Soon the 22nd rolled around and it was time to head up to Perth, Scotland. I had decided to take this route by train. Being an American, I was completely ignorant to the British train system. Just when Tom and Jane were trying to explain to me about platforms, the word got out that my train was now 10 minutes late and I would miss my second train! I was quickly shuffled into a taxi to Crewe. The system is simple once you get the hang of it. People are reserved and usually go about their business but I did strike up a couple conversations with people. Another good thing is that if people see you struggling with your bags or looking lost and confused, they will usually lend a hand. After about 6-7 hours, I found myself in Perth. About one minute after I stepped off the train I saw Steve and Jan walking towards me. When he handed me a can of Irn Bru, I knew I was in Scotland!
Above is a group shot on our first night. We had a lovely meal and I enjoyed some hearty ribs!
Above is me in my touristy pose in front of Scone palace. This is where the ancient Scottish kings were crowned. Since it was so close we decided to check it out on our first day.
Here I am expressing my love for shortbread!
We spent all of Friday around Perth looking at history museums, scenic views, and walking the high street. Everyone underestimated just how tiring the town could be! Instead of going to see a film I decided to have an early night. By the third week of constantly going and doing things the body just needs a little rest!
Here is a group shot of the family! Sandy (dad), Sven, Bruce, Margaret (mum), and me, of course!
On Saturday, we took a trip to Crieff to meet up with my relative, Betty Templeman. We had lunch at the very posh Crieff Hydro Hotel. Overall it was a good visit and after seeing me she decided to come here for the family reunion. It was neat because I got to see her twice withing a few months! After the visit, we drove through the sma glens which stretch on for miles.
That evening I had enough energy to take a hike up a very scenic hill abover Perth. Sven's friend Deano joined us. It was really neat to meet him after talking to him on the Internet a bit. The view from the top was just breathtaking with the sun going down. We decided to take some goofy pictures instead of the normal posing. The evening concluded with Blair Witch parodies and a trip to McDonad's!
Sunday was the big day. We got up early to catch a train to Edinburgh. The second time around on the trains seemed so much simpler! Once we arrived, we decided to take a bus tour since it was yet another sunny day. The above picture includes where we got on the buss, the Scott Memorial, Princes Street, and the gardens where we stopped to rest. After seeing some local sights on the bus tour, we got off at the castle. This is historic Scotland! One could spend days in that place and still not catch everything. It is not the prettiest place in the world, but the rich history is interesting.
We caught the bus again and walked the Royal Mile for some shopping. Soon it was time to head to a sports pub to catch the Championship Claymores game. It was another good atmosphere but the Claymores fell in the end. Sven was VERY disappointed! Edinburgh is a nice city and I would gladly return there someday. (Although Glasgow is high on my hit list!) We arrived home very late and I had to catch a train by 9am the next morning to head back down to Stone. *yikes*!
This page still in the works...I need to get my scanner fired up yet again to fill in some more pictures and type out the finishing details of the trip! It's mainly a matter of just doing it..but I'm also nearly finished so hang tight!
