What is wrong with me tonight?
I saw a picture of Allie and it started. Then I saw a post on Facebook from Linsae--and I am feeling done in.
It's true. I miss West Kelowna. I miss EC Youth. I miss Family Medical Clinic. I miss my little neighbourhood Starbucks. I miss my straight hair. I miss my daughter so very, very much.
I miss her laugh, I miss her silliness, I miss her dazzling blue eyes and her freckles. I miss how people would talk about us--about the friendship that we had cultivated over time.
I know it was time to let her go, I know that she's probably having a blast in the prairies, but man...there is not a whole lot tonight that feels good.
How get out of this funk?
I am focusing on the fact that in 9 more sleeps I will see my beautiful, incredible Daughter and amazing Son in Law.
Since leaving West Kelowna, Tuesday nights are hard. There it is. It's hard. I miss my kids so much...so to focus on the positive--I am thankful for the years that I had with them.
So, now, I pull up my bootstraps. Have some tea, and look at the bright side.
I have a stinking amazing life.
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
Monday, 21 October 2013
Next Big Thing
Last week I thought, I never want to take 2 weeks off ever again. I was completely swamped at work, feeling like I was 2 steps forward, one back.
This week, I am feeling like I have caught up a little, it's feeling better.
We have a big conference coming up on Monday--and every moment I have had to squeeze in has been in preparation for that. Today we had a "final push" meeting for the day and I feel like we have things under control'ish.
:)
The next fun thing--Melissa and Jonathan are coming to visit....and I have a countdown clock on my phone...I can't wait.
I have booked a photographer....(if she calls me back...) for a family photo. We have planned to have fun, study and do some girly things....(not Jonathan and I--but Melissa and I)
I didn't know I could miss 2 people as much as I do them.
Kent and I have decided next trip will be a jaunt to Saskatoon. More than likely for Kent's birthday in July.
I can't wait to see them, where they live, how they are doing....but first I have to wait ~20 days.
This week, I am feeling like I have caught up a little, it's feeling better.
We have a big conference coming up on Monday--and every moment I have had to squeeze in has been in preparation for that. Today we had a "final push" meeting for the day and I feel like we have things under control'ish.
:)
The next fun thing--Melissa and Jonathan are coming to visit....and I have a countdown clock on my phone...I can't wait.
I have booked a photographer....(if she calls me back...) for a family photo. We have planned to have fun, study and do some girly things....(not Jonathan and I--but Melissa and I)
I didn't know I could miss 2 people as much as I do them.
Kent and I have decided next trip will be a jaunt to Saskatoon. More than likely for Kent's birthday in July.
I can't wait to see them, where they live, how they are doing....but first I have to wait ~20 days.
October 12 -- Last day in London
It was so hard to get up this morning.
We are pretty sure the trains ran right under our hotel.
Last night, I was super frustrated with the flat pillow, the fact that we had to leave today and that I was pretty sure I could hear train........
I called the front desk for another pillow--and I was able to go to sleep pretty quickly.
We woke in the morning and got ourselves all packed up ready to leave, left our luggage at the front and went for a walk.
We walked from Paddington to Hyde Park. Made our way to Kensington Palace.
That little Prince George is mighty tough to find....
We walked around through the Embassy homes and wandered back to Paddington. We picked up our luggage and headed to the train.
It was time to go home...but I didn't want to leave. I loved every minute of this vacation. 2 weeks of uninterrupted time with Kent, driving on the left, narrow roads, good food, museums, architecture...it was all so amazing.
We arrived at Heathrow with plenty of time to spare, had lunch (late) at Giraffe's and headed to our gate.
We took off at 5.54 pm on Saturday the 12th, we arrived in Vancouver at 6.04 pm on Saturday the 12th. Technically our flight was 10 minutes long.
I loved that.
We took a cab to the ferry and got the 9 pm ferry home. It was the toughest 90 minutes to stay away for. We managed. I had been up for over 24 hours by the time we got home.
Home. I love my home.
It was so good to see Max, (and Nathan).
We drove over 3200 kilometers in the UK. We flew 15 000 km from Vancouver to Heathrow and back. We had a rocky ferry ride to Stromness. 3 cab drivers, several trains, a ton of buses, and TONS of walking.
Here is what I know to be true:
We are pretty sure the trains ran right under our hotel.
Last night, I was super frustrated with the flat pillow, the fact that we had to leave today and that I was pretty sure I could hear train........
I called the front desk for another pillow--and I was able to go to sleep pretty quickly.
We woke in the morning and got ourselves all packed up ready to leave, left our luggage at the front and went for a walk.
We walked from Paddington to Hyde Park. Made our way to Kensington Palace.
