. a rich culture to visit!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming to read about it. :)
ReplyDeleteThe castle that was falling down was my favorite. Is that odd? It had a lot of history, and it was just beautiful to me.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that'll prolly be our first and last ghost tour, but having friends along made it even funnier. Def. a highlight of the trip despite the obvious. ;)
ReplyDeleteI thought the castles were just stunning!
ReplyDeleteMy bucket list is bigger than a bucket, I'm afraid. ;)
ReplyDeleteMy bucket list is so much larger than a bucket. ;)
ReplyDeleteWe had a really relaxing visit. I wish our friends would visit here so I could return the favor of playing host for them! :)
ReplyDeleteIt def. sounds like a place you must go! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paige. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was def. a great visit, full of wonderful things to see. :)
ReplyDeleteSo many people have it on their list! I hope you end up going. :)
ReplyDeleteIf it's a place you want to visit, I hope you get there too. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone in my family has gone. I think my DIL's mother must have gone, she has dual citizenship w/England. I'll have to ask her. :)
ReplyDeleteIf it's in your heritage, that would make it extra fabulous to go!
ReplyDeleteThe Wallace Monument would be a great place to take him. Maybe a surprise visit? :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll end up visiting. Well worth the trip time!
ReplyDeleteThere really is so much history. I'd like to visit a good part of the world too. :)
ReplyDeleteThe castles were very large and very impressive. :)
ReplyDeleteI had such a hard time with the accent! My friends were laughing at me when I'd give up and just nod in company. :)
ReplyDeletehaha, he's a pretty good actor too ;)
ReplyDeleteI hope you and your family get to go. I bet they'd love the castles!
ReplyDeleteThere was so much history there. That's always one of our favorite parts of traveling, learning a bit about the history.
ReplyDeleteSo many people express difficulty in traveling w/their kids, but I'd rather have them with me any time!
ReplyDeleteI went to Scotland when I was in high school and would LOVE to travel back there with my family someday! Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to go to Scotland and see all the castles. It looks like a very interesting place to go
ReplyDeleteI would love a trip to Scotland, esp if the plan was to stay with ppl and not in a hotel! I wouldn't go near haggis or that sausage either, but I'd hope to pick up some new recipes, scones included! I love castles and the changing weather - now I know to be prepared if I ever get to go!
ReplyDeleteNice place to visit sometime
ReplyDeleteLove to visit here
ReplyDeleteI love the the castle pics.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I dream vacation is to go to Scotland. I love all the history and it is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI left a comment here-http://www.mail4rosey.com/2013/02/travel-scotland.html?showComment=1420516149219#c2060211220360383316 Under Christina Strapp Lambert
ReplyDeleteOh I can't imagine how much fun you had!!!! I bet the castles and scenery was just amazing to see in person!
ReplyDeleteSo much history and beauty to explore here, the pictures are pretty amazing, I would never want to leave.
ReplyDeleteScotland would be on my list to travel to it seems so great to me. Thank you, Jerri Davis
ReplyDeleteSometimes those thick accents are HARD to understand. I have trouble sometimes, too!
ReplyDeleteI'd LOVE to visit Scotland. I'm pretty much equal parts Scottish and Irish, but I look like a Scottish warrior. I've got the beard and everything. I'd love to see the land of my ancestors.
ReplyDeleteWow how beautiful. What a place to visit. It looks absolutely incredible. Definitely on my list to visit one day!
ReplyDeleteI love those photos! I've never been to Scotland but I've always thought of going someday. I think it would be a great experience. I really like those castle photos. Very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteScotland is on my bucket list. I am waiting for kids to grow up so we can go and they can understand the history
ReplyDeleteI love to travel too! I'm mostly Irish with some Scottish too and visiting both places is so on my to do list. I'm jealous of anyone whos already been ;)
ReplyDeleteEvery since my dad and step mom went to Scotland, I've wanted to go. To this day, they still talk about it. Thanks for sharing your photos, I want to go even more now.
ReplyDeleteWow - yep I would have loved this - what's not to love (well maybe the blood pudding, that I might be skeptical off, also) - and I've never seen photos of some of these castles, did also like the Bothwell castle - thank you for sharing your great trip
ReplyDeleteScotland is on my long list of travel to-do list. I would love to visit there for the architecture, the history, and the bagpipes.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! What an amazing trip. Thanks! Scotland is so lovely. Hope you had fun!
ReplyDeleteScotland is on my travel bucket list. Behind Ireland. My husband is part Scottish, so Scotland is pretty much top of his bucket list.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see the William Wallace sword. I can just imagine how impressive it would be.
ReplyDeleteI wish we were able to travel more often. You are lucky that your kids travel so well. Scotland looks like a beautiful country!
ReplyDeleteThis place looks amzing! I hope I can visit one day!
ReplyDeleteWow it looks like you had fun. I really want to travel soon enough.
ReplyDeleteAwesome. Looks like you had a great trip. I would love to travel to Scotland. So much great history.
ReplyDeleteScotland looks so wonderful, I've always wanted to go. Was hoping to make it last year but it never happened. Maybe in 2016...
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind visiting Scotland. I'm loving your pictures. Such history.
ReplyDeleteI would love a trip to Scotland! and those castles! I'd esp like to see the highlands!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful place to visit, I have always wanted to visit scotland, to see all its beauty and those building are amazing..
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't want to rent a car but I don't think public transportation would get me in the country where I would want to see. The struggle is real. Your pictures are great.I do want to go.
ReplyDeleteI did my family tree years ago, and quite a few ancestors came from Scotland. Ever since, I've wanted to visit Scotland.
ReplyDeleteWow! Scotland is beautiful! I would love to take a visit someday!
ReplyDelete