Edinburgh Castle, Haggis and Whisky Tour

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Today went to Edinburgh Castle, ate Haggis at Deacon William Brodie's Tavern, and went on a whisky tour. It was a wee bit rainy and very windy but still fun.

At the Castle we saw the Scottish Crown Jewels and lot's of exhibits about the Scottish military. At the restaurant we ate haggis and drank. I had a couple pints of beer; sadly, Charles's had two pints of cider and--it pains me to write this--one of the pints of cider was flavored with raspberries. On the whisky tour we learned about how whisky is made. The whisky sampling portion of the tour was very interesting. During it I learned two things: 1. I really like the smokey flavor of whiskies from the Isle of Islay and, 2. French men begin giggling like little school girls when they drink--or at least when they drink whisky. During the tasting I closed my eyes and imagined that I heard Madeline and her classmates drinking tea and tittering about Miss Clavel.

I wanted to include some video of me driving in Scotland but the main video is taking too long to upload but here's a clip to tide you over until tomorrow. Good night.

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Photos

Guinness and Cider
Guinness really does taste better in the UK. It was extra creamy and delicious. Charles, I'm ashamed to write, had a cider. To make matters worse, the cider was flavored with raspberries. Where did I go wrong? [SIGH]

Haggis and Haggis
My haggis (foreground) with neeps and tatters. Charles had vegetarian haggis (background)

Westie Shaped Whisky Decanter
I would feel much better about my Westie if he dispensed whisky.

Our Hotel Room
I guess I should have paid attention to my hotel's -5 star rating when I booked.

Royal Scots Guard and French Boy WW II
Much like this picture where a Royal Scots Guardsmen is greeted by a starstruck and thankful French boy with a gift of bread, a young Sonny Tang once visited an American G.I. during The Vietnam war bearing a big bowl of Pho.

More Whisky
Note the inebriated Frenchman slowly descending to the floor. Perhaps he should stick with Pierre next time

Deacon William Brodie
The inspiration for R.L.S.'s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He also makes great Haggis.

Comments

[Mom]

Happy Birthday, Scottish traveler, Jeff. It sure looks like you two are having a great time. I love all the pictures and your comments...it almost feels like I am with the both of you. Enjoy your Birthday, Jeff. Can't wait to read what you did on your Birthday. Love, Mom

[jreber]

Thanks, Mom
It's almost 10 am here. Charles and I are going to a few museums today. Should be fun.

[GinaG]

Is that hay?
Looks like fun to me!

[jreber]

It is hay...
For any sheep that might wonder by. It's a Scottish law.

[GinaG]

Now I know....
what you would look like with hair...i mean GREEN hair...

[jreber]

Someone else is green...
...with envy over not getting any haggis flavored chips.