Parental Invasion (or The Boys Are Back In Town)

***The following entry is backdated to 15th October, 2012. Please imagine me typing it in the relative luxury of a wifi-less 2 bedroom apartment-hotel in rainy, cold Edinburgh after having survived a 5 hour train ride with my parents. In first class, no less....***

 

Britain better look out – because my parents are taking it by storm over the next few weeks and taking me along for part of the ride. We’ve already conquered most of London (haha) and been to a couple of pubs, which definitely made my father happy. It is really nice to be able to share this adventure with them as they see London for the first time. This week we’re all travelling to Scotland together as I’m off work, so more adventures will be in store.

On arriving in Edinburgh my first thoughts are that London may have some stiff competition for the most beautiful city I’ve seen. The buildings look older, more authentic and more rugged here. Plus, there is a castle and a palace on the same street - called the Royal Mile and it houses both the ancient stronghold of Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is the Queen's official residence here in Scotland.

The train ride from King’s Cross was surprisingly short and in a few hours’ time we disembarked not at Hogwarts, but at Edinburgh Waverly into the centre of the Scottish city. Travelling with the parentals is always an adventure but somehow between the three of us we arrived at our quaint little apartment hotel just off the Royal Mile.

There really is a lot of tartan here, at least on the high street. And my father even ordered haggis bites for supper….but the real fun begins tomorrow when we head off on a day trip to St. Andrews, a whisky distillery and other fun sights.

***Upon my return to London....***

 

Scotland was definitely one of my favorite places so far! Turns out we were not going to St. Andrews the next day at all but in fact on a crazy day tour my mom had researched called "The Hairy Coo." Apparently that is Scottish for "The Hairy Cow." You will be glad to know that we did in fact get to visit some hairy coos on our tour and they were the cutest things EVER! So huge, hairy and scruffy but adorable all the same.

 

We also learned all about the Scottish Wars of Independence and the role William Wallace and Robert the Bruce played in that whole affair. We visited the Wallace Monument which is on top of a huge hill at which one of the biggest battles of the wars took place. It would appear that the movie Braveheart has one or two historical inaccuracies portrayed in it. Our tour guide said that the film Shrek is probably closer to the life of William Wallace...

 

Other amazing Scotland moments: walking around lochs and waterfalls, visiting a pagan/Celtic worshipping site where the ancient Kings of Fife were coronated, the views from Edinburgh Castle, meeting Wallace the Hairy Coo, visiting the bedchamber of Mary, Queen of Scots, and seeing the coffee shop in St. Andrews where Kate Middleton supposedly split up with Wills when they were both attending uni there!

 

Not-so-amazing Scotland moments: the rain, not bringing my umbrella one day, not bringing my rain boots, walking uphill to the castle in the rain, soaking two pairs of socks in the rain, riding the bus in the rain, and touring outdoors at the castle - in the rain.

 

But aside from the rain, and occasional herding of the parentals, Scotland was super enjoyable. It really has its own history and flavor which we only scratched the surface of in our few days there. I found myself really enjoying learning about their culture and history and feeling somewhat at home there. Apparently Scotland and Canada could possibly have been part of the same land mass at one point - coincidence? Or maybe I was just glad to be out of London and somewhere that felt a bit more hospitable! Scottish people are generally pretty friendly. Unless you're English...

 

All in all it was a great visit and I had a wonderful time exploring Edinburgh and surrounding areas with M and D. The beautiful autumn scenery and rich culture were a much needed, much appreciated break from the hustle and bustle of Londontown. Here's to another day of reprieve before I jump back into the fray...