Posted in Photography, Scotland, United Kingdom, tagged Anstruther, Birds, Isle of May, Photography, Puffins, Scotland, St Andrews, Travels, UK, Wildlife Reserve on Thursday, 17 July, 2014| 3 Comments »
Isle of May is an interesting Nature Reserve and an easy day trip from St Andrews. More to come on the details of our wonderful outing but for now feast your eyes on my favorite birds, the Puffin.
The Clowns of the Bird World…
One of these is not like the others!
All photos are by me ~ it took me a while to figure out how to catch them in flight since they are FAST flyers. I smiled the entire time we were watching these fun creatures. And will definitely go back when we’re in the area again.
Posted in Edinburgh, Photography, Scotland, Travels, United Kingdom, tagged Arthur's Seat, Chapel, Edinburgh, hiking, Holyrood Park, Ruins, Scotland on Monday, 14 July, 2014| 11 Comments »
After a filling breakfast at Premier Inn (included in the room rate), we decided to visit Holyrood Park and hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat. We chose the steeper ascent. For some reason, I thought it would be a faster route but not so much. Just before the summit it becomes a bit steep and very rocky so good walking shoes are a must. We saw a few people in sandals struggling not to slip on the rocks. I’m certainly feeling it in my legs this evening. At 251 meters (823.5 feet) high, we were rewarded with a beautiful view from the top!
Along the trail to Arthur’s Seat
Almost to the top!
Ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel, Holyrood Park
Made it to the top
View from the top of Arthur’s Seat
And because I still can’t get over the view from our room in Edinburgh, here’s one at sunset
Posted in Scotland, Travel, United Kingdom, tagged Glasgow, Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow City Hall, Memorials, Scotland, St Mungos, Travel, UK, Veterans on Monday, 1 April, 2013| 1 Comment »
We visited both the City Chambers and the Glasgow Cathedral (St Mungo’s). Very beautiful buildings…
WW I & II Memorial “Pro Patria” Glasgow CIty Chambers
Marble Staircase in City Chambers, Glasgow
Marble Staircase in City Chambers, Glasgow
Guard Statues in City Chambers, Glasgow
Doorway in City Chambers, Glasgow
The Glasgow City Chambers sits on one end of George Square and is a very impressive building complete with mosaic tiles, marble and beautiful artwork. It was built in 1888 and is the headquarters building for the councils serving the City of Glasgow. Glasgow’s twin cities are: Dalian (China), Nuremberg (Germany), Turin (Italy), Rostove-on-Don (Russia), Havana (Cuba), Lahore (Pakistan), Marseille (France) and Bethlehem (Palestine).
Glasgow cathedral, St Mungo’s
Original Door of the Glasgow cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral Necropolis
Glasgow Cathedral Necropolis
Queen’s Chair in the Cathedral
Stairs leading to the higher graves, Glasgow Cathedral
Stained Glass, Glasgow Cathedral
Example of a Memorial inside the Galsgow Cathedral
Most of the Glasgow Cathedral dates from the 15th century although most of the gorgeous stained glass windows are more current. It’s the only medieval Cathedral on the Scottish Mainland to survive the reformation. As we traveled through Scotland on this trip, we saw many ruins of Catherdrals/Churches which were destroyed during the reformation and the period of Henry VIII. Good on the Glaswegians for their superior defensive strength during those difficult and destructive times.
The Gothic architecture of the Cathedral is dark and imposing. Inside the Cathedral, there are hundreds of memorials to soldiers from the wars throughout the years. Just outside the Cathedral is a Necropolis which is filled with eleborate tombs from wealthy industrialist from the Victorian age. It was fascinating (hopefully not too morbid) to read the inscriptions.
