The Scottish Highlands

Our journey north to the Highlands may have been rainy, but it only added to the charm and beauty of the green hills and castles.  Read more about the northbound adventures from Sanjana, Gabby, and Michael!

Today, June 6, we started off the day with a lovely breakfast at our hotel where Miranda tried haggis and black pudding. Our coach bus was slightly delayed so we hung out and chatted in the hotel lobby. When George, our driver, arrived we took a scenic route to Inveraray Castle. We spent about two and a half hours driving through the hills. At the castle, we ate lunch at the cafe and went to the gallery with Scottish art. Then we drove another hour to Loch Lomond. We took an hour walk in the forest and although it was rainy 

it was a lot of fun. Then we stopped at a corner shop to get hot drinks and warm up. Lastly, we drove back and ate a delicious dinner.  We played cards and hung out at the restaurant before heading back to the hotel for the night. Overall, it was a really fun day!

Thanks,

Sanjana

Today, we all had to wake up very early in the morning because we were supposed to leave at 8 for the Scottish Highland. My roommate and I woke up extra early so that we would have a little wait for our Scottish breakfast. Our coach was late so we were delayed going to the highlands, but we did eventually get there at around 12. We drove around the highlands for about 30 minutes before we went to the historic Castle called the  Inveraray. It was beautiful castle that had a loads of art work on the wall. After the Castle, we went over to the village called Luss and went for an hour long walk. It had very beautiful scenery. We all took a lot of pictures because the landscape was very green and had a lot of waterfalls. After Luss we went to this very amazingly stupendously extravagant restaurant that was a Cavalry. I ate this very delicious vegetarian sausage meal with mash and cauliflower. We then went back to the hotel to rest up for our early morning.

-Gabby

Today was our third and final day in Edinburgh. We started off the rainy morning with breakfast in our hotel, which included blood pudding and haggis. Our tour bus was about an hour late which gave us a chance to to talk and get to know each other better. When our bus finally came, we left right away for the Scottish Highlands. Despite the incredible scenery outside the windows, most people took the opportunity to catch up on lost sleep. We finally arrived at our first stop the incredible Invararay Castle. We toured the castle which included a magnificent collection of antique art and weapons. After a quick lunch at tea shop on the castle grounds we left to go to Lock Lomond. Despite the rain we got to together and went on a scenic walk of the woods surrounding the lock and the farms around the lock. After our walk it was time to head back to Edinburgh where we had a quick dinner and then headed back to the hotel to rest up for tomorrow's trip to York. - Michael

Our Day in Edinburgh

Castles, hikes, golf courses, and ghost tours...a little of everything today in Edinburgh!  Read up on the adventures from Josh K., Jacob, and Aziz below!

The whole group in front of Edinburgh Castle.

Through castles and haunted slum tourers, Edinburgh has it all! The beautiful city is filled with so much culture and excitement, it is hard to think we fit it all into one day. On our second day, we truly were at the heart of the city, as we went inside the castle of Edinburgh. The castle was made out of a beautiful stone and sat on top of a giant rock. Inside the castle, which in its day was primarily used for soldiers was a series of smaller buildings of which were converted into museums and one, a tea room. The tea room was stunning, overlooking the city with dramatic views and offering typical Scottish meals, such as Eggs Benedict and porridge. 

Later at night, we went into a haunted slum, in which the homeless of the medieval times would sleep, and rather live, as homelessness in Scotland was illegal and to multiple offenders, punishable by death. The place was rather spooky and haunted, as many perceive it to be one of the most haunted places in all of Europe. Hopefully I can sleep tonight! Anyhow, the city is beautiful and I am really enjoying the stay!!

- Josh K.

The group gathers around our guide, Anya, as she takes us through the castle.

 After a long relieved rest of being awake, we started are day off with a traditional Scottish breakfast. It is both similar in some ways and different from the typical American breakfast, in that while both contain eggs and toast. However the unexpected items were haggis, beans and black pudding. Following this we traveled to Edinburgh Castle, which we walked to yesterday. The castle is very beautiful and historic as it serves significant role in the royal and military history of Scotland. It contains the Crown Jewels, a few crowns, swords and jewelry, which are very ornate.

More so, we spilt into groups having the option to hike or stay around the city, and see some of the sights in town. I chose the city. We visited the royal college of surgeons in Edinburgh museum which displays some innovations of medical history over time as well as preservedbones,organs, and other body parts related to the body. Interestingly, many of the items here are relevant to Scottish history of war involvement and famous Scottish doctors. After having some more time. In the city center and eating dinner at a golf club, we finished the night off at a ghost tour. They took us underneath a bridge where the tour guide explained stories of potential sightings. Though not totally believable, it was cool seeing the type of environment where poor residents squatted and hid during the 18th century, as not only are these spaces dark, small, slippery but they are wet and muddy. So looking for the fun in store tomorrow!

- Jacob

Some of the group visited the museum of surgeons.

I woke up late this morning due to jet lag. I missed the Scottish Breakfast so I couldn't try the breakfast food. Instead I got a croissant  and tea which tasted alright. We ventured off onto the bus and Fred drove us through the city to pick up our tour guide. We took a tour and learned about the city's history. We went to the residential palace of where the royal family stays when they are in a Scotland for official business. Then we set out to the Edinburgh Palace and explored the grounds with my group. We set out to lunch and me and my friends went to a restaurant called Tang's and ate some great Japanese food. Then we split up to groups and one group went through the city and the other went hiking up the hill. I went up the hill and got to view the city and take some cool pictures. We walked down and went to dinner at a posh golf course and ate meat pie. Went on an underground tour Then came back to the hotel.

- Aziz

We've Arrived in Edinburgh!

Early this morning we arrived safe and sound in beautiful Edinburgh.  The weather was incredible, the city full of history, and we are exhausted!  Read a bit more about it from John F. and Izzy below.

  This trip has so far been one of the most tiring and most scenic of my life. My first trip abroad was marred with approaching fatigue and soreness as the small seats and few bouts of sleep was all I had to keep me going throughout the day. I knew it was all worth it, however, when we began descent and saw the beauty of old villages and a beautiful city with a perfect blend of classical buildings as well as more gothic styles. 

        As soon as we left the terminal, and received our bags, the grind of tourism began. We were off to find our tour guide, Phoebe, and our nice and tidy tour bus. Dropping off our bags at the hotel went by as fast as a breeze and before we knew it we were approaching the wondrous view of the Edinburgh Castle from Princess Street and glancing through the stylistic art exhibits of the National Gallery of Scotland. The awe inspiring shifts of styles from Neo-classicism to Impressionism gave great views upon the art history of the U.K.

- John F.

First we went to the National Gallery of Scotland and looked at art from the different artistic movements. After the gallery we walked to Calton Hill and there were some amazing views, so that obviously led to photo ops.. At Calton Hill we saw what was known as the Scottish National Monument, a memorial for fallen Scottish soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars, which started construction in 1826. However, due to a poor economy there were money problems and the monument was left unfinished in 1829. The monument became known as Scotland's Disgrace to symbolize the failure of its construction. From the top of the hill we could see the sea and that view was incredible. Along the way, we took in the culture and architecture of Edinburgh, which is varied and styled after ancient Athens. All in all, today was pretty incredible despite the jet leg.

-Izzy B.