LAST DAY IN EDINBURGH!

August 11, 2015

Today you will see a bunch of photos with captions to describe our final adventure of the historic and vibrant city of Edinburgh!

Here are only a couple of pictures of the National Museum of Scotland, since they didn't particularly like for people to take photos.

Lifesize and overwhelming. Since
we were this close to this elephant
I was relieved he wasn't alive

Again, glad this tiger isn't alive! Shep
was fascinated!

                                        

                                                              If you can enlarge this, you will ableto see how the view is laid out!

                                                             

Castle Rock–It was a cold and cloudy day
so my iPhone struggled a bit
to capture its grandeur.

An online photo of Castle Rock! Much better

We took the elevator to the top of the museum. Edinburgh was laid out before us in full view. 

I could hear bagpipes coming
from somewhere down in there.

Burr! We had to don jackets when we
stepped off the elevator that carried
us to the top.

W

  

 Shep steals the attention
       from Castle Rock.

A funny thing happened on the way to the museum!

August 11, 2015

   The plan today was to visit the National Museum of Scotland. Maridith, however, would travel to a computer store to drop off her laptop. (While at home, she had spilled water on it, and since there was no place around there to get it repaired they had brought it with them.) Afterwards, she would join us at the museum for a snack then return to the computer store. This gal amazes me! I might have attempted independent travel through this unfamiliar city but only with great fear and in-trepidation. Not so Maridith!
   After a thorough examination of the map by Bob of the route we would be taking, we walked to the appropriate bus stop. Upon close examination, we realized we were at the wrong stop. Adjusting our plan, we walked a little bit further to the next stop.

Don't worry about figuring this out, we didn't do much better!

   As we were standing in line at the bus stop, we were discussing our route and the time the bus would arrive that we needed to get on. We figured we had a little extra time, so I walked down to the coffee shop nearby while Bobby checked out a nearby shop. As I pondered over what type of coffee I would order, Bobby hurried in and pulled me out of line, for the bus was arriving sooner than expected. Good thing I hadn't placed my order!

   Apparently, an older local couple who had overheard us discussing bus arrival times, had alerted the guys (after I had left) to the fact that we were mistaken about the time. So Bobby rounded me up and just in time too, thanks to kindness of that couple. 

   Now here's the funny part!

   As we were preparing to get off the bus a little ole Scottish lady overheard Bob & Bobby discussing, with little regard for how easily they could be overheard, where we should be getting off the bus. Out of her kindness and familiarity of the area, she suggested the spot we should disembark. However, Bob wasn't accepting her advice, for he had the map that he had earlier studied in his hands. Bob, in a polite way sort of disagreed with her, to the point that she became rather insistent.  Bobby wound up being the go between in the course of this polite argument.

   Well, we got off where she instructed due to Bobby's insistence. As he was trying to manipulate the stroller, rather awkwardly, towards the door, I asked if he was sure the break was released. To which the little ole Scottish lady, who was obviously disgruntled with Bob for arguing with her about the correct stop replied (only in my hearing) "Probably not!"And I wouldn't be surprised if she added, "Arrogant Americans" when we were out of earshot!

   

Eating delicious scones at the museum's cafe!

   Upon arriving at the museum, we made our way to the cafe where we were to meet Maridith. This is when cell phones come in real handy. As soon as Maridith was seated with us, I filled her in on the bus incident! She laughingly asked me, "They were arguing with a local about where to go?" When one is so confident in what they think they know, it can happen!

Anniversary & Homemade fun!

August 10, 2015

This is a momentous occasion! Our first time to babysit with Shep & Roscoe!

Getting out the ole iPad.

Right handy when you're babysitting!

But good ole home made books from cousins back home are the best!

More good home made stuff!

Celebrating their anniversary in Edinburgh, Scotland! Wow!

This is a charming little pub where Bobby got a reservation for he and Maridith.
I believe the name of the place was The Canny Man's.

Originally, these flowers were in the same vase. Anniversary flowers to Maridith from Bobby.

Shep loved the books his cousins made for him.

He told me all the colors and shapes and numbers on this one.

