Well, where do I begin? The flight to Ottawa was uneventful and the drive into Ottawa was interesting. I knew right away it could possibly be a challenge to drive in foreign cities. But surprisingly, I feel I have adjusted pretty quickly. I am even starting to drive like the locals... with a little bit of attitude!
Our few days in Ottawa were excellent! The hostel we were in was so cool - it was a former jail which was converted into a hostel. We got to stay in a cell (with metal barred door). It was amazing. We did the ghost tour in the evening which explained the history of the jail and showed us all the interesting parts: jail cells, death row and the gallows! I was so impressed with the whole hostel. But I have to admit, I did have trouble sleeping the second night. First night was excellent... the best night's sleep I had had since I stopped staying in hostels (obviously, months of hostels changed my sleeping habits and what I felt comfortable in). But I think the creaks and noises in the dark got to me on the second night.
In Ottawa, we walked around By-Market (the oldest part) and then did a bus tour through the city. At that point, we were able to see all the major sites including those further out. My mother is still recovering from her broken ankle so we cannot do too much walking. The following day, we did the National Parliament of Canada. That was very interesting - would have been cooler if Parliament was in session, but of course, Parliament had recessed for holidays (sometimes it seems they are never in session!). Then I drove us to Montreal. Once we entered the city limits, driving was a little more interesting. In Quebec, all signage is in French! Makes it fun when you do not speak french. But we arrived to another excellent hostel.
Montreal was a beautiful city. It took me a while to see what everybody raves about but then I was so intrigued. My sister takes regular trips to Montreal every year and I could see why she loves that city. The old port area was so great - lots of grass to lay down and people watch (or sleep :) ). My mom and I took a horse-drawn carriage tour through the old city which was great (a little smelly though!). I just had such a great time. On our other day in Montreal, we had a bust day. It was St Jean Baptiste Day in Quebec so the city was alive in celebration. We went to the Biodome, Botanical Gardens and Insectarium. That was great. But the crowds were insane as they went to the big party in the park so Mom and I headed to the port which was much more relaxed and quieter. It was a great day (amazing weather). Before we left, we went to the Archaelogical remains of the city which are down by the port. The museum is all underground and it was great to wander through the remains. But then we were off to Quebec City.
On our way, we went to Montmorency Falls which was excellent. Mom has wanted to see them for years so I was happy she was finally able to see them in person. Then we made it to our hostel in Quebec. Interestingly, we chose one in the neighbourhood known for the separatist beliefs. Hmm, that could be interesting! But the hostel is great as well (my Mom chose really well - remember, she had to make all the plans!). We spent 2.5 days in Quebec City and it was definately needed to see the major sites. The old city and the area within fortification walls was so beautiful. But so much to see: churches, walls, museums, parks, statues, Chateau Frontenac, Citadel, Plains of Abraham, Parliament, chocolate museum... Today, we took a trip out to St Anne de Beaupre which is known for an amazing Basilica and more amazing, a 360 degree mural painting of the crucifixion of Jesus and the landscape of Jerusalem at that moment. So stunning!
It has been a really interesting trip so far, personally. I have come to a number of conclusions. First, I definately travel better alone. I love my mother and she is my favourite person in the world but it has even been difficult travelling with her! After so many months on my own, it has been difficult to adjust to having someone else with me. Second, I am a control freak. Yes, I can admit it. Even though I told my mother she was making all the plans and I was just going to come along for the ride, I have had a bit of a problem letting go of control and going along with what she had planned. Of course, that can cause problems but that just led to number three. Communication - I have to be honest (but not too honest to the point that it is offensive or hurtful - sorry Mom!) and I have to be fine with other people's honesty as well. And lastly, that I LOVE to travel and I know I will be doing this for the rest of my life. I have been bit by the travel bug (whatever it is) and can't seem to get enough of the challenge and excitement and beauty. It is such a rush to be away from home and feel so content and at peace. So I do not know what wil come next and where I will be years down the road... I just know that I have loved every moment of this year and I will continue to look forward to having travel in my life until I die!
So, I guess I will talk later. We leave tomorrow for the long drive back to Ottawa. Two more days await us and then I return home... but for how long, you will have to keep reading!
