"Built on Seven Hills"

A coach ride and several uncomfortable naps later,
we arrived in Edinburgh, our last stop in Scotland. 

And just a little tip-
it's pronounced EH-din-bur-uh.

Once you get the hang of it, it's really quite fun to say!
Go ahead, say it. I know you want to. 

Despite the terrible rain and piercing wind on the first day we visited,
it's safe to say I fell in love with this city!
Since it's said to have been "built on Seven Hills,"
a postcard view is accessible from just about anywhere in this historic city. 

Just a few of my favorite places...

The beautiful Edinburgh Castle, which happens to be built on a hill, is charming and historic,
and offers a spectacular view looking out over the city.

If you're as excited about the Royal Family as I am, then you'd enjoy visiting Holyroodhouse, 

the Queen's Scottish residence. 

While you're there, take a walk through her beautiful garden.

If you're up for an adventure, hike Arthur's Seat, the highest hill in Edinburgh.

 I was a bit deceived when I first agreed to take this trek to the top...

...But I have to say, the view at the top is breathtaking- literally.

It really is worth all the huffing and sweating to see this magnificent view of the city.

Just be prepared for wind so strong you can't even speak without spit flying out of your mouth. 

Don't say I didn't warn you!

After you work up an appetite from all that hiking, head over to The Elephant House.

Harry Potter fans, anyone?

Well, J.K. Rowling began her famous series of books at this very restaurant.

Whether you're a huge Harry Potter fan or not, 

it's still really cool to see. 

And plus the food is delicious and very affordable, 

so you have no reason not to go! 

I'd love to hear any other suggestions for next time i'm in Edinburgh!

-Kristi

Scotland

We have made the jump across the pond from Ireland to the mainland: the United Kingdom.

And even though we've started classes and settled into our London apartments or "flats" stories from our travels in Scotland must be told...

We made our way up the island in our large tour bus driven by our hilarious and animated driver Robbie.

One of our first stops on the way to Scotland was at Hadrian's Wall. [If you have seen the recent film "King Arthur" staring the dashing Clive Owen as Aruther, you've seen the Roman wall that was built by the emperor Hadrian to mark the empires territory in Britain.]





We were not only able to walk on the wall, but also we were able to explore the ruins of the wall's main fort; of course this was not without the help of our excellent English guide by the name of Dr. Bryan.





After a little bus trouble and an extented lunch we were off toward Stirling.

Stirling is the home of Stirling Castle but more "importantly" it is home to the William Wallace national mounment. The group was fired up and ready to see the mounment after watching the "completely historically correct" film "Braveheart" staring Mel Gibson, the night before.





The mounment was built in the 1860s as a tribute to one of Scotland's greatest heros William Wallace. There were several rooms within the tower mounment where you could learn about Wallace and other pieces of Scottish history, but the most impressive feature of the tower was the view from the top:




After we has each shouted "Freedom!" at the top of our lungs to our hearts' content were off to Ediburgh, the capital city of Scotland.

BUT not before we stopped for lunch where the "Cathedral of Golf" is held...St. Andrew's. A small beautiful town, home to the 4th largest University in Europe AND of "course" the location of the famous golf course.



Part of the course with a view of the sea.




Students enjoying a day at the beach in St. Andrews. This was Brad's FIRST trip to a beach, so of course a sandcastle had to be constrcted in honor of this historic event.

We spent two excellent days in Ediburgh. We were able to tour the Royal Mile, explore the castle at the top of the Royal Mile AND we even had tea with the Queen at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, her home when she visits Scotland. Ok we didn't actually see the Queen, but we saw photographs of her. We also got to tour the rooms where Mary Queen of Scots, the Mother of James I of England, lived during her exile.




Deacon Brodie's Tavern, on the Royal Mile, was the favorite "party spot" of noble by day, play boy by night, Deacon Brodie. His real life story of duality of personality eventually became immortalized in novel Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hyde.





Students walking down the Roayl Mile.




Part of the inner keep at Edinburgh's castle.



The Queen's Palace; can you see her waving at us from the top left window? Look very close ;)


But perhaps the highlight of the trip was our group meal at the Elephant House, better known as "the Birth Place of Harry Potter." This restaurant was one of the places J.K. Rowling sat and started creating her magical world and her beloved character Harry Potter.




Scotland was a highlight for the group--the views, the history, the Potter, and the kilts have left us permanent fans of the Scotland.