He is really happy, I assure you!

Dancing, playground, & Univ. of Edinburgh

I think I finally got the video placement figured out. When you get finished with the video it will bring up another You-tube video movie to watch. I haven't figured out just how to stop that!

Today is August 10

   The day started out early for Bobby, Shep, & me. We left early enough, around 7:30 a.m., to find a bit of breakfast before taking Shep to spend his energy at the playground.
   We by passed one place for we were confident we could find a little coffee shop closer to the park. This proved to be a mistake for the closer we got to the park, a place to pop in a get breakfast & coffee the more scarce such a place became. Finally, we found a stand where we were able to purchase a couple of coffees and muffins. Not what we had in mind, but we made do.
   A fun thing happened as we made our way to the park. A man playing an accordion caught our attention. His music softly drifted through the air casting a relaxing spell on those listening. Bobby asked me if I remembered how to do the two step and as the music drew us into its spell, we began to dance. It reminded me of the time we had stopped off at a small Peruvian village on our way to Machu Picchu. There was a small band performing for the villagers and anyone else (like Bobby and I) who wanted to dance. Lovely experience, lovely memories.  After a few go arounds, Bobby picked up Shep and the 3 of us happily twirled around accompanied by the lilting  melody of the accordion player.

I tried & tried to post videos of
the above, but to no avail:0(

Our next stop was the playground at the park. It wasn't too crowded as yet, so keeping a watchful eye on Shep, we turned him loose to enjoy himself. Sometimes it wasn't quite as obvious as to who was enjoying the playground the most!

                                   UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

 

Our next stop was to visit the language school where Bobby will be attending. After checking out some things at the information desk, we went outside and snapped this photo.

Armor always attacks the curiosity of a young boy! While Bobby was ordering us a snack, Shep checked out the metal knight!

Commemorating the author of
Sherlock Holmes, Univ. of
Edinburg!

We have quite an impressive connection as a country with the University of Edinburgh!

Day 2 - Haggis

August 9, 2015

   Before I tell you about lunch, let's back up a bit. As sleep gave way to consciousness this morning,and before my eyes opened, I smiled when I realized, "Wow, I'm in Scotland!"  It's a crazy sensation to awaken to a dream, but that's what I did each and every morning while I was in Scotland.

My home display of my quaich accented
 with heather.  

   Okay, as Bobby and I ambled our way back to the apartment, we passed a shop window displaying quaichs (pronounced "quake").

   I first learned of this uniquely Scottish invention while watching the BBC tv show, Monarch of the Glen (Hector scooped water from the loch using a quaich to christen his baby granddaughter!). Quaichs, originating in the Highlands, are a ceremonial drinking cup. 

   So I determined to return to that little shop and buy myself a quaich to commemorate my trip to Scotland. 

  After joining the rest of our crew, it was decided that we would eat lunch at a nearby restaurant that Bobby & Maridith had discovered named Merlin's. (Don't think it had anything to do with King Arthur though). Packing out the stroller with kids and stuff, we set off for the restaurant. 

On the way, we passed the 'grocery store' where we did our shopping. Nothing like back home in size, but sufficient for our needs. 

Happy Lane family. Roscoe was asleep when I took this picture at the restaurant, but later wakened. Now you should notice the knitted 'cocoon' he's snuggled in. (The cap is lying beside it) It was made for big brother and passed down to little brother. And yes, I knitted it! 

The Haggis Experience!

   When I looked at the menu, there it was: Haggis! Haggis, I have come to understand, reflects the Scottish trait of thriftiness as it uses most of the animal in the recipe. And since I was in Scotland, it behoved me to give it a try.   

   I came to Scotland with the intention of tasting haggis but I didn't really expect to like it. After all, it's made of sheep's heart, liver, and lungs; mixed with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt; mixed with stock and traditionally encased in the animal's stomach. (Sort of like a sausage:o)

   Therefore, I ordered a dish called Balmoral Chicken–baked chicken layered with haggis. With sides of mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, cucumbers, and English peas. 

Bobby ordered the haggis in a bowl (pictured) so we could all get a taste of it without being interfered with by the chicken.

