Scotland ... for the brave

You guessed it ... we're in Scotland. I know I have a lot to catch up on so I'll try to do it here ... as well as add to the previous entry .. which I gave up on through frustration. We have computer access (thanks to Fiona and Stuart) here in Scotland. So wonderful.

Today is fine(ish) so we are planning a picnic ... somewhere beautiful. Yesterday Lex and I returned the car (via the longer scenic route) and found ourselves in the middle of the city .. overcast, drizzly weather. Wandered around the city ...in and out of shops (as you do to get out of the weather). So many touristy shops selling tartan stuff. But the buildings, streets and lanes are amazing. We found ourselves in some amazing back alleys, climbing long staircases. That's how we discovered Mary King's Close tour - the guide, in period dress, takes you down through a warren of hidden streets, really narrow lanes and buildings which date back to 1600s and tells the greusome stories of peoples' lives. It was fantastic ... I thin we went down about 5 levels.

We watched a piper play near a church where wedding photos were being taken. Then on to Edinburgh Castel. More history, stories and amazing buildings ... then a long walk back home.

Great to be staying here with Fiona .... so central ... and easy walking. We walked out for tea .... then did a pub crawl home. Awesome. I even tried to drink beer ... but it's just wasted on me. Lex is making a valiant attempt to taste them all!!!!

The day before arriving here, we had driven up from York, via the coast and Whitby, a really lovely old seaside village ... where Captain Cook had come from. Weather was really cold, overcast and very windy ... especially on the hill overlooking the town. Just had to stop and look at the boats of course.
We drove through the Yorkshire Moors ... in the cloud, or mist, or fog ... which at times was very thick ... but only added to experience. We've loved it all!!! It was equally as foggy coming across the Scottish border. So pleased to be here in summer, rather than winter...