mom in scotland. (part 1)
I really never updated about a lot of things last trimester, and one of them was when my mom came to visit.
She came on Halloween, so I did not go out the night before, and had every intention of sleeping early, but my brain would not let me, so I wound up falling asleep probably around 2, when I had to get up at 530amish. I woke up at this obnoxious time, and headed out to the bus in my sweatpants and jacket with my hood on, and waited for the bus, while it started to sleet on me. Lovely.
I got to the airport rather early, around 7 or so, right around when my mom’s plane had landed, but they were in the baggage area, so I groggily went to get something the chew on, but as I was waiting in line, my mom came through. I saw her looking around the airport and went over. We then grabbed some tea at Costa, and food, and then got on the bus back to my flat. The bus wound up in the morning rush hour, so it took a lot longer than I was used to. When we got back, my mom took a nap, and so did I on the couch in the kitchen. I had to wake myself up and head into class. I stayed until the end of my first class (what a good example!) and then left to meet my mom. We met back by my flat and then headed out to Holyrood Abbey and Palace, which I hadn’t been to yet.
The Abbey was under restoration (go figure, everytime I go somewhere, SOMETHING is under restoration). Nonetheless, it was gorgeous and the history amazing.
Holyrood Abbey.
more of the Abbey.
Holyrood Palace
One of the most interesting things was learning more about Mary Queen of Scots. Afterwards, my mom and I had some tea and scones, the most British I’ve been in a while. The other nifty thing about Holyrood is the ticket is good for you to use again a year from the date you go!
Afterwards, we wandered up the Royal Mile and down to find food and back for the night.
The moon was pretty cool over the castle, but it's hard to see.
The next morning, again, I went to my first class only. Hey! Everything is closed by 5 here, if I stayed in class, I wouldn’t be able to do anything with my mom! So, I told her to head to the museum and when I was out, she was still there and had discovered the roof view, which, I will admit, I had not yet found. It offers a stunning view of the city, and the museum is great as well and free!
View from the roof of the National Museum of Scotland.
More views of the city.
Mom on her phone.
Afterwards, we grabbed food, which was really good, and my mom tried cider, which she did like, and we headed up to the Royal Mile to visit the Castle. It was a good time for it, as no one was around - it was a school day after all.
Mom & I in front of Edinburgh Castle.
Inside, we took the free tour, which I recommend as there’s just so much to see, and the history the tour guides give you and information is very useful. In fact, we also found out that they, at one point, during the American revolution, held some Americans captive in their prisons. Crazy!
Above the city.
Parts of the castle.
The military hall.
In this hall, they have loads of books filled with the name of anyone and everyone that has died in any form of service. It’s quite striking to go through them.
From the chapel in the Castle.
Heading down the Royal Mile from the Castle.
Afterwards, we had some dinner and perused some shops and headed back. All during this time, my mom made fun of my pathetic towels and how I did not know how to turn my heat on. I know how to turn the heat on now - but, come on, who thinks of installing a touch pad you have to touch to start the heat?!
The last day, we set out for Craigmillar Castle, which I’ve quite come to love.
Mom at Craigmillar.
Mom & I at Craigmillar.
Mom on the ramparts.
Myself on the ramparts.
It’s such an awesome castle, and the ruins are in great condition.