Adventures in Scotland

It seems like everywhere I go, I am progressively amazed by each country's beauty and culture.  I almost always leave a place saying, "I loved it here, I want to come back someday."  Rarely though do I say, "I really want to live here someday."  Scotland though fulfilled that last statement , making it comparable only with my first visit to Colorado and London. 

I've always been mildly interested in Scotland (Brave is my favorite animated film and I thought it was pretty in pictures), but my love and interest in England always overshadowed it.  Scotland, however, proved to combine my favorite aspects of England (the quaint countryside, cobblestone, and the "culture"), Colorado (the mountains, waterfalls, and "Midwestern hospitality"), Pennsylvania (the colored leaves of fall and forests), and even Florida (there's an ocean) and wrap it up all with its own unique Scottish flair!

It was a three hour train ride between London and Edinburgh, but we passed through some of the most gorgeous scenery ever (cliffs above rocky beaches and cobblestone towns).  On the first night, we briefly visited Edinburgh Castle, which had a spectacular view of the city.

The next day, we took a bus tour through the Scottish Highlands.  We stopped several times to explore tiny towns and take photos along the mountains.  It was seriously one of the most scenic rides I've ever taken!  I can't get over how pretty it was!

Then, we briefly stopped at The Elephant House, where JK Rowling wrote the first book in the Harry Potter series.  On the inside walls of the bathrooms, fans wrote their thanks and quotes from the series.

After that, it was time for a creepy ghost tour through the underground vaults of the city.  I somehow got selected to hold the torch (flashlight) and go in first.  I was not pleased when the guide pretended to lock me in!  The tour went through some old rooms and storage areas as we heard creepy ghost stories.  At the end of the tour, the guide turned off all the lights and a masked person jumped out at us.  The guide said, "That guy has one job.  He's the jumper-outer."

Before the long drive back, we stopped in Loch Ness and took a boat ride.  We didn't spot Nessie, but the town itself was adorable and gorgeous!

After the return to Edinburgh, I spent the evening and the next morning shopping and exploring.  I love how they play bagpipe music everywhere!  I just really liked everything about Scotland and could actually picture myself living there long term!