Love, Lisa
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
And I am off again
Finally, I get to leave on another trip! The past few days have been pretty rough. It was not just the jet lag which has knocked me out but I have missed the thrill and excitement of travelling to places which I used to think were out of my comfort zone. But I have realized that my comfort zone is much more diverse and broad than I previously thought. I love being in a different place and seeing things for the first time and trying to absorb as much as possible from local culture and life.
I leave in a few hours for Eastern Canada. In April, I experienced a rough patch and really missed my mother. So I told her she was coming to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City with me when I got home. The catch was she had to make all the plans: accommodation, transportation, things to do, etc. I am so excited to have a girls only trip! Plus we will be going to three stunning cities in Eastern Canada. Awesome!
I'll try to keep you all in the loop along the way. So, until then, enjoy the summer and try to get out and enjoy your own cities / places you are at! Anyone can have a mini vacation!
Love, Lisa
I leave in a few hours for Eastern Canada. In April, I experienced a rough patch and really missed my mother. So I told her she was coming to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City with me when I got home. The catch was she had to make all the plans: accommodation, transportation, things to do, etc. I am so excited to have a girls only trip! Plus we will be going to three stunning cities in Eastern Canada. Awesome!
I'll try to keep you all in the loop along the way. So, until then, enjoy the summer and try to get out and enjoy your own cities / places you are at! Anyone can have a mini vacation!
Love, Lisa
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Home... but is it really?
I arrived home (Edmonton) a few days ago and felt so happy to see my family again. I really missed them and realized how important they are to me while I was away. I have realized that family is the most inportant thing to me and I want to have a strong, open and loving relationship with everyone in my small but amazing family.
It has been difficult adjusting to life back home. First, I have been killed by jet lag. My body does not know what is going on so it has decided to avoid sleep all together - makes trying to function as an adult pretty hard! Plus, there has been the adjustments to my life back home. A few months back, I started to be concerned about how I would adjust to returning home and to the life I left in February. Travel has changed me (I think for the better) and I was unsure at how I would rejoin the life I had and whether I would maintain the changes that happened to me. It can be scary as I remember previous travel experiences when I was a teenager and how people I cared about couldn't understand or comprehend how I had changed with experiences of travelling. I was worried that people wouldn't understand my experiences and abandon me. I guess time will tell whether I can be my true self and whether people can accept me for who I am.
Throughout my trip to Europe, I started having days where I would wake up and forget that I had a home to return to. It felt so natural to travel and be in "foreign" places. That can also be a very scary feeling. So naturally, I was worried about how I would feel back home. And to be honest, I am happy to be home but also looking forward to my next trip. Fortunately, I leave in a few days for Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. I unpacked, did laundry and have already packed again. The life of the world traveller.
Thank you for all the support as I pursue a life-long dream and grow and become the person I was meant to be all along. I will continue this blog over the summer as I travel both at home and within Canada and the United States. Please, join me along on the journey!
Love, Lisa
It has been difficult adjusting to life back home. First, I have been killed by jet lag. My body does not know what is going on so it has decided to avoid sleep all together - makes trying to function as an adult pretty hard! Plus, there has been the adjustments to my life back home. A few months back, I started to be concerned about how I would adjust to returning home and to the life I left in February. Travel has changed me (I think for the better) and I was unsure at how I would rejoin the life I had and whether I would maintain the changes that happened to me. It can be scary as I remember previous travel experiences when I was a teenager and how people I cared about couldn't understand or comprehend how I had changed with experiences of travelling. I was worried that people wouldn't understand my experiences and abandon me. I guess time will tell whether I can be my true self and whether people can accept me for who I am.
Throughout my trip to Europe, I started having days where I would wake up and forget that I had a home to return to. It felt so natural to travel and be in "foreign" places. That can also be a very scary feeling. So naturally, I was worried about how I would feel back home. And to be honest, I am happy to be home but also looking forward to my next trip. Fortunately, I leave in a few days for Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. I unpacked, did laundry and have already packed again. The life of the world traveller.
Thank you for all the support as I pursue a life-long dream and grow and become the person I was meant to be all along. I will continue this blog over the summer as I travel both at home and within Canada and the United States. Please, join me along on the journey!
Love, Lisa
Monday, June 15, 2009
Time to go home... Reflections
Wow, I cannot believe it has been over 4 months since I left home. Now, tomorrow afternoon I fly home to Edmonton. I am so excited to see my family and friends again.