Royal Highland Fusiliers Memorial
Posted in Food, Photography, Scotland, Travels, United Kingdom, tagged Art, Buzzcut, Fashion, Food, Glasgow, Photography, Scotland, Statues., Travel on Monday, 1 April, 2013| 4 Comments »
Since I love the musical Mama Mia, I couldn’t help but think of the Super Trouper lyrics “When I called you last night from Glasgow, all I do is eat and sleep and sing …”
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and it has the most hipster people we’ve seen so far. London and Edinburgh can boast very elegantly styled businessmen and women, but the style in Glasgow is definitely more avant-garde. Some of the styles bordered on Jerseylicious (way too much makeup and big hair) but mostly the styles seemed fresh and fun. I took a few “stalker” photos
Fun Socks, Glasgow
Collar up, Stylish Shoes in Glasgow
Glasgow Fashion Window
We didn’t hit up the bar scene nor did we check out the guidebook’s promise of hedonistic clubs but we can attest that the restaurants we ate at are fun, funky and top-notch. On the first night we ate a delicious Mediterranean meal at “Brutti Ma Buoni” ~ very friendly staff made for a happy place to have dinner. The second day we went to a vegan restaurant called “Mono” ~ fabulous food right down to the non-cheese cheesecake. There was a performing Arts Group called “Buzzcut” which was part of their 2nd Annual Arts Festival. Another indication of Glasgow’s vibrant and energetic music and arts scene.
Mono Restaurant ~ Delicious Vegan options!
Greek Salad and Hummus at Mono Restaurant, Glasgow
Stir Fry at Mono Restaurant. SO DELICIOUS!
One of Many Statues througout Glasgow
Straight, No Chaser
Glasgow Phone Booth ~ Dr.Who?
Archway to City Hall, Glasgow
Gallery of Modern Art ~ don’t know why there’s a safety cone on the statue but seems appropriate in front of the Modern Art Gallery
Gallery Of Modern Art at Night
There’s a lot to do in Glasgow but since we only had one full day, we opted for the Glasgow Cathedral and the Beautiful City Hall which I’ll post next…
Posted in Scotland, Travels, United Kingdom, tagged Cable Car, Cattle, Glasgow, Glen Coe, hiking, Inverness, Loch Lamond, Loch Ness, Nevis Mountain Range, Photography, Scotland, Skiing, Snow, Travel on Sunday, 31 March, 2013| 3 Comments »
Morning Snow in Inverness
We finally decided if we’re going to be on vacation during record cold temperatures, we should “embrace the suck snow” and appreciate the beauty of winter. As we drove from Inverness to Glasgow, we took a detour to the Nevis Mountain Range The Nevis Mountain Range has the tallest mountain in the UK: Ben Nevis. After taking a cable car to the top, we hiked even higher. Basically, we were saying “bring it on Mother Nature, we can handle the I’m-so-cold-my-eyes-are-watering-from-the-wind-and-then-freezing-on-my-cheeks cold.”
Driving along Loch Ness
Heading Toward the Nevis Range
Nevis Range Cable Car
Cable Car Looking Down the Mountain
Reaching the snow line
Squrr Finnisg-aig View Point 663m (2,175 ft)
BLUE SKY!
Snow Boarder
We’re Still Smiling ~ frozen but smiling
Highland Cattle
Bridge
Glen Coe (about half way between Inverness and Glasgow
Loch Lamond
Beautiful Loch Lomond
It’s a beautiful drive from Inverness to Glasgow. It took us about six hours including the cable car stop and another 45 minute stop for lunch. If you’re driving slowly, there are plenty of “pull over and park” places so other cars can get by. We wanted to enjoy the beauty of the area so we took our time.
Posted in Scotland, Travel, tagged Inverness, Jacobite Tours, Loch Ness Monster, Nessie, Photography, Scotland, Travel on Saturday, 30 March, 2013| 3 Comments »
With the Nessie Statue
Traveling with John requires a detour every now and then to check out the myths, legends or just plain tacky places of the world such as Roswell, Graceland, The Largest Ball of Twine and now…The Search for Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. We took the Jacobite Tours which included a boat ride on Loch Ness with stops at Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition. The Centre helps debunk the myth of Nessie ~ and the exhibition includes original equipment used over the years in the search for the creature. It ended up being a great tour! Our guide, Kenny, was professional and a wealth of knowledge regarding the history of the area. He spoke about the ties of famous Americans to Scotland including Generals Grant & Lee. Nothing tacky about this tour or the area!
Urquhart Castle viewed from Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle Ruins
Urquhart Castle Spy Holes to the Loch
The Gorgeous Grounds of Urquhart Castle
Gatehouse at Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle Cellar
Despite it being the slow season, not to mention freezing cold and snowing, it was a full tour with about 20 Korean visitors, 3 Danish backpackers, several Brits and another American from Berkeley (she said she was from San Francisco but I’m pretty sure she was from across the bridge). I can’t imagine what it must be like in the summer with all the crowds. I’m so glad we braved the elements and visited during the off-season.
