We woke up in Sterling and had a lovely breakfast at the inn. Then we packed up and started driving towards Edinburgh. Then for the first time during our trip, it started raining. It was popper Scottish weather. Shortly after, we arrived Edinburgh. We parked and had a short walk to a gin distillery. Here, we did tastings and learned about the history of gin. After the distillery, we checked into our hotel and then had some lunch. Then we hopped back into the car and drove all the way to Glasgow for the Scotland VS Armenia Nations League game. We stopped at Buchanan Street where we went to some shops and a cafe. Then we walked back to the car and drove to the stadium. The game was EPIC! The atmosphere was unlike anything I’ve every seen. Then it was time to sing the national anthem and all the Scotland supporters sang “Flower of Scotland”. Then the game started. We scored twice in the first half. Our seats were near the goal so we got to see both scores up close. There we no goals in the second half. Then we walked back to the car and drove all the way back to our hotel in Edinburgh. We quickly slipped into bed and I said good night and good bye to my parents.
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After an early awakening, we packed up and headed to another small cafe. After an enjoyable breakfast we took an hour to visit some shops in Oban. Then we started driving south east towards Sterling. We passed some beautiful views and then stopped for lunch. Then we continued on to Stirling. We went to Sterling Castle and did a tour for a few hours. It was amazing. After that, we had a short drive to our inn. We unpacked and settled in. I had somme dinner, watched a movie and went to bed.
We woke up in the morning and made our way to a cafe a few blocks away. After a good breakfast, we made our way to the ferry terminal. Here, we made our way to the Isle of Mull. There was a bus waiting for us there, so we hopped one and made our way around the island till we reached the port to get to Iona. The island has significant religious history, as it is where Christianity first began and spread from in Great Britain. We toured Iona Abbey, visited the Iona Abbey Museum, and learned about the a green stone that would supposedly protect you from drowning at sea. Then I decided we should go on a long hike to get to the other side of the island. It was all fine at first with amazing views and seemingly undiscovered terrain. The vagueness of the trails led us to being a bit lost. So for about 30 minutes, we looked around for trails but, we were unsuccessful. So eventually we retraced our footsteps and returned to the main town. As we were about to board the ferry, my Dad remarkably found a handful of the emerald stones that hide along Iona’s beaches. We then went back to Mull and the took the ferry back to Oban. When we got back, we stopped at a few shops and then had an early dinner at a Mediterranean restaurant. Then we watched a film and went to bed.
We woke up and after an amazing breakfast, we continued north. After about an hour of driving, we stopped at a few castles said help to a Highland cow, and then visited a massive waterfall with a kilt shaped cliff nearby. Then we stopped at a beach for about an hour and explored the vast tide pools spanning along the coast. Then we got back into the car and drove all the way down to Portree, where we stopped for lunch. We continued down Isle of Skye and Eventually made our way to Fort William. We got dinner at this great pizza and bar shop which was welcomed after a long day of traveling. Our last push of the day was to Oban, it was only about half an hour. We got to the Inn, found our rooms, and drifted off to sleep.
We woke up and went down stairs to a lovely breakfast. There was another couple that was also staying there and we got to discuss the Queen’s Jubilee, Scottish culture, and British society while we ate. The we packed up and started driving again. This time to the Isle of Skye. We stopped at the Fairy Pools, home to waterfalls and perfectly clear water. After that 3 hour hike, we continued west. Once we reached the coast, we found the Eileen Donan Castle and did a tour of the beautiful architecture and rich history. After eating some lunch, we continued our our beautiful drive, passing glorious mountains and breathtaking lochs. After a few more hours of driving, we found the Inn we were staying at and enjoyed a delicious dinner. Then we watched some episodes of the Office (UK and US) and went to bed.