The past few days have been very relaxing. I spent Sunday doing absolutely nothing - well, I posted pics on Facebook which took hours (if you have access, check them out) then went to church in the evening and then off to the pub.
Today, I went into London and did a sightseeing bus tour of the city. It was all I really wanted to do... or all that I had left to do. It has been a great time the past week. I have had the comfort of "home" and the ability to travel into London when I wanted. A great arrangement - thank you Sasha and Jimmy! I LOVE Sasha and Jimmy! (they said to say that!)
So, reflections from my time away.
Travel is a gift. I know not many people have the opportunity to travel so I feel truly blessed. I have had the gift of 4 months on the road. I know that I was destined to do this. I needed to take the time to leave home and see the world, or at least a part of it. My mission was to leave the comfort of home and embrace the experience of travel. And I truly feel I have done that.
Travel strips the complications of life away and forces a person to acknowledge what is truly important in life. Backpacking in particular makes a person realize what are the necessities of life and what is just for comfort. For me, I am content with a roof over my head, jam and bread, water and a good pair of hiking boots. Everything else is for comfort. That's not to say I don't appreciate comfort every now and then, but it is not necessary. And I feel stronger knowing I can get by with only the basic needs. My life on the road felt less cluttered and more simple - my sole purpose was to ensure I had basic needs daily.
Travel forces a person to learn about themselves and provides the perfect opportunity to define who you are. Being alone on the other side of the world has made me spend time in my head, identifying my wants, needs, desires, beliefs, values, goals, dreams, fears and everything else. I have had hours where I have been completely alone with no distractions. And home is a distraction. Regardless of how hard you try, a person is always influenced by their surroundings and the people they associate with. This is not necessarily a bad thing but it can delay a person's discovery of their true being - who they were destined to become. Everyday, I feel like I am getting closer to becoming my true self: the person I was meant to be right from the beginning.
Travel exposes a person to beauty. Sometimes you have to look for it but there is beauty and excitement in everything. The moss covered tree stump. The shy child who can't resist a look at the foreigner. The grafitti covered monument. The completely packed subway of all types of people. An empty street at 2am. Museums. Monuments. Churches. There is beauty everywhere: sometimes it just doesn't fit into the conventional description. But I have found something in everyplace that was beautiful and unique and exciting. And surprisingly, I have found things that remind me of home everywhere I go. That could be why I have found them beautiful, as I do love my home and its surroundings.
Travel is exhausting and pushes a person to their limits. It has been particularly difficult to travel on my own as there is no body I can rely on to make sure details are taken care of (accommodation, transportation, food). Despite the daily exhaustion, I feel stronger and more independent than I have ever felt before. I have had to rely on me and only me: my weaknesses have strengthened and I have learned new strengths. Along with travelling alone successfully come feelings of invincibility which I know I must not heed. I have been a conscious traveller aware of my surroundings but not being afraid or weary. I have embraced the situations I have been presented with and learned from my mistakes. My motto for the year was "Travel with love not fear" and I feel I have done just that. And the best part is I still have 6 more months ahead of me. Phase 1 (Europe) is done, now it is on to phase 2: USA & Canada over the summer. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks for all the support and encouragement.
Love, Lisa
The past few days have been very relaxing. I spent Sunday doing absolutely nothing - well, I posted pics on Facebook which took hours (if you have access, check them out) then went to church in the evening and then off to the pub.
Today, I went into London and did a sightseeing bus tour of the city. It was all I really wanted to do... or all that I had left to do. It has been a great time the past week. I have had the comfort of "home" and the ability to travel into London when I wanted. A great arrangement - thank you Sasha and Jimmy! I LOVE Sasha and Jimmy! (they said to say that!)
So, reflections from my time away.
Travel is a gift. I know not many people have the opportunity to travel so I feel truly blessed. I have had the gift of 4 months on the road. I know that I was destined to do this. I needed to take the time to leave home and see the world, or at least a part of it. My mission was to leave the comfort of home and embrace the experience of travel. And I truly feel I have done that.
Travel strips the complications of life away and forces a person to acknowledge what is truly important in life. Backpacking in particular makes a person realize what are the necessities of life and what is just for comfort. For me, I am content with a roof over my head, jam and bread, water and a good pair of hiking boots. Everything else is for comfort. That's not to say I don't appreciate comfort every now and then, but it is not necessary. And I feel stronger knowing I can get by with only the basic needs. My life on the road felt less cluttered and more simple - my sole purpose was to ensure I had basic needs daily.