That little Prince George is mighty tough to find....
We walked around through the Embassy homes and wandered back to Paddington. We picked up our luggage and headed to the train.
It was time to go home...but I didn't want to leave. I loved every minute of this vacation. 2 weeks of uninterrupted time with Kent, driving on the left, narrow roads, good food, museums, architecture...it was all so amazing.
We arrived at Heathrow with plenty of time to spare, had lunch (late) at Giraffe's and headed to our gate.
We took off at 5.54 pm on Saturday the 12th, we arrived in Vancouver at 6.04 pm on Saturday the 12th. Technically our flight was 10 minutes long.
I loved that.
We took a cab to the ferry and got the 9 pm ferry home. It was the toughest 90 minutes to stay away for. We managed. I had been up for over 24 hours by the time we got home.
Home. I love my home.
It was so good to see Max, (and Nathan).
We drove over 3200 kilometers in the UK. We flew 15 000 km from Vancouver to Heathrow and back. We had a rocky ferry ride to Stromness. 3 cab drivers, several trains, a ton of buses, and TONS of walking.
Here is what I know to be true:
- I can't believe I have been so blessed as to have Kent with me as my bestie for 25 years.
- My post chemotherapy body behaves better when I have exhausted it with exercise.
- Magnesium is good for leg/foot cramps.
- Good stress is still stress--and it's good stress to be away from home and work.
- I can't sleep on flights.
- I missed my kids so much.
- I love the people of the UK.
- I can't wait to do it all over again.
October 11 -- London -- Best Souvenir Ever
I knew this was going to happen. I would get home, life would hit me upside the head and I would not be able to complete the blogs that I have.....
So, back to the holiday:
Today was a "clean up day" all the things we didn't do on our first go around in London, we did today.
We visited the V&A museum--the Victoria and Albert Museum. I was stoked because I thought this would be about THEM:
The first floor was all about the Catholic Church. Seriously, through a whole floor. I was getting really irritated. I get a little irritated by some of the "standards" that is the Catholic Church...but that is another blog.
I said to Kent if things don't change, I don't want to stay here.
It did, it got better, then it got weird. I did get some amazing pictures of the courtyard. The whole time, I just wanted to know what the original use of the building was. I still don't know.
At one point, Kent set off an alarm in the museum. This has happened before. I walked away and laughed....that's what love is...
When we came out of the museum it was rainy and windy. I guess, it was the actual weather we were expecting while we were away and for the first time, we didn't have our umbrella with us!
We went to Piccadilly Square and found an umbrella.
We wandered around and eventually wandered back through Hyde Park and St. James Park -- we went to a little pub to escape the rain and have some late lunch. The real reason for hanging around was to go to Westminster Abby.
That was closed. It closes 1 day a week at 3.30--and it was the day we were there.
We had decided to go to Evensong so, we had about an hour to wait. We got into the line up and we were about 3 couples from the front of the line.
Kent didn't want me outside in the rain and wind because I had developed a serious head/chest cold. I was ok to wait it out...then a silver car pulled up.
Out jumps a driver, with a HUGE umbrella....someone famous.
Out walks this beautiful woman. I thought, I've seen her before. Then the man walks up, he is dressed in a great black coat--and stands next to this beauty.
I am sure it was: Josh Brolin. If it wasn't I'd be shocked.
Westminster Abby was everything I hoped it would be. I know this sounds strange, but I have watched for years the things that I have watched that have come from inside that building....sigh.
Evensong was amazing. They even did a song by Thomas Tallus. What? Seriously! It was beautiful. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Tallis
When we left, Kent looked at me and said, "Nooooooooooo"
I just looked at him and said, "What?"
He said, "Don't steal from the church."
Whatever. At least I didn't set off an alarm--yet.
As I walked past the doorway out into the open--I was thrilled! I got to take home the order of service from Westminster Abby. Best. Souvenir. Ever.
So, back to the holiday:
Today was a "clean up day" all the things we didn't do on our first go around in London, we did today.
We visited the V&A museum--the Victoria and Albert Museum. I was stoked because I thought this would be about THEM:
The first floor was all about the Catholic Church. Seriously, through a whole floor. I was getting really irritated. I get a little irritated by some of the "standards" that is the Catholic Church...but that is another blog.
I said to Kent if things don't change, I don't want to stay here.
It did, it got better, then it got weird. I did get some amazing pictures of the courtyard. The whole time, I just wanted to know what the original use of the building was. I still don't know.
At one point, Kent set off an alarm in the museum. This has happened before. I walked away and laughed....that's what love is...