It was interesting to listen to the tales from the Danish backpackers since they came in the day before from Glasgow, our next stop. Much as we hate to say goodbye to beautiful Inverness, it’s time to head south…
Another View from Our Room at Strathness House ~ loved it!
Thank Goodness for the English Translation
Ness River
Strathness House and the Church
Strathness House Hotel
Posted in Photography, Scotland, Travel, Travels, United Kingdom, tagged Atholl, Beachbums, Blair Castle, Full moon, Inverness, Ness River, Peacock, Photography, Scotland, Travel, Travels, UK on Thursday, 28 March, 2013| 12 Comments »
Inverness is the furthest north I’ve ever been! Would love to go even farther north into the Shetland Islands but will have to save that for another trip. On our drive to Inverness, we stopped at Blair Castle which just happened to re-open that very day for the spring/summer season. We were cheerfully welcomed by a staff member and then greeted in the parking lot by a friendly, beautiful peacock.
Greeted by a Peacock at Blair Castle
Blair Castle sits on 108 square miles. The grounds are gorgeous with lots of grazing sheep. It’s the seat of the Duke of Atholl of the Murray Clan. The 12th Duke of Atholl actually lives in South Africa but he visits the castle every May to review the Atholl Highlanders, the only private Army in Britain. The castle tower dates back to 1269 but most of the castle has undergone lots of remodeling throughout the years. It was very interesting to visit the 30 rooms. Each room gives another layer of written history but I have to admit I’ve become spoiled and would prefer audio guides for such a large building. There’s just so much information to cover over 744 years.
Blair Castle under restoration.
Blair Castle Clock Tower
Blair River on the Blair Castle Grounds
Sheep on the Blair Castle grounds
Blair Castle Ballroom
As we drove into Inverness and to our hotel, we knew we were someplace special. Inverness is a charming town and our hotel was ideally situated along the Ness River. We got in early enough to wander around the river bank and into town. Thankfully the weather was clear. Cold but clear. We were also treated to a beautiful full moon.
View from River of Inverness Castle
Along the Ness River at night
Full Moon over Inverness
Thank goodness for Tripadvisor reviews leading me to The Strathness House which is an affordable hotel with great service and even better views. They only have 12 rooms and only 8 have views so if you go, book early.
Strathness House, Inverness
View from Room at Strathness House, Inverness
Posted in Scotland, Travel, Travels, United Kingdom, tagged Atholl Palace Hotel, Hotel, Photography, Pitlochry, Scotland, Snow, Travel, UK on Thursday, 28 March, 2013| 6 Comments »
The Atholl Palace Hotel
We stayed in Pitlochry which is half way between Edinburgh and Inverness. We encountered a bit more snow on the drive but thankfully it wasn’t enough to make driving any more dangerous. As we drove up to The Atholl Palace Hotel, the hotel loomed high on a snow-covered hill and reminded us of “The Overlook Hotel” in The Shining.
The Atholl Palace Hotel entrance
Atholl Palace Hotel Hallway
Atholl Palace Hotel Lobby
It seemed more so once we checked in since the lobby is large with lots of seating near fireplaces. All along the walls are photos and memorabilia of the hotel ~ some as far back as it’s opening in the mid 1800s.
In the Basement Museum
Wine and Wifi next to the Fireplace on a snowy night
Lots of Period Furniture at The Atholl Palace Hotel
View from our room at Atholl Palace Hotel
Snowy Drive to Pitlochry
Room 108 at the Atholl Palace Hotel
I would definitely stay here again if I’m traveling through this area. The staff is very friendly and efficient and, since there’s only WiFi in the lobby areas, it has a great “get to know your fellow traveler” feel to it. In the morning, John overheard a conversation of a 91-year-old discussing WWII. It’s not everyday we still have an opportunity to get “first hand” stories from those days. Oh, and you can’t beat the Whiskey Welcome at the front desk. For more information about the hotel, click here.
