We started off the week in a charming little pub, The Roseleaf, with a true, full Scottish breakfast. Eggs, haggis, sausage, bacon, baked beans, roasted tomato, portobello mushroom, wilted spinach, buttered toast and a scone! I was pretty happy with myself that I cleaned my plate! I’ve often heard food in the UK can be bland, though we have not found that to be true at all!
After breakfast we headed over to the Scottish Parliament building for a private Sunday afternoon tour by a friend of my son. She shared with us not only the ins and outs of how parliament works here, but the controversy of the original price tag of $40 million ending up being just over $400 million. That being said…it’s a beautiful building, actually a piece of art, by Catalonian architect Enric Miralles Moya.
Right across from this beautiful and contemporary building is Holyrioodhouse Palace, the official residence of King Charles when he is in Scotland. One of the most famous residents of Holyrood Palace was Mary Queen of Scots and her historical apartments provided the setting for some of the significant events of her reign. Having just seen the movie Mary Queen Of Scots…it was actually chilling being in her chambers.
Being in Europe, there is history everywhere you look! A favorite side trip was St Andrew’s on the eastern coast line of Scotland. The ruins and history here are so captivating, juxtaposed with the hip and cool vibe of this university town. The St Andrew’s University buildings and grounds are beyond gorgeous! Founded in 1413 it is the oldest university in Scotland.
But the real reason we took this day trip was to see St Andrew’s golf course… the home of golf!
I don’t play golf, but as some of you know… I enjoy a quiet Sunday afternoon of relaxing and watching golf on TV! So it was pretty cool to wander around and see this beautiful course and get a few photos of the famous Swilcan Bridge.
And now on to the art! The Scottish National Gallery was a delightful surprise and impressive! It holds all the big names… Rembrandt, Monet, Van Goug, even a Leonardo da Vinci, along with too many more to mention. The John Singer Sargent “Lady Agnew” portrait grabbed my attention…as did many others I had to pull out my camera for. Did I mention all the national galleries and museums here are free, everyday!
So there you have it…a glimpse of Scotland through my eyes! It is truly wonderful and the people here are very warm and welcoming, with a rich diversity of cultures. Now that I have family here…I’m sure I’ll be back again… though maybe in the summer months next time!
We’ll be moving on to England now,
and then to Portugal…
thanks for traveling along with me!
While I’m away, I’ve lined up a few videos over on my YouTube channel. This week is a remix from one of my online Zoom classes…making cards with my gelli plate… click the button snd enjoy!
Thank you to my two darlings who have been wonderful at showing us Edinburgh through all its sights and flavors…a big piece of my heart is always here with you!
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So fun to see! Glad you are having a restful, but most exciting time, win/win! xo k