Travel forces a person to learn about themselves and provides the perfect opportunity to define who you are. Being alone on the other side of the world has made me spend time in my head, identifying my wants, needs, desires, beliefs, values, goals, dreams, fears and everything else. I have had hours where I have been completely alone with no distractions. And home is a distraction. Regardless of how hard you try, a person is always influenced by their surroundings and the people they associate with. This is not necessarily a bad thing but it can delay a person's discovery of their true being - who they were destined to become. Everyday, I feel like I am getting closer to becoming my true self: the person I was meant to be right from the beginning.
Travel exposes a person to beauty. Sometimes you have to look for it but there is beauty and excitement in everything. The moss covered tree stump. The shy child who can't resist a look at the foreigner. The grafitti covered monument. The completely packed subway of all types of people. An empty street at 2am. Museums. Monuments. Churches. There is beauty everywhere: sometimes it just doesn't fit into the conventional description. But I have found something in everyplace that was beautiful and unique and exciting. And surprisingly, I have found things that remind me of home everywhere I go. That could be why I have found them beautiful, as I do love my home and its surroundings.
Travel is exhausting and pushes a person to their limits. It has been particularly difficult to travel on my own as there is no body I can rely on to make sure details are taken care of (accommodation, transportation, food). Despite the daily exhaustion, I feel stronger and more independent than I have ever felt before. I have had to rely on me and only me: my weaknesses have strengthened and I have learned new strengths. Along with travelling alone successfully come feelings of invincibility which I know I must not heed. I have been a conscious traveller aware of my surroundings but not being afraid or weary. I have embraced the situations I have been presented with and learned from my mistakes. My motto for the year was "Travel with love not fear" and I feel I have done just that. And the best part is I still have 6 more months ahead of me. Phase 1 (Europe) is done, now it is on to phase 2: USA & Canada over the summer. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks for all the support and encouragement.
Love, Lisa
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Only in London...
It was a crazy day in London today. I went in early thinking I could do all the Queen's stuff and Buckingham area. Of course, the Queen's birthday was today so they had the Trooping the Colour which involved all the guards (bands, guards, horses, etc) parading in front of the crowd and before the Queen. I got to see the end of the parade and then saw the coaches. First was a coach with Camilla escorted by Princes William and Harry (mmmm...) and then another coach with some ladies (unknown) and then, drumroll please, her Royal Highness the Queen, Elizabeth II. It was so cool and I was so excited. I did get some pictures but to be honest, she didn't look too happy to be there. I guess she wasn't happy to turn 83 today (well, actually her real birthday is April 21). But it was still so cool. First the Pope and now the Queen - what a great trip!
After the parade, I walked around and went to Westminster Abbey and Cathedral - what an overpriced attraction. Then I met up with a few friends in London. First up was Mandy who I met on my first day of my trip and it was great to see how much our lives have changed in 4 months. Then it was great to re-connect with Tina who I met in Germany and Belgium. Overall, a great day. To top it all off, I saw a parade of naked bike riders. Only in London will you see the Queen in the morning and naked bike riders in the afternoon. Lets just say it was unexpected and totally hilarious. Only in London.
I am feeling a little better now - I just have to keep going. And I will definately have to sleep in tomorrow... sorry, lie-in.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Lisa
After the parade, I walked around and went to Westminster Abbey and Cathedral - what an overpriced attraction. Then I met up with a few friends in London. First up was Mandy who I met on my first day of my trip and it was great to see how much our lives have changed in 4 months. Then it was great to re-connect with Tina who I met in Germany and Belgium. Overall, a great day. To top it all off, I saw a parade of naked bike riders. Only in London will you see the Queen in the morning and naked bike riders in the afternoon. Lets just say it was unexpected and totally hilarious. Only in London.
I am feeling a little better now - I just have to keep going. And I will definately have to sleep in tomorrow... sorry, lie-in.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Lisa
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Nearing the end
So I am running out of time left over in Europe and there is still so much to do. The past few days I have been commuting into London and trying to see as much as possible by foot at the metro is on strike. But surprisingly the city has risen to the occassion and made it a little easier for the millions of commuters to get around.
