Christy's Visit: In Pictures

Edinburgh, Scotland

This morning Christy and I took the train into Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. We enjoyed some yummy pastries while talking and reading during the 1 hr 45 min train ride. The weather was anything but constant the whole day. It was everything from cold winter weather (we had to put gloves and hats on), to sunny spring weather where we took our coats off and enjoyed the sun! Welcome to Scotland Christy!

The day was filled with a historic visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. We saw the Crown Jewels of Scotland, and I even lost my camera! Which someone was kind enough to take to lost and found! We ate some delicious Fish & Chips in a local pub, and enjoyed a bagpipers tunes of Scotland. I loved the day with Christy so much, and hate that she is leaving in the morning...she is off to Rome on a moments notice, and she's ready for more adventures!!

Enjoy the Pictures of our day!

My friend Christy

Loch Lomond

Lately Luis has been working hard at his new job and getting to travel throughout Scotland. He has been working long hours, but he LOVES it. He enjoys not having a boss over his shoulder, and driving with the music turned up! He stopped off in Loch Lomond last week. He took some pics and I just have to come with him next time. It looks gorgeous!

Scottish Ceilidh

Last night Luis & I went to a Ceilidh. A ceilidh (pronunciation: kay-li) is a traditional social Gaelic dance originating in Scotland, where bands are hired, usually for evening entertainment for a wedding, birthday party or other celebratory event. It was our friends Ewan & Alisa's wedding celebration! We had so much fun, and even tried out a dance, we weren't any good, but we had a blast!! There was plenty of food, music, and dancing. I can't wait for my next ceilidh!

The general format of céilidh dancing is the "Set". A Set consists of four couples, with each pair of couples facing another in a square or rectangular formation. Each couple exchanges position with the facing couple, and also facing couples exchange partners, while all the time keeping in step with the beat of the music.

Castles & Cathedrals

LD and I enjoy to see what this great country has to offer whenever we can. We have had the opportunity to visit many castles and cathedrals during this past year we've been living in Scotland. They are our favorite part of Scotland! They are so old, and carry so much history. History is a BIG part of this culture here and we're enjoying every bit of it. Many of these places Luis and I packed a picnic on a Saturday and headed out to enjoy our meal in such a picturesque place. Enjoy!

Heritage Park

The Palace at Holyroodhouse (the Queen's residence)

St Giles Cathedral

The Abby at Holyroodhouse

Glasgow Cathedral (this is where Luis proposed)

Craignethan Castle

Bothwell Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Insomnia

I've been having trouble sleeping for the past 5 years on and off....maybe longer. Yes, it gets old. Yes I hate it, and no I don't take sleeping pills. I have been considering it though. I took some nyquil a few weeks ago, and slept for 2 days! I thought I had better get an over the counter sleeping aid, instead of cold medicine to do the trick. Luis and I went to the mall today, which was suppose to be open late (which is 5pm here in Scotland), everything closes megga early here...anyway...we hopped on into our local pharmacy Boots and went looking for the sleeping pills....there were none to be found. Then when we asked for some help they said they only had herbal ones. Ok anything will do right?! Well I walked up to the counter to make my purchase and the cashier asked me if i was taking any medication at the moment. Why Yes I am...my good 'ol trusty 150mg of Effexor XR. She then proceeded to tell me I could not purchase these herbal sleeping pills. What?! Why?! Huh?! I was denied any of the sleeping aids they had. I was told to go see my doctor and try some lavendar spray on my pillow (which I already have).

So here's to another sleepless night here in Scotland. The Nyquil is looking better every min...