Home again home again!

Officially back state side.  Travel days are always a big ol blur but damn do these girls still make it fun! Despite leaving Allie (no Global Entry) and Erin’s extra long screening - we spent the whole time giggling and trip reminiscing. 

I am beyond blessed to have such fun, strong, emotionally supportive - did I say fun? - cousins. I love them all so stinking much and cannot wait for our next cousins adventure. 

Harry Potter and Fringe Festival

(Morgan) Oh man - did Edinburgh win me over! We woke up and enjoyed a lovely breakfast at the Larder. If you know me, you know I love breakfast sandwiches. But the British “bacon bap” may be my new fav!

We bounced between Fringe shows. First we saw an amazing show about Scottish Lore and Women's history. Next we saw “No Such Thing As A Fish” - a hilarious podcast live taped for Fringe. Honestly, just being around all that creativity was energizing. 

In between shows we explored some Harry Potter haunts. That included the Elephant House cafe, where JK Rowling supposedly wrote book 1, Victory Street which inspired Diagon Alley, and finally Greenfriars Graveyard where you can find names like McGonagall. 

Victoria Street

Elephant house 

Greenfriars Graveyard

Amazing graffiti in Elephant House cafe. 

We finished off the night with dinner at the Witchery and the end of the Military Tattoo parade. 

Full day of travel ahead. Full wrap up post to come!

Edinburgh

(Morgan) Given all the beautiful places we’ve seen, we weren’t sure how we’d feel ending up our trip in bustling Edinburgh - but it’s amazing! It’s this wonderful blend of London and Rome with a dash of Paris. Old meeting new with buskers on every corner. 

Our B&B is 4 stories up (which wasn’t fun with all the luggage) but provides an amazing view of the city. We spent the evening wandering around the Royal Mile and took a tour of a (still existing!) underground town “close” from the 1700s called Mary Kings Close. After some late night snacks we all passed out in preparation for our last full day of vacationing before we head home tomorrow. 

Oban and Pub Life

(Morgan) Stayed a few nights in Oban - a small fishing village near Argyll & Bute. 

We had a little taste of pub life in Oban, and oh my lord did it deliver. 

We learned to play Scottish pool. Sang songs with the locals and enjoyed one too many pints of Tennants beer. 

Early morning pack up to get to Glasgow to drop off our car (which we named Celine, because she was a badass diva who helped us survive all the crazy roads) before we head to Edinburgh. 

Random tidbits

(Morgan) A few random bits of info for future travelers to Scotland…

• Roads here really are crazy - plan for things to take longer either due to rain, windy roads or sheep passing. Our favorite road sign so far has been frustration kills” - so take that as you will!
• Scottish people love their roundabouts…prepare thy self. 
• All barber shops are called “Turkish Barbershops” which is…interesting?
• Bathroom switches are outside in the hallway.
• Pull chords in the bathroom are either to turn on the lights, start the shower OR an emergency chord in case you slip and fall. Choose wisely when pulling. 
• Rain is no joke here. I thought I was prepared but I wasn’t! Buy ALL THE WATERPROOF THINGS. Shoes/boots, jackets, wool socks and hats - but be prepared to shed it all off when the sun comes out. 
• While most places have a washer, they don’t have a dryer. I’m not totally sure how people get their clothes to dry hanging things out with all this rain - so know that a hair dryer dries more than just your hair! 

A pint at a local pub and a Sunday roast is always worth it - especially when surrounded by family. 

Jacobite Train (aka Hogwarts Express)

(Morgan) We missed our train to Hogwarts - but still got the chance to wave to the wizards and witches onboard. And yes, I cried when I saw it. 

Across the street there is an absolutely beautiful memorial to Bonnie Prince Charles. 

I don’t want to leave!! 

Ps 

On our way to Oban we came across the Weasley’s Ford Anglia. Guess they missed the train this year too!

Ft Williams and Heatherbank Cottage

(Morgan) I can’t believe it’s already time to leave Ft.Williams. 

Heatherbank Cottage is - for me - a little slice of heaven. The owners (Jim & Polly) purchased and fixed up this little place after Covid. After our lovely (but quite damp!) stay in Skye this cozy little cottage was exactly what I needed. 

View of the loch from our back patio. 

We spent the day celebrating Erin’s bday (started the day with champagne, ended the day with champagne!). 

We took the gondola and hiked up Ben Nevis (and experienced ALL the different kinds of Scottish rain in a 10 minute time span). Walked to where the hidden “elf houses” can be found in a local Forrest. Enjoyed quite a few pints at the local pub and capped off the night with a  rowdy game of uno. 

I’m sad to leave, but looking forward to our next stop in Oban.