Today was a very full day. We woke up, packed up the car and started driving North towards Peterhead. Along the way, we stopped at a few amazing castles. Once in Peterburgh, we went to a small cafe, where we had tea and some bagels. Then we hopped back in the car and continued north to Fraserburgh, the hearth of my Scottish lineage and the Fraser Clan. We found the Fraser Castle, now part of a lighthouse, and explored the nearby coast. The lighthouse’s museum was very interesting as well, showing the methodologies for transporting and assembling the lighthouse. After an amazing time in Fraserburgh, we started driving west towards Inverness. About halfway along the route, we stopped at the historic Jacobite battle of Culloden, where 5,000 Scottish rebels were defeated by 9,000 red coats in 1746, and the 4,000 year old Clava Cairns, where prehistoric inhabitants did death rituals and spiritual burials. Then we had a quick bite and made our way to Urquhart Castle, which is right on the famous Loch Ness. After about an hour of tours, exploring, and amazing views we went back to the car and drove to dinner. It was was probably the best meal I’ve ever had. It was 7 course, with so many unique tastes and textures. Truly incredible. Then we had a 20 minute ride to our AirB&B, where we settled and had a good night’s sleep. After an early start to the day, we stopped at a cafe. After eating, we hopped into the car and drove South to Aberdeen Proper. My dad and I were so excited because we were about to see where our Great, Great 2x, Great 3x, and Great 2x Grandparents grew up and lived in Aberdeenshire. We stopped at 2 houses in Aberdeen, then went West to Westhill where we met and had a cup of tea with a lovely gentleman that currently lives in the cottage our Great 4x Grandfather lived in. We then visited a few gravestones and then we were on our way. Once we got back to Newburgh, we relaxed for an hour, and then walked to a local restaurant. After dinner, we hiked threw dunes and hills to the beach. Once I first saw the view, I was in disbelief. It was spectacular. The beautiful red and orange toned sunset mixed with the magnitude of the surrounding mountains and a never ending beach left me speechless. It was truly a sight to behold. Then I walked down the beach and noticed a wee (little) head of some animal popping out from the water’s surface. When I looked closer I saw it was a grey seal! Then a group of at least 10 started swimming and jumping around as I continued across the wet sand. After about an hour of exploring, we headed back to our AirB&B and went to bed. After a good nights sleep in Edinburgh, we quickly got some breakfast and tea at a local cafe. Then we got our rental car and headed out of the city and towards Aberdeen. Then after 2 hours driving, we stopped in St. Andrews. While my Dad made a custom watch, I took my mom to a local fish & chips restaurant. Then we passed by the famous St. Andrews Links and continued our journey north to Newburgh. Once we arrived, I immediately found a pub to watch the Scotland Ukraine World Cup Qualifier. Unfortunately for Scotland, Ukraine won 1-3. However, I can't be mad after the events the Ukrainian players have experienced. Then I walked back to our Air B&B, changed into my football(soccer) clothes, did training for an hour, and walked down to the beach. After half an hour of exploring I walked back and went to bed. Today was our first full day in Scotland. We started off with tea and toast for a quick breakfast. Then we went to Edinburgh Castle which is on top of an ancient extinct volcano, looking over the city of Edinburgh. It was such a pure barry (incredible) experience! We saw where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to King James I, explored Saint Margaret’s Chapel, and got to touch the still in use 1 o’clock cannon. After a quick stop to eat at fish & chips stand, my parents and I walked back to our AirB&B. A few hours later, we stopped at a pub where I tried Haggis for the first time. Then we met our Harry Potter and Arthur’s Seat tour guide at the George IV Bridge. We passed J. K. Rowling’s inspirations for Tom Riddle, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Then we visited the Elephant Café, where Rowling wrote most of her books. On our way to Arthur’s Seat, we stopped at Bobby the dog’s statue and grave stone. Then we hiked up Arthur’s Seat. At the top we could see all of Edinburgh and could touch the clouds. On the way down, I unfortunately vomited the Haggis. Yuck. The I went to bed. My first day in the UK was exhausting. To start, our flight from Miami to London was delayed 2 hours. Therefore, I arrived at 14:00 UK today. Once out of the airport my parents and I took the tube to Paddington. Then we hopped on a train to get to Kings Cross. From there we boarded our train North-bound to Edinburgh. After arriving at the Scottish Capitol City, we settled in our AirB&B. Then we had a short walk to Cadiz, an amazing seafood restaurant. After a wonderful meal, we walked back to the AirB&B and went to bed. |
AuthorEnvironmentalist - Surfer - Scottish - Footballer - Cook |