Scotland: Part 1.

I have three posts on Scotland coming your way.  Today’s is from our first and third days there.  I have to tell you I probably only took 10 pictures the first day because I was so cranky, and had not dressed appropriately.

Second fun story to tell you.  You know, you’re going to Europe and you pick cute things to wear.  You’re thinking, yeah Im an American but Im going to dress cutely and be less obvious about it.  So you plan outfits.  What you forget to do is check the weather one. last. time.  The last time you checked, it was mid 40′s and somewhat sunny.  Okay thats great, kind of the same weather we’d been having in Richmond.  Then you arrive and the high is 35 degrees.  You end up wearing almost every article of clothing you brought EVERY DAY.  Two coats, three socks, 2 pants, 3 shirts, scarf, hat, and mittens. Because, its not just almost freezing, its also really windy and its raining a little.  Silly silly American.  However, it was true Scottish weather, so Im not sad about it.  Jared and I joked that we had not seen our toes in days when we got home!

Very first shot I took.  Not that great of a shot technically, but I was mesmerized.   Look at all that history.  

Hey, there is my cute ex-pat friend Jackie! 

First day ends with the St. Giles Cathedral on the left.  See?  Told you I didn’t take that many.  On our 2nd day there we saw traveled to Glasgow (the ‘w’ is silent by the way) to visit with Jared’s family and I completely failed at life by not taking a single picture.  For real, not even a family picture.  We started our 3rd day by going to church with Jackie and Will.  It was a really surreal feeling worshipping and hearing scripture with believers half a world away.  Afterwards we headed to Stockbridge Market.  Jackie and Will took us along Circus Lane (picture on the right) to get there.  New favorite street of life.  Seriously, it’s the cutest. 

We then headed to St. Vincent’s pub to watch a Rugby match.  England was playing Italy, so everyone in the pub was rooting for Italy.  Watch this hilarious, and really well done, video to help you understand more about UK relations. Rugby at the pub was exactly as I imagined it would be.  Funny songs, loads of teasing, and general merriment.  We even had some free meat pies the pub was offering.  Delish.

We ended the day with some of Jackie and Will’s friends at their flat for dinner.  Literally one of the best meals I’ve ever had.  Recipe is from The Best Ever Vegetarian Cookbook.  May I present to you: Vegetable Hot Pot with Cheese Biscuit Triangles.

Which brings us to Monday.  We headed to Stirling to see the castle and I will be sharing that next!  Some takeaways…

• You will walk a lot.  We walked at a minimum of 2 miles a day, and at most around 6-7.  Wear comfy (and cute) shoes.
• Dress weather appropriately.  If your body is used to 40-50 degree weather and you think 35 and below is doable, be sure to pack 10 extra sweaters and long johns.  Send your thank you card to Lauryn Galloway P.O Box 555 I Just Saved Your Tush From Frost Bite Lane, Your Welcome, Virginia 12345.
• Dont try to visit important monuments on jet lag day.  Or, go back before you leave.
• Make sure to invite me over when you make the Vegetable Hot Pot.
• Edinburgh is pronounced Ed-in-bur-UH.   Interesting, no?

Tagged as: Edinburgh, Edinburgh City Tour, Edinburgh Scotland, Scotland, Travel, Wanderlust, What to do in Edinburgh Scotland