The Unspeakable Beauty of Scotland
December was a busy travel month for us and we started off by taking a trip to Scotland for 5 days. We flew into Edinburgh (after a hour and 15 min flight) and fell in love with the city. It's so dramatic- the Castle sits upon a huge mound of rock, towering over the city. Because of the medieval and Georgian architecture it is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque cities in Europe and I have to agree:
Old Town
Edinburgh Castle at night
At the Castle are the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Scone (Destiny). It's basically a large chunk of rock that was used in crowning Scotland's ancient kings since the 9th century. It was swiped by the English and sat under the coronation chair at Westminster Abbey from 1296 until 1996. It has to be returned to Westminster Abbey for all future coronations and is very meaningful to the Scottish people.
From the Castle, the Royal miles leads away from it downhill, with little alleys on either side of the street, called closes or wynds. It's mostly all pedestrian so we enjoyed exploring. The city is affectionately nicknamed Auld Reekie, which is Scottish for Old Smoky, because when buildings were heated by coal and wood fires, chimneys would spew thick columns of smoke into the air. Apparently all the building use to be very dirty, but they have done a wonderful job of cleaning them up.
Lang may yer lum reek- Brent and I are trying to learn how to toast someone in every country we visit. This is the Scottish toast which means "Long may your chimney burn." :)
Though it was pretty cold, that was the perfect excuse to frequent tea hops and pubs. We had lunch at the cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books when she was a struggling writer. Being such huge Potter fans it was kinda neat! The Scots have a very distinguished literary history and are very proud of their writers and poets- Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson to name two. One evening we went on a literary pub tour which consisted of actors performing bits of Scottish poetry and sharing how Edinburgh impacted the writers living there, all while visiting several different pubs for drinks! It was great way to get off the beaten track.
One of our favorite places we had tea was in this old bank that was completely decked out for Christmas.
Memorial to Sir Walter Scott
We took a day trip through the Highlands, which were covered in snow. It was absolutely beautiful- our pictures don't do it justice. Brent and I vowed to come back someday in late summer when the hills are covered in purple wildflowers. There is something almost magical in the air in the Highlands. It's funny to say that out loud, let alone write it, but I don't know how else to explain it. The history of battles and the Scots indomitable spirit permeates the air and you can just feel it.
Highlands Scenery
Highland Cow- isn't he cute?!
We ended up going to Loch Ness and were the only people there. The fact that is was freezing with snow on the ground probably had something to do with that, but we enjoyed having some solitude by the still waters. No Nessie that day!
Loch Ness
It was the perfect trip for a long weekend- though Brent was recovering from a cold during the first part of the trip and I had caught by the end after he was finished with it! Oh well. I think we were both surprised how much we loved Edinburgh. We can't wait to go back and to spend more time in the Highlands. Coming up next- German Christmas markets and Prague.
Old Town
Edinburgh Castle at nightAt the Castle are the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Scone (Destiny). It's basically a large chunk of rock that was used in crowning Scotland's ancient kings since the 9th century. It was swiped by the English and sat under the coronation chair at Westminster Abbey from 1296 until 1996. It has to be returned to Westminster Abbey for all future coronations and is very meaningful to the Scottish people.
From the Castle, the Royal miles leads away from it downhill, with little alleys on either side of the street, called closes or wynds. It's mostly all pedestrian so we enjoyed exploring. The city is affectionately nicknamed Auld Reekie, which is Scottish for Old Smoky, because when buildings were heated by coal and wood fires, chimneys would spew thick columns of smoke into the air. Apparently all the building use to be very dirty, but they have done a wonderful job of cleaning them up.
Lang may yer lum reek- Brent and I are trying to learn how to toast someone in every country we visit. This is the Scottish toast which means "Long may your chimney burn." :)
Though it was pretty cold, that was the perfect excuse to frequent tea hops and pubs. We had lunch at the cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books when she was a struggling writer. Being such huge Potter fans it was kinda neat! The Scots have a very distinguished literary history and are very proud of their writers and poets- Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson to name two. One evening we went on a literary pub tour which consisted of actors performing bits of Scottish poetry and sharing how Edinburgh impacted the writers living there, all while visiting several different pubs for drinks! It was great way to get off the beaten track.
One of our favorite places we had tea was in this old bank that was completely decked out for Christmas.
Memorial to Sir Walter ScottWe took a day trip through the Highlands, which were covered in snow. It was absolutely beautiful- our pictures don't do it justice. Brent and I vowed to come back someday in late summer when the hills are covered in purple wildflowers. There is something almost magical in the air in the Highlands. It's funny to say that out loud, let alone write it, but I don't know how else to explain it. The history of battles and the Scots indomitable spirit permeates the air and you can just feel it.
Highlands Scenery
Highland Cow- isn't he cute?!
Loch NessIt was the perfect trip for a long weekend- though Brent was recovering from a cold during the first part of the trip and I had caught by the end after he was finished with it! Oh well. I think we were both surprised how much we loved Edinburgh. We can't wait to go back and to spend more time in the Highlands. Coming up next- German Christmas markets and Prague.
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