UK Good Timing Part III Scotland!

Four and a half hours after getting on the train at Paddington Station we were in Edinburgh...foggy, foggy Edinburgh!  

(All blocked off for The Fringe)

 Jo told us to stand on the side of North Bridge that faces the sea to catch the bus to our B&B....um....couldn't see it! But I remembered which side we went to last year! Phew!

All of Edinburgh is abuzz in August with The Fringe, The International Book Festival and The Art Festival.  Too much to choose from but the girl took care of us!

(Fireworks just for us?:)

 First night was spent at Assembly Hall watching Puppet Up! which is the very grown up version of Jim Henson's muppets...in fact his son was there. So Funny! 

(At our breakfast table every morning!)

Friday morning after a lovely night sleep at our B&B and the fantastic breakfast made for us by the owner Clarissa we headed out to visit Edinburgh Castle.

(Photo taken 287 steps up on the Scott Monument!)

Castle is top center.  To the left with the twin red vertical banners is Assembly Hall.  

In the center is the National Gallery. 

That afternoon we took a train to visit Jo and Jonathan, owners of Avery Homestore.  After an amazing lunch which included Jonathan's delicious homemade bread we walked around their beautiful property taking in all the work they have done planting hundreds of native trees and shrubs...and their view of the Forth Rail Bridge!!!  I can't believe we forgot to take pictures! Thanks so much for a wonderful afternoon!

 After our short train ride back to Edinburgh we returned to the castle to see the 

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo!!  Attendees were from all over the world as were the performers.

 You haven't seen anything until you see hundreds of musicians and dancers and a castle all dressed up in the Union Jack!!

 For a girl who did Color Guard four years in high school and four years in College this was the ultimate thumbs up!

(stairs at Bedlam Theatre)

Saturday...after walking the 287 steps up the Scott Monument...was another puppet show this time at Bedlam Theatre and an evening comedy show at the Pleasance Dome but in the middle of the day there was....

 ....another talk and book signing with Neil Gaiman!!  This was a promotion for his new children's book Fortunately The Milk. We were able to get a advanced copy which the girl read in the queue then had signed...he drew her a stegosaurus!:)

 Sunday the family dropped me off at The Stitch Gathering (blogged here). So while I was sewing and chatting and stuffing my face they were...

 ...enjoying Glasgow!

 I think I had it harder...I mean these views out our classroom window made it so hard to concentrate!

(Castle on left....Scott Monument tallest spire on right)

 I mean....I was in the middle of a fairy tale....guess they were too!;)

 Monday morning bright and early we hopped back on the train to Stirling and toured Stirling Castle....another stone edifice up in the clouds.

 The views are spectacular.  This is The King's Knot as seen from the castle.

 Now standing on The King's Knot!:)

That afternoon while I enjoyed this lunch on Ladies Rock at the Church of the Holy Rude cemetery...

...and drew this picture...

...hubby and the girl took a bike ride...she's worried it's going to rain...just a little!:)

That evening we had curry at a great restaurant with our pals Lynz, Al and their Chookie....and once again neglected to take pictures.  We were living in the moment!:) 

Two days later we are back at Heathrow.  Dr. Who was still following us around. I really didn't take as many photos this time around...we did so much more than recorded here but I think the best time was seeing the girl and being able to visit with our UK friends...no photos necessary!:)

xo

~d