Edinburgh, Scotland

Just wanted to write about and show a few pictures from my trip up to Scotland with my mom. Edinburgh is often described as one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, and from what I've seen, I would definitely have to agree. We had an awesome time there, and took sooo many pictures. Oh, and of course I've got to tell one of the most embarrassing stories of my entire life. (If I don't do it now, Jordan will be sure to tell every one of you when he has the chance)

The ride up was interesting, to say the least. We decided to take the train so we could relax the entire weekend. To be honest, I was a little nervous. I've taken the train down to London a few times with Jordan, which is really simple. However, on the way up to Scotland, we were to stop and change trains in Ely and in Peterborough. No big deal, right? Ugh.

So we boarded the train in Cambridge, and were just fine changing trains in Ely. Then we got to Peterborough. We had about 20 minutes until our next train arrived, so we decided to find an ATM, and walk around a bit. We got back to the platform with plenty of time to spare. Then the train arrived. I realized we were standing near the first class coaches, so we walked a little further down to board a "normal" car. Well, I got on the train, and then some people started pushing past. My mom, being polite, allowed them to go in front of her. The doors started closing, and I figured that like an elevator, if I just waived my hand in between it would open. Not the case. So I gripped the door with one hand, the door jamb with the other, and tried to pry it apart with all of my might. Haha. (Can you picture this?!) It wasn't working, so I started to freak out. To make matters worse, the train started pulling away.

I watched through the window as my mom passed, and officially began to panic. The train from Peterborough to Edinburgh is about 3 hours and 45 minutes, and I hadn't gone over the journey with her in depth. This was a new experience for both of us, and I had no way of contacting her. (In a situation like this, it's amazing how many thoughts can run through your head in a matter of seconds!) So I did what I thought I had to do... I punched out the glass covering the emergency stop handle, and pulled. (So embarrassing in hindsight...)

Immediately, an alarm started blowing ("ALERT-the emergency handle has been pulled in train car H"), lights started flashing, and the train came to a stop. "Hallelujah", I thought. A train employee came to the car, and started yelling at me. I told her the situation, and by this time my mom was standing on the platform outside my window again. Speaking to me like I'm the dumbest person on the face of the earth, the operator said, "She's not getting on this train!" So I responded, "Well then, can you let me OFF?!" After she pushed a bunch of buttons, she finally decided to be civil to me. She said, "I understand you panicked, but you can't just pull the alarm." She communicated (through the glass) with an employee on the platform, instructing my mom to get on the next train to York. I was to meet her there (about an hour away), and then we would get on the next train to Scotland.

The lady told me to go sit down. Soon after we started moving again, the conductor came over the intercom, saying, "I'm sorry to inform you that this train is delayed, due to an emergency handle being pulled." I was mortified. I was wearing my bright pink jacket and my hand was bleeding from breaking the glass, so it was impossible to blend in. About half way through the ride to York, the same lady came to me with a pen and piece of paper. She asked me for my name and address, saying that they will be keeping my information on file. Great. As we were arriving in York, the conductor announced once more that the train was delayed, due to an emergency handle being pulled. I was so happy to finally get off of that train.

Meanwhile, my mom was keeping herself entertained by taking comical pictures like this, showing her luggage alone on the bench in Peterborough...

I waited nervously in York until my mom arrived. She told me that the man on the platform informed her that they can charge up to 1,500 GBP (roughly $2,350) for this offence. What a great way to start our vacation. We decided to go to the information desk to ask if we were allowed to board another train up to Scotland that we weren't originally scheduled on. My mom urged me to ask about my "situation". I sheepishly told the man about what had happened, and I could tell he was holding back from laughing in my face. I mean, do I really look like the type of person who would do such a thing?? He said that if they were going to do anything, I wouldn't be standing there talking to him because they would have taken me away in handcuffs. He explained that they just took down my information for future reference--i.e. if I do it again, it's more likely that they'll come after me. I was so glad I asked, because it gave me enough peace of mind to enjoy the remainder of the weekend.

Now, on to Edinburgh. Whew! The first day, we checked in to our hotel, and then ventured out to have dinner at a pub along the Royal Mile (a mile-long stretch between the Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyrood, where the queen often stays). The castle towers over the entire city, atop a gigantic rock. In the 17th-century, a defensive city wall defined the boundaries of the Edinburgh. Due to the restricted land area available for development, the buildings began to increase in height, making Edinburgh one of the first European cities to build "high-rise" buildings.

My mom and me enjoying our first full-Scottish breakfast at our hotel!

Me, outside of the Clan Campbell Hotel where we stayed. (pink coat and all)

On Saturday, we stumbled upon an outdoor market, toured the castle, walked along the Royal Mile, and had dinner at an amazing Thai restaurant. We were both really tired from all the walking we did, but it was well worth it. Here are a few of the many pictures we took:

This is looking up at the castle from the market below. Absolutely breathtaking.

We may have chosen the most difficult route up to the castle, but it was beautiful!
What would a trip to Scotland be without a picture of a bagpipe player? :) This picture is inside the castle grounds, overlooking the city and body of water known by locals as the Nor Loch.

Also inside castle grounds. Isn't this so sweet?
Another beautiful view from the castle.

Cannon below, city beyond.I just can't get over how pretty this place is!!

The cotton thistle is a national emblem of Scotland. Legend has it that during the reign of Alexander III (1249-1286) an invading Norse army was attempting to sneak up at night on a Scots army encampment. During this operation one barefoot Norsemen had the misfortune to step on a thistle, causing him to cry out in pain, thus alerting Scots to the presence of the Norse invaders. The thistle is praised by Scots for this reason. After all, if they hadn't been alerted to their invaders, Scotland might not be Scotland today!Along the Royal Mile, there are lots of little alleyways like this one curving in every which direction.

We looked around at a woollen mill, where they make all of the traditional scottish knitwear. I bought a heavy wool blanket as my souvenir. :)