Hello from the UK . . .

So, we’re here and we’ve been here going on 2 1/2 weeks now and having a fab time!  We arrived with no problems . . . well, not too many anyway! 

I left with a mild ear infection and having flown with one before, I was terrified of bursting my ear drum.  I was pleasantly surprised to touch down at Gatwick airport with not too much pain at all, but on going through immigration et al, I could feel my ear begin to throb.  When I couldn’t clear it at all, heeding the advice of my doctor, I decided we’d get the train up to Edinburgh.  So, the kids and I embarked on part 2 of our epic journey — 2 trains and 4 hours later, we were pulling up in Waverly station to be greeted by my aunt and uncle.  I couldn’t even hug them or anything — alls I could muster was “my bags, my bags are up in the baggage car and I think the train is going to leave with them on it unless we get up there!”  My fit uncle took off up the platform as I struggled behind him with the three boys.  I was in “car B” and the baggage car was behind “car T” which tells you how long the train was.  Thankfully, my uncle was able to get there before they blew the whistle and get my bags off the train! 

We had 11 glorious days in Edinburgh which has got to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world — I’m not biased at all, am I?  We stayed at my auntie’s house and were able to live like locals.  She is only a walk from the beach and great shopping plus just a short train journey from the city so an ideal location to be sure. 

I loved being surrounded by history, beauty and Scottish life all at once!  And, my family too, of course. 

We’ve done and seen loads!  The beautiful city of Edinburgh — the castle, Arthur’s Seat, the Grassmarket, open bus tour, Greyfriar’s Bobby, Holyrood Palace, Museum of Aviation, the Royal Highland Show (where we saw the Queen!!), Dunbar, Tantellon Castle, Seabird Sanctuary, the gorgeous beaches of the east coast of Scotlaand, Newhailles Hall,strawberry picking, shopping on Prince’s Street, picnicked in Prince’s Street Gardens,  etc., etc.

I have to say that acclimating to British life has been a bit of a challenge, but it seems that the boys are now fitting in although the oldest is so clumsy and going through that sulky teen stage that I think it’s been harder on him.  I have to give him credit where it’s due though as he did go 11 days without Internet connection and a play on his beloved World of Warcraft game!

On the Saturday night before we left, we had a wonderful BBQ where my aunt prepared enough food to feed the whole street.  One of my uncles came over with his bagpipes and he entertained us with a few tunes and even let the boys have a shot on it.  A proud moment for this mama! 

I really did not want to leave Scotland, but it was time to move on to England to see old friends and hubby’s parents, so my uncles drove me down in style.  I was very sad to see them go, but excited to be in Whitby too . . . (more to come)