The Thomas Life : Scotland

Earlier this year, Matt and I decided that it was time to travel. Like really, really travel! We have no children and we had the opportunity to take two weeks off. So we sat down with the giant Europe travel book and settled on the UK. We also realized during this trip how much we love travel and our lives will continue to be filled with it.

I have a relatively large travel bucket list and the UK was at the top. I'm a Brit at heart so it really was like going home. We decided to start our trip with a week in Edinburgh, Scotland. The first day was okay until we fell asleep due to jet lag about 3 p.m. on Monday afternoon! So here's a few photos of our "First Day" in Edinburgh.

View of Edinburgh from Edinburgh Castle. Such an amazing city! I really don't have much to compare it too but it was just beautiful.

Entry into the VERY old castle. Interestingly enough it's actually still used as a fort today. The Black Watch and Royal Scottish Guard use it as their headquarters.

Inside of the royal apartments where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to James I . The fireplace itself was taller than me and the room retains all it's original woodwork and moldings.

Tiny marker outside St. Margaret's in the confines of the castle.

St. Colomba Window

St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. Built by King David I of Scotland in honor of his sainted mother, Margaret.

My delicious pint of Welsh beer - VERY tasty!

St. Giles Cathedral

John Knox window. John Knox was the preacher at St. Giles during a time of unrest when Scotland was moving towards Protestantism and away from Catholicism. Sadly during that time they broke out all the beautiful stained glass because they believed it idolized saints. In the 1800s they installed all new stained glass. If you look closely at the bottom of the window, you'll see John Knox preaching and notice all the clear glass windows...