Nottingham

The past few days I was in Nottingham following in the footsteps of Robin Hood and his merry men. I saw Nottingham Castle and was tried at Crime and Punishment. I did not make it out to Sherwood forest just because it was the weekend and the buses were not running that frequently. I am debating about going to Paris next weekend I need to make up my mind soon so I can book where I am going to be this weekend to make sure I have a room!

More Edinburgh



Ruins along the path to Arthur's Seat

 Today started out not so great but ended up quite sunny and I had great views from Arthur's Seat. It was a lovely hike up to the top. Before hiking up to the top I stopped at Holyrood Palace the Queens official residence in Scotland. It was interesting sight but since it is still a residence there is not a lot that I could see inside and could not take pictures.

Over the past few days I have run into some interesting characters along the royal mile. Maybe I will be able to post pictures when I get to a place that has a bit better Internet connection.

Along the side streets and closes through out Edinburgh there are lots of little interesting shops, so far I have managed not to buy to much since I don't really have space for it!

Edinburgh

Yesterday I went to Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle. It was snowy and cloudy so many of my pictures did not come out all that well. On the way back from Loch Lomond the coach went through the Trossacks National Park, it was a very scenic drive.

Today it was a bit better and I went to Edinburgh Castle and had some lovely views before the fog came back in. While I was at the castle Princess Anne stopped by to unveil a statue.

Today I also visited a weaving mill and got a piece of the family tartan and I learned that the surname white could also be MacGregor as they were a sub group of the clan and when the name was outlawed.

Inverness/Loch Ness

The past few days were spent in Inverness which is near Loch Ness so yes I went Nessie hunting. Though didn't see anything. I was able to take a cruise across the loch and up to Urquhart Castle which was blown up to prevent the Jacobites from getting it.

The weather was quite cold and it started to snow while I was in Inverness. They actually got quite a bit.

Urquhart Castle

Oban

After leaving Glasgow I have traveled to Oban a little sea side town. The past few days it has been really cold, windy, and rainy. I was unable to go over to the Island of Mull and Iona due to the fact that I was worried that the ferries would not be going. Sure enough several have been cancelled. I have however kept busy by visiting a distellery and seeing sites around Oban. Today I took a tour out to some islands where they mined slate. It was a very nice scenery just a little cold and rainy.

Last night one of the ladies who is in the same dorm as I made me haggis so that I could try it the correct way with neeps and tatties. It is actually really good.

Bridge over the Atlantic

Scotland!

I have been in Scotland since Saturday and am going to continue my journey today. Over the past few days I have seen a variety of different things. I also learned that I do not like art museums and think they are dull. I also learned about a water based hovercraft that was designed here in Scotland in the early 60's. Overall a very productive week so far.

Belfast!

So I made it safely to Belfast after flying into Dublin earlier today. I met some nice people along the way. I am in the hostel now and there are several nice people that I have met already.  I am a little tired after traveling and not a who lot of sleep.

I had my first pint of Guinness, it really was a lot better than I was expecting. The next few days here in Northern Ireland should be a lot of fun and I am looking foward to them.