And guess what folks, I liked it! I wasn't expecting to, thought I would just taste it just so I could say I did and that would be the end of it. All I had to do was just not think of what it was made of. I think the flavor of the spices and oatmeal helped in that effort. 

   We closed out our 2nd day in Scotland in a familiar American way; got a pizza to go for supper. (No shirt for Shep in this case for pizza can be very messy when you are a 2 year old! And, oh yeah, gotta get that hair pulled back so it won't get in the way!) 

   Spent the evening eating our tasty pizza while we made plans and prepared for the following day–which just happened to be Bobby & Maridith's anniversary!

Attending church!

8/8/15  

  We had a bit of a problem staying connected while we were at the Fringe. Maridith and I had split up from the guys and had gone over to an area where we could sit down and eat. We found a table and waited for our guys to show up. After a long while, Maridith and I decided to try and find our lost boys and right before we exited the eating area, Bobby showed up. He had left Leroy and the boys at the park and set out to find us. Seems we were all lost from each other! Roscoe, obviously was quite happy to see his mom as it was supper time for him. Once we were all good and connected, Bob and Bobby went back to find us something to eat. Just when we thought we were about to have a repeat performance of lostness, they showed up. But all was forgiven when they came bearing hot chocolate and Belgium waffles smothered in strawberries and whipped cream. 

   While finishing off this luscious treat, we watched Shep sliding down the slide while his dad and grandaddy watched. Eventually, we all wore down and decided it was time to grab a taxi and return to the apartment.

   I plopped myself down on the sofa and while holding Roscoe, jet lag caught up with me and it became impossible to keep my eyes open. Someone snapped this picture and as Bob is technically challenged (by choice I think) either Bobby or Mari must have been the culprit:)

 8-9-15

Bobby and I had made plans to attend church this morning while the others relaxed and rested from the all too full day we had on Saturday. This church wasn't too far away, walking distance actually. It was a pleasant stroll down Morningside and all the shops were open. So, we made plans to stop at some of them on the way back. 

 Here's a couple of pictures of Christ Church. This church is rather young as churches go in Scotland for it has only been 139 years since it was established. It is a Scottish Episcopal church. The priest that Sunday was a young lady who apparently was filling in for the bishop that morning. The service was a worshipful one but I would say it lacked something. Didn't hear much (if anything) about obedience to live life according to Scriptures. Emphasis was more on loving others. Well, at least it was on the Sunday we attended. 

   After services we were invited to attend the tea and coffee time. A lovely older lady named Annette, who sat behind Bobby & I during worship, came up and introduced herself to us and invited us to the tea and coffee time. This was just the kind of event I was hoping for. We met two, also older, couples who spent a good deal of time talking to Bobby about his work in South Sudan. I had the blessing of continuing conversation with Annette and a man named David. They wanted to hear about what had brought us to Scotland and they shared a bit of information about their church. Right as we were leaving we met a lady named Helen, who had lived in Africa for several years but claimed Edinburgh as her birthplace.  She has returned and lives in Edinburgh once again. She and Bobby had a lively conversation about life in Africa!

   We left richer than we came, for now we had claimed new friendships and we look forward to a reunion with these warm and friendly people when we return. 

The Largest Arts Festival in the World.

Here's a catalog I picked up
for free. It contains the events
tickets & prices of every
event.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and takes place every August for 3 weeks right in Edinburgh where we were. We met a couple our age on the plane which flew in to Edinburgh who were attending the Fringe and had been doing so regularly for the past 7 years. And there were performers on our plane who had traveled from America to participate in the Fringe. Maridith and Bobby did get to take advantage of the Circus.

Here's a stock picture of what the
street may look like during an event.

A stock picture of the street crowd.

My picture of a early Fringe
street scene.

Getting some 'eats' at the Fringe. It
was sort of like eating at the fair
in the US.

We were in high hopes to get to see the Edinburgh Tatoo,
but, alas, that didn't work out. But I wasn't disappointed
as I did get to hear several pipe bands performing later on.

A picture I took on the street.
Interesting looking couple,
don't you think?