Scotland Part 1

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Well I FINALLY found a computer that will allow me to upload pictures so I figured it was a good time to update everyone on me trip so far...

I've been in Scotland this past week and it has been amazing! Andrew and I were on the same flight and arrived in Glasgow Sunday morning after a long night flight and spent the day touring around the city. We went to the Glasgow Cathedral and the Glasgow Acropolis, both of which were very impressive. We checked into our hostel and spent the night having a few drinks at the hostel bar. Monday I went to some museum in the morning, I can't even remember the name but it wasn't very impressive so whatever...Then in the afternoon I took a bus to Stirling (which is the cutest town ever) and saw the Stirling Castle. This is one of the biggest and most impressive castles in Scotland. I couldn't believe how huge it was, it was like it's own little town inside the castle walls. Andrew and I then went out with a guy from Singapore for some haggis (ugh) I was not a fan but felt it was necessary to eat it while in Scotland since it's apparently a traditional Scottish meal. I'm not gonna go into explaining what's in it, but its pretty much Fear Factor gross and I doubt I'll be having seconds...but at least we tried it.

I spent the majority of the next day travelling to Culrain which is a really small town in northern Scotland. I was heading up there to stay in an old castle turned hostel. It was pretty hard to get to (2 bus rides and a train ride) but it was definitely worth it. It was actually like staying in a castle...and it was pretty much awesome. I spent the majority of the next day lounging around the castle because I had a late train out of Culrain, and it just so happened that the castle was rented out for the day to an elderly dance club. They invited me to they're afternoon tea dance, which of course I went to. I mean, who doesn't love an elderly scottish afternoon tea dance in an old castle?? I was probably the only one there under the age of 65. And it was honestly an awesome, hilarious time. I then went into "town" of Culrain (aka the middle of nowhere) to wait for my train. It was pretty cool to see rural Scotland...the only thing around was a sheep farmer herding his sheep down the dirt road. And the scenery in the highlands is incredible...I tried to catch it in pictures but none of them really did it any justice.

So I caught my train to Inverness where I spent the night. I went out to a pub that night with a bunch of people I meant at the hostel. It was a great bar with a live band playing scottish music. It was pretty much exactly how I would have pictured a Scottish pub. The next morning I went to Loch Ness and Urquhart castle with a couple people from the hostel, and then caught a bus to Edinburgh, where I'm going to be until Saturday. Edinburgh is awesome. I've never seen a more beautiful city. And it's a good thing I'm coming back with Leigh Ann in July because I couldn't see everything in 2 days. Today I saw the Palace of Holyroodhouse (where the Queen stays when she's in Scotland) and got a tour of some haunted underground parts of Edinburgh with Rob. Tonight I think we're gonna go to a pub to check out Edinburgh's nightlife. Then I'm heading to Glasgow tomorrow and Dublin on Sunday! Hard to believe the first leg of my trip is almost over...

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Photos

Out to dinner in Glasgow
Singapore cop, Andrew, me

Comments

[cindy]

hello Jen
I was so surprised to see that this link had pictures and a journal I thought it was just the first page DA......you look great and it makes me happy to see your beautiful face. I am not so worried now......keep wrtting ok I love it., I miss you so much.........have fun and remember I luv you a bunch...it looks so beautiful there........you won;t want to come home!!!! Mom

[Andrew]

Hey Jenny! Glad to hear you made it out of Glasgow alright!! I loved Edinburgh as well, its too bad I missed both you and Rob there, but I made lots of friends so it was a good time! I recommend climbing up to 'Arthor's Seat' if you haven't already...I think thats what its called! ....I'm in England now, London was pretty sweet too! Enjoy the trip until I speak to you next!

[Grammy & Mel]

What fun!!!
Jenny, so glad to see your messages, and see the pictures. you are so lucky to be there ( wish I could have seen you at the tea-dance, you must have made a hit!). We are thinking of you,( with a tiny bit of envy) and will look forward to seeing you when you get home. Love, Grammy and Mel.