Saturday, 27 October 2007

London


I don't think I could live in London, but for a holiday it's fabulous. I went from Edinburgh down to my cousin who lives in Ealing. It's a really nice area - and easy as could be from Heathrow. Euan is Megan's godfather so it's always great to see him. I stayed with him and Mel for a few days before heading to a friend in Green Park. Now that's the perfect location to see the centre of London. I don't know how far I must have walked, but let me just say - I went through a number of blister plasters!!!


Anyway, in true London October fashion, it was grey! Note picture of Westminster from the London Eye... cold and wet and more to the point grey. But that didn't stop me, I had my umbrella, my waterproof, some non-blister-giving boots (which I only realised once it was too late). I was the perfect tourist. I did the London Eye, Madam Tussauds, Oxford Street a few times over... Hamleys and M&S, Picadilly, Thames River Boats and even Legoland!!! And of course made a trip to Buckingham Palace.

But more than all the touristy things, it was fantastic to see lots of friends and family that I hadn't seen for years. Roland is still trying to recover from the fact that I went to the Star Wars exhibit. He just plays with his replica light sabre (long story, maybe in another post) and looks at the photos I took.

More Pictures from UK Trip

Stirling Castle













Wallace Monument













Windsor Castle














Crown Jewels














Star Wars

Thursday, 25 October 2007

Edinburgh

I'm back from a totally fantastic couple of weeks in the UK. It was such a bizarre feeling... after being responsible for 4 little people 24/7 - suddenly it was just me. And although I probably shouldn't admit it, I didn't pine for home at all, I had a total blast! The flight over was great. It was only about half full so I had the 2 window seats to myself. It didn't give me a total lie down, but I did have at least a little bit of room to stretch out.

I flew straight up to Edinburgh from Heathrow and my aunt fetched me from the airport. We spent the afternoon doing all the shopping that I miss so much at home... ELC, Mothercare, GAP. And the best part? I wasn't chasing after numerous children! Quite an odd feeling actually - browsing through a toy shop with noone to chase! We met my cousing Kay and her boyfriend Ally for supper that evening. Was great to see her and to meet Ally.


The next morning we drove up to see my cousin Lorna and family. They live on this incredible place just out of Stirling. It is really stunning and an amazing place for kids to grow up. It's something I'm really not used to - the total feeling of safety. Kids are free to run around as they please, people leave doors unlocked... there are animals all around - you throw your leftovers out to the chickens! I had a fabulous few days with them and it was great to meet all the kids. I had only met the oldest, Hamish, before and since then there have been 3 more additions.