In Scotland we practiced our golf in a golf academy near St. Andrews. It was raining and by raining I mean pouring. Also windy and kind of cold. But it was an adventure and for the most part we were glad we had done it once we were dry again.
I’ve always pictured myself as the type of person who would be happy going from hostel to hostel and traveling the world. And I’m pleased to say that the two hostels I stayed in met my expectations. The three women leaders stayed together in one room, which is just fine since we got along so well. The hostel had several common rooms where visitors could talk, play games, read, watch tv, etc. and a large dining area. I visited with one woman who was hiking with several of her girl friends, staying in hostels along the way. One of their husbands was following in the car with all their luggage 😀 These ladies were in their 60s, so hostels aren’t limited to youth anymore.
To see more about this hostel, go here http://www.syha.org.uk/hostels-in-scotland/highlands/pitlochry.aspx
During the evening we went to see a Scotsman who demonstrated putting on a kilt and showed traditional Scots weapons.
We I learned that we were visiting the Roman Baths, I initially pictured ruins in the countryside. But the opposite is true. The Baths are restored for the most part and situated in the middle of a vibrant city, Bath.
For more information, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Baths_%28Bath%29
The Queen is having her Diamond Jubilee this year, marking 60 years on the throne. To honor the occasion, this topiary was created to replicate in flowers the queen’s crown during her coronation. There is a nice write up of it here http://www.jannaludlow.co.uk/My_Brush_With/Jubilee_2012.html
The Tower of London, more formally known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, is a World Heritage Site. I loved walking the hallways, climbing the circular stairs and seeing the crown jewels! The website is here http://www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon/
The London Eye, on the banks of the River Thames in London, is 443′ tall and has 32 sealed compartments. What surprised me is that the Ferris wheel doesn’t stop for loading and unloading, it moves so gradually that visitors just step on or off. The exception being those that actually need more time. The black and white photo was taken with Hipstamatic from the Hungerford Bridge (which can be seen in the color photo).
I was delighted to accept an educational trip to the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Though I had good intentions of continuing my “New Place of the Day” Blog, it simply got away from me. So, I’m catching up now, with brief entries for each day 😀