I have been to Hyde Park and Regent's Park: I preferred the latter. There was a rose garden in full bloom. Rows and rows of roses. Lovely. I have gone to Kensington Palace which was nice. And I have been to a few more museums: Natural History Museum (a place a child could spend hours roaming - I spent a few!), Victoria & Albert Museum (more of the same) and British Museum (again, more of the same). I am now done with museums as I feel like I have seen similar things everywhere and I have been so overwhelmed. I need a break.
I have walked and walked and seen plenty. Plus, I have done a bit of shopping (smile)... well a lot of shopping! I went to Camden which is an ecclectic more alternative part of the city. Very cool. Then there are all the stores along Oxford Street... a girl can have a lot of fun!
It has been a rough few days and I felt it coming. I have been so worked up and busy with the whole travel thing that now that I have settled a bit and relaxed, I have gotten sick. It really makes the whole thing really difficult: all I want to do is curl up in bed and sleep. Hopefully I can still have a productive last few days before I fly home on Tuesday.
Just to fill you all in, once I get home on June 16 I will rest at home for a few days before heading off on my next trip. I have planned to go to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City with my mother. Correction: my mother has made all the plans as I have been a little preoccupied. It has been challenging travelling alone so I am looking forward to travelling with someone - especially my mother! Then throughout the summer I will be travelling around Canada and the United States. In September I plan on leaving for Australia. So as you can see, I still have a lot of places to see and things to do. The year isn't over yet!
Love, Lisa
I have been to Hyde Park and Regent's Park: I preferred the latter. There was a rose garden in full bloom. Rows and rows of roses. Lovely. I have gone to Kensington Palace which was nice. And I have been to a few more museums: Natural History Museum (a place a child could spend hours roaming - I spent a few!), Victoria & Albert Museum (more of the same) and British Museum (again, more of the same). I am now done with museums as I feel like I have seen similar things everywhere and I have been so overwhelmed. I need a break.
I have walked and walked and seen plenty. Plus, I have done a bit of shopping (smile)... well a lot of shopping! I went to Camden which is an ecclectic more alternative part of the city. Very cool. Then there are all the stores along Oxford Street... a girl can have a lot of fun!
It has been a rough few days and I felt it coming. I have been so worked up and busy with the whole travel thing that now that I have settled a bit and relaxed, I have gotten sick. It really makes the whole thing really difficult: all I want to do is curl up in bed and sleep. Hopefully I can still have a productive last few days before I fly home on Tuesday.
Just to fill you all in, once I get home on June 16 I will rest at home for a few days before heading off on my next trip. I have planned to go to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City with my mother. Correction: my mother has made all the plans as I have been a little preoccupied. It has been challenging travelling alone so I am looking forward to travelling with someone - especially my mother! Then throughout the summer I will be travelling around Canada and the United States. In September I plan on leaving for Australia. So as you can see, I still have a lot of places to see and things to do. The year isn't over yet!
Love, Lisa
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Oxford then London then Oxford...
I feel like a yo-yo... back and forth between Oxford and London but so far it hasn't been that bad. I am staying with my friend Sasha and her husband Jimmy in Oxford and I love it - a king size bed and I really feel like I have a homebase.
So once I arrived, I went to church with them and this was the coolest part - after the service, a group of us went to the pub. I guess this is a regular thing and I thought it was so cool. Plus it was a great way to meet other people and visit.
The next day I spent it in Oxford. That is a beautiful city: spires everywhere, beautiful buildings, and students writing exams (I definately do not miss that part of school). It was excellent and the weather held until I was going back home. Plus, I got to go shopping. There is a store over here Primark, and they have extremely cheap clothes - perfect for a backpacker on a budget who has worn all her clothes to threads.
Today was an adventure. I was up early to take the bus into Oxford and then the train to London - crazy but I didn't get in until 10:30. So I had to get busy. I went to the Globe Theatre for a tour of the reconstructed theatre - it even has a thatch roof with an opening in the middle. Very cool. Then I went to the Tate Modern, a museum filled with modern art. There was another Monet "Water Lillies" and I realized that Monet's series is my favourite of all I have seen. Somehow, when I look at the paintings I get supremely relaxed and feel so at peace. I just get lost in the paintings... Anyways, then it was off to St Paul's Cathedral. I hate to say it but I wasn't that overwhelmed. It is so similar to all the other cathedrals I have seen along the way. I think I have finally reached the point where I do not want to see another church for a while. They can be so overwhelming and the wealth of the churches is stunning but also very disconcerting, especially when you walk outside and see people homeless and looking for anything. Then I did the Tower Bridge Experience and the London Tower. I do love castles... they are so strong and powerful and imposing.
