Today was my last day in Edinburgh - and the end to my Scotland adventures. My time here was far too short! I had a wonderful last day here, mainly because of my spontaneous decision to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia (aka Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia, or H.M.Y. Britannia for short). I'll get to …
Ghosts, Castles, Palaces, and Horses
Today was filled with all sorts of random findings and stories. I hopped on a train to Stirling, hailed as "the heart of Scotland," mainly to see Stirling Castle. The city itself is lovely and full of stunning parks and gardens. I only managed to see the King's Park and Royal Gardens (both …
Exploring the Black Isle
I'm utterly shattered after exploring the Black Isle (Fortrose, Rosemarkie, Cromarty) - but so worth it. The visitor centre recommended these walks along the peninsula, and I was so happy that I finally got some coastal views again (the only other beach I've seen on this trip was Brighton …
Goodness Gracious, Glasgow!
I made another horrible mistake while travelling. I let others' opinions dictate my itinerary, going against what I initially wanted. So I crammed Glasgow into a last-minute day trip from Edinburgh (giving me only 12.5 hours in the city since I had to take the train back tonight). Fool of a …
Edinburgh, We Meet Again
Written Jan. 25, 2017 (Burns Night) And just like that, my time in the Scottish Highlands ended. ? I'm gutted. While I did make use of my half day in Edinburgh again (I'm staying here the next four nights - although the next two days will be daytrips elsewhere), I can't help but miss the …
Isle of Skye: An Unexpected Journey
Written Jan. 22 (lacked WiFi and cell service to post earlier) I literally became Bilbo Baggins today and set off on an unexpected journey in Isle of Skye. My pre-booked tour ended up falling through, but my guide still had the courtesy to come by and drive me to my first stop (Old Man …
Pretty, Pretty Portree
Written Jan. 21 I've reached the Isle of Skye - and it's nothing short of spectacular. I'm squeezing in a last-minute day tour tomorrow upon realising that it's a tad tough to see all the sites without renting a car (much like NZ and how I was too scared to drive a campervan). It'll happen …
Nessie Not Found in Loch Ness
Today consisted of sitting on a bus (coach) for half the day, so it was probably the least amount of physical activity I've gotten on this whole trip. Nessie was not found in the River Ness, to my dismay. Sigh. My coach from Portree to Iverness was another stunner, and a lovely chap from Glasgow …
Geeking Out in Glenfinnan
I had yet another Harry Potter-filled day... unexpectedly. Everyone says I'm weird (that's why I'm in entertainment on a cruise ship) - but after spending 7 hours taking pictures of a Harry Potter-related bridge, I can see why I earned this title. I initially planned to go to …
Fort William & Glencoe
My heart broke upon leaving Edinburgh this morning (but I'll be back next week - in time for Burns Night!), but the train ride to Fort William was a beauty. It was the nicest train ride I've ever done in my life, and I've been on quite a few trains. The Scottish Highlands are very similar to New …