Scotland: Edinburgh and Dunotter

We made our way from Ireland to Scotland. We were so excited to see that the airport shuttles were Bradshaw Electric! These two loved reading some of the new books that we found along the way. We actually had to bring a whole suitcase of books home after the three people in my family bought some books! 

We landed in Edinburgh and again were shocked by how quiet and ...people-less...it was. We kept thinking everything was closed because of the lack of dense crowds. HAHA. Our first stop, even before we checked into the hotel, was COSTCO! It is a little piece of home. We just wandered around the aisles for an hour looking at all the familiar things...again we were basking in the wide aisles. We loved getting some beef hot dogs and thought it was SO cool they sold olive trees. We stood there looking at them for a good 15 minutes. We even decided which one we wanted to buy for our yard (ps, we don't have a yard). HAHA

Tried some sticky toffee pudding and that was amazing. 

We were surprised to see Utah Truffles there too! 

"Our" tree is the middle one with the lumpy trunk. 

We spent some time exploring Edinburgh. It is a city that combines old world with modern in an effortless fashion. We thought it was so fun to walk down the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. 

Street performers were decked out in kilts and bagpipes. Some were better than others. 

Several of the old chapels were converted into stores. They were beautiful to go in and experience. 

Lady Hiva wanted a Peacoat from the UK. She was able to find one that she liked. I was SO proud of her for buying one that was a bright color (teal) instead of brown or black. HAHA

Much like Dublin, the pubs were so cute. They were a good mix of Parisian style but yet still masculine at the same time. 

All over the city there are plaques giving history of the area. For example this small ally way that opened up into a courtyard. 

One of our favorite activities was holding owls. It was so cool to see these beautiful creatures. Lady Hiva and Lucky Dragon wanted to hold them. I am a fan of owls, such majestic creatures. 

Looking up the history of Bradshaw. 

We chose on of the pubs to eat in. It was AMAZING FOOD! 

We headed out of Edinburgh and went Northeast. We drove past Kinnaird Castle and stopped at Dunotter Castle. Both of these Castles I had ancestors born in. We figured it would be fun to see them. Dunotter Castle was beautiful. It is a sea side fortress that has several years of history, most of it a bit bloody. The people that lived here had to be rough and tough people as it is not easy living near the cold and relentless sea. 

We were so excited to see a rainbow as we looked over the cliffs from one of the bedrooms. We also saw a pod of dolphins! SO AMAZING