By then I figured I should make my way back to the train station to return to Oxford. Starting tonight at 7pm, the underground staff were on a 48 hour strike. I wasn't sure how it was going to affect Londoners and my travel but based on my trip back to Paddington station, it is going to be hell! Over 3.5 million people use the Underground each day and now there will be no service for two days. It seems so pointless and is just going to end up costing the city, businesses, and the people so much. And it is so unfortunate for me! I guess I will just have to walk everywhere regardless how tiring that is going to be. London is huge!
So, talk to you all later.
Love, Lisa
So once I arrived, I went to church with them and this was the coolest part - after the service, a group of us went to the pub. I guess this is a regular thing and I thought it was so cool. Plus it was a great way to meet other people and visit.
The next day I spent it in Oxford. That is a beautiful city: spires everywhere, beautiful buildings, and students writing exams (I definately do not miss that part of school). It was excellent and the weather held until I was going back home. Plus, I got to go shopping. There is a store over here Primark, and they have extremely cheap clothes - perfect for a backpacker on a budget who has worn all her clothes to threads.
Today was an adventure. I was up early to take the bus into Oxford and then the train to London - crazy but I didn't get in until 10:30. So I had to get busy. I went to the Globe Theatre for a tour of the reconstructed theatre - it even has a thatch roof with an opening in the middle. Very cool. Then I went to the Tate Modern, a museum filled with modern art. There was another Monet "Water Lillies" and I realized that Monet's series is my favourite of all I have seen. Somehow, when I look at the paintings I get supremely relaxed and feel so at peace. I just get lost in the paintings... Anyways, then it was off to St Paul's Cathedral. I hate to say it but I wasn't that overwhelmed. It is so similar to all the other cathedrals I have seen along the way. I think I have finally reached the point where I do not want to see another church for a while. They can be so overwhelming and the wealth of the churches is stunning but also very disconcerting, especially when you walk outside and see people homeless and looking for anything. Then I did the Tower Bridge Experience and the London Tower. I do love castles... they are so strong and powerful and imposing.
By then I figured I should make my way back to the train station to return to Oxford. Starting tonight at 7pm, the underground staff were on a 48 hour strike. I wasn't sure how it was going to affect Londoners and my travel but based on my trip back to Paddington station, it is going to be hell! Over 3.5 million people use the Underground each day and now there will be no service for two days. It seems so pointless and is just going to end up costing the city, businesses, and the people so much. And it is so unfortunate for me! I guess I will just have to walk everywhere regardless how tiring that is going to be. London is huge!
So, talk to you all later.
Love, Lisa
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Sorry for the delay...
I was not feeling well in Glasgow so I didn't get around to posting. So I guess I have a lot to fill you in on.
So, Glasgow. Well, it is a nice city but all the interesting sites are spread out. I tried to walk around as much as I could but realized it was easier and more informative to take a hop-on hop-off Sightseeing bus to get around to all the sites in 1.5 days. The cathedral, necropolis and religious museum were excellent. Cathedrals are rather similar but every one has something unique. But I was more intrigued by the Religious museum which contained artefacts and information on many different religions around the world. It has definitely peaked my interest. And the weather was marvelous so my walk around People's Palace after was lovely. That evening, I went to a movie theatre and saw "Angels & Demons" - I haven't been to a theatre in just under a year so I was excited. And I had popcorn - oh, it was lovely!
The next day I spent my time in the west end - the Botanic Gardens and a Museum. But then I started to feel rotten so I packed it in. The rest of the day was spent ether sleeping or curled up in a ball. I hate feeling sick when travelling.
But ten it was off to Stirling the following day and fortunately, I was feeling much better. The weather stayed great and I was able to spend hours in the Stirling Castle which was excellent. The views of the surrounding landscape were brilliant and the castle was so rich with history and grandeur. Needless to say, I could have spent hours more there. But, I was meeting up with a family I met in Pompeii two months back, Laura and Gary. I stayed with them and their daughter, Erin, overnight and Gary made me Haggis, Neeps and Tatties as promised. Well, I loved it! The aromas were marvelous and the flavours perfect. There are so many wonderful spices that it just feels like you are eating ground beef. After, Gary told me exactly what is in Haggis and I was fine with it. At least my iron levels were improved! S, I had a wonderful stay with Laura, Gary and Erin - Thank you!
