On occasion Jason has to travel to Aberdeen, Scotland. So, during his last such planned trip, he agreed to let us tag along. And boy, was I glad he did!
Scotland, in the words of Harry Potter novelist, J.K. Rowling: "It is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places in the world, the history is fascinating, the men are handsome, and the whiskey is delicious. But don't eat the macaroni pies."
I cannot attest to the whiskey nor the macaroni pies...ha! But, our short stay painted scenes of costumed men in kilts chirping on bag-pipes in the crisp air, vistas of heavenly-hued horizons fading behind a storied city, and oh yes, one particular imposing and iconic fortress playing host to a fairytale wedding. It is safe to stay Scotland has made its way to our family's top five list!
Our stay in Scotland was way too short, but just might beckon the kids and me to tag along on Jason's next said trip. Ha!
Aberdeen, "the Granite City"
Edinburgh
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| Edinburgh Castle |
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| And there goes the bride for a her wedding at the castle. |
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| St. Giles Cathedral |
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| Edinburgh Old Town |
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| Right in front of the cafe is a little bronze statue paying tribute to Bobby, the loyal Skye terrier who stood guard over his master's grave for fourteen years. Disney even made a film about this story. |
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| Any Harry Potter fans?? This is the cafe where it all began... |
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| Candlemakers Row |
The Old Course a St. Andrews
"Hard by, in the fields called the Leith Links, the citizens of Edinburgh divert themselves at a game called golf, in which they use a curious kind of bat, tipt with horn, and small elastic balls of leather, stuffed with feathers, rather less than tennis balls, but of a much harder consistence. This they strike with such force and dexterity from one hole to another, that they will fly to an incredible distance. Of this diversion the Scots are so fond, that when the weather will permit, you may see a multitude of all ranks, from the senator of justice to the lowest tradesman, mingled together in their shirts, and following the balls with the utmost eagerness."
Tobias Smollet, writing about golf in 1771.
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| Swilcan Bridge I have to say, as a former athlete and sports enthusiast, this was probably the highlight of my trip. Just to think of the greatest golfers who walked across this very bridge...I had goose bumps! |
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| Graham running onto the 17th green. Dodging golf balls and keeping Graham off the course... |
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| The famous 18th Hole |
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| Who wouldn't think a man dressed in a kilt is handsome? Ha. Jason was a good sport and took one for the family. |