Posted in Photography, Scotland, Travel, United Kingdom, tagged Martyr, Photography, Scotland, St Andrews, Travel, UK on Wednesday, 27 March, 2013| 4 Comments »
Coming from the States and driving in the UK is not for the faint of heart. Right side drive car and driving on the left is difficult. Not to mention we’re cheap and opted for manual transmission and no GPS. Having said that John is doing a great job. I may give it a try today but no promises. We did splurge on FULL INSURANCE coverage! Driving from Edinburgh to St Andrews, we must have encountered at least 30 roundabouts.
and yet another roundabout
Glad we made the detour through St. Andrews on our way to Pitlochry. Our first stop was the University of St Andrews which opened in 1413. It’s the 1st University in Scotland and the 3rd oldest in the English-speaking world. The campus is absolutely GORGEOUS. Romantic history: Prince William met Kate Middleton at the University in 2001 while they were both in the Art History department.
University of St Andrews
University of St Andrews ~ 600 year anniversary
University of St Andrews quad
Gates at the University of St Andrews
The University has another first ~ The First Martyr of the Scottish Reformation. Patrick Hamilton, age 24, went to the Europe and was influenced by reformation leaders. When he came back to St. Andrews, he began teaching reformation doctrine to the students. He was tried and burned at the stake on campus. On the spot where he was burned, there are the initials PH and it is said that if a student stands on those initials, they will fail to get their degree.
PH for the First Martyr of the Scottish Reformation, Patrick Hamilton
The wind was whipping on the day we visited St Andrews and no where more so than the Golf Course and the nearby cliffs looking out to the North Sea. Still, it was wonderful to be at the birthplace of Golf.
St Andrews ~ where golf was invented.
Old Course Starter Building
Also near the golf course is where the famous running scene from “Chariots of Fire” was filmed. For those too young to know the film, it was a 1981 film about two British runners(one Jewish and one a devout Christian) training for the 1924 Olympics. I remember being bored with the film but that could have been because I was so young when I saw it. Might have to re-watch just for the scenery.
Location where “Chariots of Fire” was filmed.
St Andrews is a beautiful and quaint town with lots of references to golf (street names, pub names, etc). Can’t imagine what it must be like when the crowds of spectators for the British Open show up every year. We were so happy to enjoy it sans the crowds.
Sheer Drop Warning
Cliffs of St Andrews ~ the North Sea.
Looking into the University of St Andrews
St Andrews Abbey Ruins
Posted in Edinburgh, Scotland, Travels, United Kingdom, tagged David Bann, Edinburgh, Food, Photography, Scotland, Travel, UK, Vegetarian on Saturday, 23 March, 2013| 3 Comments »
We arrived in Edinburgh at about 5:30 pm yesterday after 4.5 hours on the train ride from London. It’s even colder than it was in mid-November and I’m definitely going to need a few more layers of clothing. Edinburgh’s Waverly Station is still one big construction zone and difficult to maneuver through.
We had such a wonderful visit in Edinburgh last fall but didn’t get a chance to see enough of the sights so I put it at the top of our Spring Scotland adventure. On our last visit, we “winged it” with restaurant choices. We walked around until we found a place. I pre-planned a little more for this trip and decided we would splurge on the first night of our holiday. I booked “David Bann” ~ a Vegetarian Restaurant which has great reviews in The Lonely Planet Guidebook and on Tripadvisor. Even the carnivore in the family came away very satisfied with his dinner. Only glitch was I emailed my reservations, got a confirmation but when we showed up, they didn’t have our name. A little awkward but after a short wait the hostess took us to a booth.
David Bann is elegant and yummy! I agree with the positive reviews. If you’re in Edinburgh and want a delicious meal in a nice atmosphere, it’s located just a couple blocks off of the “Royal Mile” at 56-58 St. Mary’s Street.
David Bann Restaurant
At David Bann
Olive Starter ~ very yummy
Spicy koftas of roasted aubergine, chick pea and toasted cashews
Stir fried vegetables with udon noodles and smoked tofu.
No one could decide which dish was the best so we all shared our plates…
We did have dessert but it was gobbled up before I remembered to take a photo. The hot pear and passion fruit tart was my favorite. We walked back to the hotel for a few blocks and I attempted to take night photos but couldn’t keep my hands from shaking due to the cold and wind. None of the shots came out. Maybe today…
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Displaced Beachbums 