Yesterday we left Scotland and arrived in London, England! It's been nine years since our last visit, so I could hardly wait to explore this amazing city. We checked into our hotel and went for a walk around the Victoria area, even making it all the way to Harrod's.
The Fisher girls on both sides of the world!
We woke up this morning and purchased our Tube (London's underground train system) "Oyster Cards", AKA ticket card. I absolutely adore the Underground because it is so much cleaner and efficient than the subway in New York. We hopped on and exited at a stop that had a great view of the Tower of London, where we snapped a couple of pictures.
We got back on and rode to our destination, Greenwich, the historic neighborhood located on the Thames River. The weather was perfectly London-esque: cool and drizzling, and to see the Thames under the London skyline was spectacular.
After eating lunch and exploring Greenwich, we hiked up to the Royal Observatory, where we learned all about the importance of time-keeping and star-charting for sailors. Each of us even stood on the Meridian line, meaning that we were in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres at the same time! My family and I then spent some time in the National Maritime Museum, which showcases Great Britain's presence in the ocean. I loved everything about Greenwich -- it is such a historic and interesting neighborhood while still feeling very quaint and welcoming.
We took the Tube back to Victoria Station, where we walked to a Fisher family landmark, Wagamama. This is a restaurant we visited on our last trip to London, and we've longed for it ever since! The food was great, but it was the nostalgic appeal that made it so special. Tomorrow is sure to be eventful, so keep an eye out for my post!
Yesterday (Tuesday, June 25th),
we explored the Scottish Highlands with our amazing tour guide, Ian.
Ian is quite the expert on all things Scotland – knowing literally
everything about Scottish history from the birth of Mary, Queen of
Scotts through the Jacobite risings. Our road trip started with Glen
Nevis: the place where they shot Quiditch for the Harry Potter films
and village scenes in Braveheart and Rob Roy. The area is absolutely
breathtaking – I completely understand why Hollywood continues to
pick this location for filming!
We then traveled to some castle ruins
and saw one of the Scottish canals in action. I think it's very neat
(and honestly amusing) that there are ancient ruins scattered around
the country – you can have a picnic in thousand year old structure
remnants like any other ordinary park. It's too bad America is such a
young country....
Dad's got Scottish swag
"I'm king of the world!"
Anyway, after a shopping trip to a
woolen mill (I got a wool blanket and Dad got a great hat!), we went
to Glenfinnan, another Harry Potter filming location. We climbed to
the top a hill overlooking the other mountains and the bridge where
the Hogwarts Express shots were taken, and I have never seen more
stunning views in my life. I felt like I was on top of the world,
longing for Hogwarts to be standing there in front of me.
Unfortunately, my muggle eyes could not see it, but I did very much
enjoy the scenery.
We drove to our final destination, Urquhart Castle at Loch Ness. I was blown away (yet again) by the
beauty of the loch. It is so BIG – no wonder Nessy loves it!*
The grounds are immensely interesting; its history spans
centuries and its walls witnessed so many important Scottish moments.
Urquhart Castle has definitely been my favorite place that we've
visited for its amazing location and story.
Urquart Castle
Our tour guide, Ian
Even though I'm excited to head to
England, I must say, I'm very sad to leave Scotland. I know I've said
it a million times, but it's such a beautiful country. The people are
so friendly, and they have so much pride for their history
and culture. I hope I return again soon because I am completely in
love with Scotland!
Thanks and gig 'em,
Rachel
Wait, what.....
*To clarify, we did not see Nessy much
to my disappointment.
I'm afraid I've fallen a day behind on posting, so this post is about Monday, June 24th (I'll catch-up tomorrow). Yesterday, we took the train to the capital city of Edinburgh. Called the "Athens of the North", Edinburgh is full of knowledge and personality, with statues and monuments paying homage to the great Scottish heroes, poets and philosophers.
As we pursued our destination, I was literally climbing a mountain in Sperry's, and let me tell you they slip and slide on cobblestone! But the trek was worth it: Edinburgh Castle stood mighty atop the mountain overlooking the city.
Edinburgh Castle's WWI Memorial
We approached the threshold and were shocked by the huge crowds: there were thousands of people on a Monday morning. Our first stop was at the oldest structure, St. Margaret's Chapel; obviously, we felt very fond of the chapel since we have our very own Margaret. We met more obnoxious crowds at the Scottish Crown Jewels: they were gorgeous and spectacular, but we only got to view them for about a minute. My family and I visited the rest of the highlights including the Great Hall, the daily cannon-firing and my favorite stop, the WWI Memorial.
Gladstone's Land on the Royal Mile
We left Edinburgh Castle and explored the Royal Mile: a stretch of street outside the castle that is very historic and touristy. But the real gem of our exploration of the Royal Mile was off the beaten path -- we stumbled upon Gladstone's Land, a preserved historic townhouse that gives visitors an exhibition of life in the 17th century. It was extremely interesting and without a large crowd!
That evening, we returned to Pitlochry for the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band's Highland Night. Held every Monday night during the summer on a local rugby field, Highland Night boasts local, authentic Scottish performers such as bagpipers, folk signers and some adorable little dancers. It is completely targeted for tourists, however it is just as charming and heartwarming as the whole town of Pitlochry has treated us.
This morning we did a bit of shopping at the Heathergems headquarters where they use dyed heather stems to make unique, Scottish jewelry. (My Mom and I each got very pretty heather-necklaces.) Then we headed south from Pitlochry to Stirling and beheld the marvelous Stirling Castle. Now I've never actually watched Braveheart (it's a real crime seeing as I'm such a big movie buff), but I could still envision Mel Gibson's William Wallace giving his troops as rousing of a speech as the iconic one in the film:
I always enjoy going to places as old as Stirling Castle because it makes the time passed not seem so long. It may sound a bit cheesy, but I really do try to envision what life was like back in those days: I find it a lot easier to relate to ancient times when I myself am walking around in the very same location where kings and queens from Medieval times lived. It makes them seem more...human...not just the generic population that occupied a chunk of time in history.
21st Century meets 16th Century
Stirling Castle truly is full of rich history, much of which was told to us by a very enthusiastic "foot soldier" and his friend the "cook" (both were very good actors, I might add). We learned a lot about Scottish battle techniques, as well as the horribly savage ways they had to live and eat. I wholeheartedly admit that I am grateful for my -- speaking in British terminology -- posh way of life as a 21st century woman.
Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, I understand why the Scots were so passionate about defending their castle and land. The scenery is just breathtaking: no matter which direction you look, there are vast, green hills rolling beauty under overcast skies.
Stunning view from the Stirling Castle
Mom & Dad on Faskally Loch
We left the glorious highland view from Stirling Castle and rode back to Pitlochry for another delicious dinner. Because it stays light outside til nearly 11 PM, my Mom, Dad and I decided to take a walk down to Faskally Loch, where hydroelectricity is generated through a dam. Again, the scenery was spectacular, and we even learned something about renewable energy!
Even though the weather was very cold and windy today, I am falling more and more in love with Scotland and its fascinating culture. Off to Edinburgh tomorrow!