Then it was off to Edinburgh - and I have fallen in love with this city. Everywhere you look are beautiful old buildings, the castle, the Royal palaces, churches, and so on. I have enjoyed just walking around and enjoying the sights - people, men in kilts (mmmmm...), bag pipers. It has been great. I did the castle yesterday and ten walked around with some guys I met. Then last night we hit a local pub which was great. We were definitely the only non-locals in there.
Today started off well - I walked until shops opened. Then shopped. Then walked some more. I went on a tour of the underground closes of Edinburgh which was interesting albeit a little cheesy! Then it was another local pub to eat Haggis - excellent! I managed to get to Palace Holyrood and the Queen's gallery which was stunning. It is te official residence of the Queen when she is in Scotland. Of course it was beautiful! But then the weather changed and I am chilled right to the bone. So I think I will head back to the hostel to warm up - I guess shorts are out!
Tomorrow I head back to England - Oxford to be more specific. I will be settling into Oxford with Sasha and Jimmy for the remainder of my trip but will take day trips in the surrounding area. Less than two weeks before I come home!
So, talk to you soon. Sorry I had to be so brief but I will post pics and stories next time.
Love, Lisa
So, Glasgow. Well, it is a nice city but all the interesting sites are spread out. I tried to walk around as much as I could but realized it was easier and more informative to take a hop-on hop-off Sightseeing bus to get around to all the sites in 1.5 days. The cathedral, necropolis and religious museum were excellent. Cathedrals are rather similar but every one has something unique. But I was more intrigued by the Religious museum which contained artefacts and information on many different religions around the world. It has definitely peaked my interest. And the weather was marvelous so my walk around People's Palace after was lovely. That evening, I went to a movie theatre and saw "Angels & Demons" - I haven't been to a theatre in just under a year so I was excited. And I had popcorn - oh, it was lovely!
The next day I spent my time in the west end - the Botanic Gardens and a Museum. But then I started to feel rotten so I packed it in. The rest of the day was spent ether sleeping or curled up in a ball. I hate feeling sick when travelling.
But ten it was off to Stirling the following day and fortunately, I was feeling much better. The weather stayed great and I was able to spend hours in the Stirling Castle which was excellent. The views of the surrounding landscape were brilliant and the castle was so rich with history and grandeur. Needless to say, I could have spent hours more there. But, I was meeting up with a family I met in Pompeii two months back, Laura and Gary. I stayed with them and their daughter, Erin, overnight and Gary made me Haggis, Neeps and Tatties as promised. Well, I loved it! The aromas were marvelous and the flavours perfect. There are so many wonderful spices that it just feels like you are eating ground beef. After, Gary told me exactly what is in Haggis and I was fine with it. At least my iron levels were improved! S, I had a wonderful stay with Laura, Gary and Erin - Thank you!
Then it was off to Edinburgh - and I have fallen in love with this city. Everywhere you look are beautiful old buildings, the castle, the Royal palaces, churches, and so on. I have enjoyed just walking around and enjoying the sights - people, men in kilts (mmmmm...), bag pipers. It has been great. I did the castle yesterday and ten walked around with some guys I met. Then last night we hit a local pub which was great. We were definitely the only non-locals in there.
Today started off well - I walked until shops opened. Then shopped. Then walked some more. I went on a tour of the underground closes of Edinburgh which was interesting albeit a little cheesy! Then it was another local pub to eat Haggis - excellent! I managed to get to Palace Holyrood and the Queen's gallery which was stunning. It is te official residence of the Queen when she is in Scotland. Of course it was beautiful! But then the weather changed and I am chilled right to the bone. So I think I will head back to the hostel to warm up - I guess shorts are out!
Tomorrow I head back to England - Oxford to be more specific. I will be settling into Oxford with Sasha and Jimmy for the remainder of my trip but will take day trips in the surrounding area. Less than two weeks before I come home!
So, talk to you soon. Sorry I had to be so brief but I will post pics and stories next time.
Love, Lisa
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