And so our adventuring begins...

One’s first impression of London is to be amazed and in awe of the old Victorian buildings amidst all of the modern day busy-ness. It is truly a thing of beauty to see. One’s impression of leaving London is “Wow I am broke, cold and impatient!” I can see how one would easily forget to “stop and smell the roses” while surrounded by such beauty. The fast paced, expensive and cold atmosphere doesn’t take long to wear on you! I did love the city and maybe it’s just that I’ve just adapted to the “smallness” of Madinat Zayed.

Highlights of London: We did a walking tour of the city at 6am on Christmas morning. Although I had to be dragged out of bed (with some not so nice pleasantries exchanged) it was lovely once we arrived. We got to soak up the sights of London, sharing the streets with only a handful of people (I recommend seeing Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street and St. James Park). I was able to take a photo of Westminster Abbey with not a soul in sight. We attended a Christmas morning church service in Westminster Abbey, which began my new minor obsession with Kate Middleton. Tried to sneak a photo and was lectured by my boyfriend, Mr. Bossy (or Lord Snow as he would now like to be referred to). 

We went to a changing of the guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Very “official” and very cool to see! With all of that security I find it shocking that the queen has woken up 3 different times with someone in her room! Windsor Palace is about an hour outside of London (this is where the queen spends her weekends). 

We were able to tour a part of the castle that she doesn’t use anymore. It was beyond extravagant and I truly can’t believe people live in that kind of luxury. (I think I’d prefer a small comfortable and cozy home!)
 I’d like to say that Stonehenge was captivating like I had imagined it would be – but the reality is that after battling uphill in the torrential downpour with wind that could blow a person over, the only thing on my mind was getting back to the bus! I’d say my favourite part of London was the “buzz” of people and things to do (that and the mulled wine everywhere mmmmmmm.) There is never a shortage of unique things to do! We went to the Nutcracker ballet one night. Almost had Justin convinced to go to the Dirty Dancing musical but he opted out of that!

Leaving England and arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland it felt peaceful and calm. The people were friendlier, the air was cleaner and the cabs were cheaper! Our accommodation was literally 2 minutes to the sea. We went for a walk along the promenade, listening to a man playing Celtic music and stopped in a pub with a view of the sea. Immediately Scotland became my favourite place of the trip. We walked up the Royal Mile, which leads up to Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Mile is a cobblestone street with blocks and blocks of shops and pubs.

I immediately searched for one with mulled wine of course. Celtic music was playing everywhere with kilts hung out to sell. It was lovely. The thing that drew us to Edinburgh over the holidays was their hogmanay festival. It is a 3 day New Years celebration with over 80,000 people attending. It started on the 30th at 7:00pm with fireworks and a torchlight procession throughout the city. On the 31st was a street party with stages of live music, amusement park rides and stalls set up all over one area of the city. People dancing, drinking, singing and some trying out the local tradition of wearing the kilt! On the 1st they do a “plunge” into the freezing sea!

My favourite day of all was our Highlands and Castles tour. We took a bus to see 4 castles, while driving through the Scottish Highlands. We learned about all of the fascinating history of the castles, kings, queens, Scottish clans, betrayals and battles. Fun fact: the Campbell Clan was a very shady and disliked clan (sorry Krista!) with the Scottish phrase being “Never trust a Campbell, let them in your house and they’ll stab you in the back). Google “The Massacre of Glenco for more info!) While we learned about this history we were driven through small villages, mountains (they call bens), valleys (glens) and lakes (lochs). I could have driven for days through the highlands. This was the captivation I was looking for when we went to Stonehenge! Although it was dreary and grey in the sky, the colours were so vibrant and bright. From maroon trees, to orange grass, to emerald and lime coloured trees.

On our last day we discovered Rose Street and I would recommend going there. I would also recommend walking along Princess Street, the Royal Mile and taking a hike up to Arthur’s Seat. Arthur’s Seat is the tallest hill in Edinburgh that takes about an hour to get to the top (if you are going slowly
and stopping for rock picking and photo taking like we were). It gives you a complete view of the city one side and a view of the sea on the other.

Despite the rain, cold and gloom our trip was an action packed adventure! It was also nice to be in an English speaking country where everyone understood everything we are saying. But, back in the desert now and truly enjoying the warmth, the rest and the familiarity of the people and our home:)