christinewesten

Is one day in London enough? No but you can get a good taste if you pack a lot in and start early in the morning. London is also really expensive. I stayed at the Club Quarters Trafalgar Square. The only reason I was able to stay in such a great location is because I had CC points to cover the entire cost. Otherwise I would have been looking further out which would add travel time to get to the heart of all the main tourist stops. On that note, I didn't have any trouble navigating the tube the two times I used it. There are signs showing where the line goes and each direction is well labeled. You can use a contactless payment method to tap in and out and there is a daily limit ... read more

All the B&Bs were booked or way to expensive for my 3 nights in the Borders so I booked an Airbnb. The hosts were very responsive and provide a lot of helpful information up front. I am really glad I stopped for groceries before leaving Galashiels as there wasn't really anything in Lilliesleaf in the way of shops or restaurants. Hilltop Cottage is surrounded by pastures of sheep and the sounds of sheep, pheasants and rooks fill the air. The small kitchen is well equipped with a 2 burner hob and small oven, a microwave and a crock pot! There are plenty of utensils and pots and pans to do some light cooking. The bathroom is spacious with a towel heater and full bath. And there is plenty of closet space in the bedroom. If you ... read more

It is hard to believe today was my last full day in Scotland. This trip has flown by and I am not ready to leave! I looked out the window and saw it was going to be another gray day. While looking through the area information kindly provided at the cottage I stumbled across Hermitage Castle. This was not on my radar at all but after seeing a picture and that it was only an hour drive, I decided to go. What a great decision! The drive southwest wound through rural, mostly wild land. I drove by a pig farm where some cute tiny piglets were running around. The road went up and down loads of hills with beautiful views before winding down to the small town of Hermitage. I turned onto a narrow road and ... read more

Today I had to say good-bye to Alison and Rupert. Alison was so nice to make me an earlier breakfast at 7:30 instead of 8 so I did not have to fast walk to the train station. Hoofing it with only my day backpack was hard enough, I did not want to do it with my full backpack and suitcase! I gave Rupert a lot of pets and hugs and Alison and I talked about the area and how I have to come back to see everything I missed. I really hope I do get back soon! I made it to the train station with time to spare, which was nice. I already had my return ticket from the trip up and was able to hop on the train and find a seat. This train was ... read more

This was the first, and only, morning in Inverness where I did not have to rush off to be to the train station. I relaxed and had the full Highland breakfast which was delicious. Alison is a great cook and hostess. Every morning there is fresh orange juice, tea or coffee with toast, homemade strawberry jam, orange marmalade, overnight oats, yoghurt, some sort of stewed fruits, granola, and a fruit salad. That is all on top of the cooked portion. The breakfast room overlooks her beautiful garden and, of course, Rupert is there to greet you every morning. He comes bounding up the stairs as soon as he hears a door open and escorts you down to your table. What is not to like about that! I packed so many stops into today. There were things ... read more