I took the train up from York on the 30th of December. It took about 2.5 hours. A completely GORGEOUS train ride, all along the coast. Stunning views. The fog somehow lifted along the ocean and the sun shone...I really recommend this train ride if anyone ever gets the opportunity. I didn't take too many pictures as I was sitting on the far side of the train, but I got a couple to share.
When I got up to Scotland, the other 3 girls had managed to get an early check-in, but were already napping (they had to leave Cambridge at 4:00 in the morning to catch their flight in London up to Edinburgh). I put in some time until early afternoon when they got up. We were staying a few miles out of the city centre (right beside the Edinburgh Zoo), so we took taxis or the bus into town.
The first night, was the Torchlight Parade downtown Edinburgh. For 6 GBP you could purchase a torch and carry it in the parade. I cannot even put into words how amazing this experience was. About 80,000 people were in the streets, most of them carrying torches as we walked the streets up to the castle to watch fireworks and listen to a concert.
For New Years Eve, the Hogmanay ("the last night") celebrations were on Princes Street downtown Edinburgh. We got there after supper so we could get a good spot. We had a great view of the castle! There were fireworks every hour starting at 8:00pm from the castle.
We did well to stay together - for the most part. At about 11:20pm I decided I needed to use the bathroom, so I went to wait in line at one of the port-a-pottys not far from where our group was. At 11:45, I was STILL waiting in line and thinking I was going to be welcoming 2011 in the loo! I heard a girl behind me tell someone she was from Canada, so I started talking to her. Long story short, she played on Team Canada at the past 2 Olympics for Women's Hockey! It was Meaghan Mikkleson.
At 11:52pm I was desperately trying to call my friends to try and find them for the midnight countdown, but the lines were jammed, so I couldn't get through. It was amazing how much more crowded and congested the street was since I had initially set off for the loo. At 11:56pm I found them, by some miracle! The most stunning and epic fireworks show was from the Edinburgh Castle at midnight....absolutely amazing. I got a good shot of it, but obviously the picture does not capture it properly.
The 3 other Owen Sound girls I went to Edinburgh with
The next 2 days were spent exploring Edinburgh!
Arthur's Seat - a HUGE hill/mound/mountain - not sure the correct terminology you would use. Anyway, it took about 30-40min or so to climb. It was a really good workout and lots of different terrain - steep slopes, rocks, steps, flat parts, meadow and climbing up rock faces. The view from the top, and actually the whole way up, were beautiful. You could see the coast and the mountains and the city of Edinburgh. A great place to spend the afternoon. I did this climb on the 1st by myself and then made Kendle join me the next day, it was too stunning to miss.
Atop Arthur's Seat
Edinburgh Castle - Kendle and I did this tour on January 2nd. By far, the BEST castle tour I have had so far. I really enjoyed it. I will let the pictures speak for themselves, but it was so neat. A lot of history in that castle - a must see if you are ever in Edinburgh!
Edinburgh Castle
Goofing around the castle
Touring the old Prisons of War
Arthur's Seat - a HUGE hill/mound/mountain - not sure the correct terminology you would use. Anyway, it took about 30-40min or so to climb. It was a really good workout and lots of different terrain - steep slopes, rocks, steps, flat parts, meadow and climbing up rock faces. The view from the top, and actually the whole way up, were beautiful. You could see the coast and the mountains and the city of Edinburgh. A great place to spend the afternoon. I did this climb on the 1st by myself and then made Kendle join me the next day, it was too stunning to miss.
Atop Arthur's Seat
Edinburgh Castle
Goofing around the castle
Touring the old Prisons of War
I wish I could share all of my pictures on here, but there are just FAR too many. Gorgeous city and amazing New Year's Eve experience that I will always remember.
I spent this weekend with Catherine and Gareth, and did some babysitting for them, as Catherine left today for a week long work trip in the US. It was nice to spend the weekend with them and see the babbas. It is funny how much more grown up they are getting each time I see them now - Oscar's vocabulary is getting bigger and Jessie is almost on the move!
My first week of work ended well. I have a lot of responsibility and a lot to learn in a short amount of time, but it is a good challenge for me. I am eager to start this week and meet the rest of my classes.
Much love. xo
I spent this weekend with Catherine and Gareth, and did some babysitting for them, as Catherine left today for a week long work trip in the US. It was nice to spend the weekend with them and see the babbas. It is funny how much more grown up they are getting each time I see them now - Oscar's vocabulary is getting bigger and Jessie is almost on the move!
My first week of work ended well. I have a lot of responsibility and a lot to learn in a short amount of time, but it is a good challenge for me. I am eager to start this week and meet the rest of my classes.
Much love. xo
