The Highlands

We're typically skeptical of tours but we took a chance and went on The Hairy Coo Tour.  Just so you're aware, a coo is Gallic for cow.  They took us north into the Highlands for hiking and our amazing tour guide did the best job of not taking us to touristy places.  So worth the whole day.

The William Wallace Monument in Stirling.  Another national hero, depending on who you talk too, however the Scots in general are NOT a huge fans of Braveheart.  Spare yourself the agony and don't mention it.

Stirling Castle

We ate in the tiny town of Aberfoyle - wonderful little deli with great sandwiches!

Owl from a bird sanctuary in Aberfoyle

The Highlands - Queen Elizabeth National Park.
We learned that Scotland is the only place aside from  parts of Scandinavia that is mostly uninhabited.  Our tour guide, Russell, that people mainly live in the big cities and those who live in the Highlands and outlaying islands are still clans whose families refused to leave when England invaded (like 900 times).  

At Loch Lomand

Coos!! 

Yep...I wore that hat.

Doune Castle where Monty Python & the Holy Grail was filmed.  

Matt posing with the Forth Bridge - some kind of feat of engineering that I don't completely get.

Scotland - Day 2

On day 2 we made a pilgrimage to The Elephant House Cafe.  So I'm a huge nerd who loves Harry Potter and JK Rowling is my hero (I know that's shocking to all my friends and family).  JK wrote the first few chapters of HP here when she was virtually homeless and broke.  We were going to eat here but they were so full inside we could barely get in the door.  They apparently have amazing quiche.

After lunch we hiked, not kidding, up Arthur's Seat.  It's an extinct volcano just on the outskirts of town with, we were told, amazing views of Edinburgh.  We were not led astray! However, the estimated 20 minute hike up the hill is only for Europeans and not lazy Americans who realized that their fitness level was lower than assumed.  

Side note - Scotland is the windiest place on earth, literally.  I had to hold my hair back in most of our pictures.

So BEAUTIFUL! The clouds just keep flying over your head and then the sun comes out for a few minutes then disappears.  It's unlike anything you'll ever see.

Holyrood Palace where Liz & Phil live when she comes for her July session and holds her garden parties.

Edinburgh has tons of "closes" - stairways leading to the next street.

900 year old marker from far northern Scotland 

Scotland - Day 1

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...

Absolutely beautiful church organ

Unbelievable ceiling.  Matt and I both realized on this trip that these churches were built for God, not man.

Gorgeous park that used to be a lake in the center of Edinburgh.

Walter Scott Monument.  He's a national hero!

Hubs outside the castle gate

Hubs with his beef pie! DO NOT let anyone tell you that the food's bad.  We had amazing food every day!

Wine, homemade bread, olives