When we came out of the museum it was rainy and windy. I guess, it was the actual weather we were expecting while we were away and for the first time, we didn't have our umbrella with us!
We went to Piccadilly Square and found an umbrella.
We wandered around and eventually wandered back through Hyde Park and St. James Park -- we went to a little pub to escape the rain and have some late lunch. The real reason for hanging around was to go to Westminster Abby.
That was closed. It closes 1 day a week at 3.30--and it was the day we were there.
We had decided to go to Evensong so, we had about an hour to wait. We got into the line up and we were about 3 couples from the front of the line.
Kent didn't want me outside in the rain and wind because I had developed a serious head/chest cold. I was ok to wait it out...then a silver car pulled up.
Out jumps a driver, with a HUGE umbrella....someone famous.
Out walks this beautiful woman. I thought, I've seen her before. Then the man walks up, he is dressed in a great black coat--and stands next to this beauty.
I am sure it was: Josh Brolin. If it wasn't I'd be shocked.
Westminster Abby was everything I hoped it would be. I know this sounds strange, but I have watched for years the things that I have watched that have come from inside that building....sigh.
Evensong was amazing. They even did a song by Thomas Tallus. What? Seriously! It was beautiful. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Tallis
When we left, Kent looked at me and said, "Nooooooooooo"
I just looked at him and said, "What?"
He said, "Don't steal from the church."
Whatever. At least I didn't set off an alarm--yet.
As I walked past the doorway out into the open--I was thrilled! I got to take home the order of service from Westminster Abby. Best. Souvenir. Ever.
Monday, 14 October 2013
October 10 -- Manchester to London
Hello, hotel fire alarm. Why, why, why do you have to go off at 05.46 am? Why?
We headed back to bed being the only people in the hotel that actually left their rooms. Why would we leave our rooms you ask?
Our hotel was built in 1815. Nothing was level, we were 2 stories up. It was probably safer to jump to the building roof next door than try to negotiate the stairs to the lobby--and then go down another set of stairs to the outside.
We headed back to bed being the only people in the hotel that actually left their rooms. Why would we leave our rooms you ask?
Our hotel was built in 1815. Nothing was level, we were 2 stories up. It was probably safer to jump to the building roof next door than try to negotiate the stairs to the lobby--and then go down another set of stairs to the outside.
Makes me feel a little like Alice in Wonderland....
Once we actually emerged from our hotel room that morning, after fighting to go back to sleep...my body just not willing to give in....
Ergh.
We went out to get some coffee and toured around a little more. Found this really amazing store that makes new furniture, but to look like it was straight out of the 1800s. I was in heaven.
We went back to the hotel and got our stuff, headed to the train station back to London. We were going to be landing in Euston Station.
We then headed to Paddington Station Underground--found our little Best Western on Sussex Gardens and were a little relieved to have made our circle tour.
When we checked in the hotel gave us a free drink at the Jazz Club....we went in, our receptionist was also our bartender...The Jazz was actually Elvis....not very Jazzy.....
We had dinner at Sawyer Arm--which we found out was the "franchise" we kept running into the same menu--it was good food, but each of the pubs had a different name, different look....how were we supposed to know!
Our train was delayed getting into the Euston Station because of a death, a train hit a pedestrian, and in true UK fashion we found they repeated the story every couple minutes...with detail.
So different than here. So, very different.
October 9 -- Kirkwall-Aberdeen-Manchester
The wind and rain yesterday blew in some pretty cold temperatures. It's like Fall has hit. We have looked on the map, we are almost the same latitude as Anchorage Alaska....I guess it's ok to be cold.
We dropped off our rental car at the airport--and headed into what we hope is the Kirkwall Airport....the sign said something very different.
This beautiful shot was one of our last scenes from Orcadia. We will definitely be back. There is so much more to see, so much more to do.
We flew in a itty bitty tiny plane to Aberdeen and had a short almost 2 hour lay-over. What turned out to be a number of hours later, we left for Manchester.
Manchester, what a shock. I don't know exactly what I was expecting but it's like I stepped into New York City...and I loved every second of it!
So amazing....the view from our hotel room, Machester Cathedral:
We dropped off our rental car at the airport--and headed into what we hope is the Kirkwall Airport....the sign said something very different.
We flew in a itty bitty tiny plane to Aberdeen and had a short almost 2 hour lay-over. What turned out to be a number of hours later, we left for Manchester.
Manchester, what a shock. I don't know exactly what I was expecting but it's like I stepped into New York City...and I loved every second of it!
So amazing....the view from our hotel room, Machester Cathedral:
The National Football Museum? I think?
Inside the Print Works
October 8 -- Orcadia
Best day of our vacation, possibly. Worst weather of our vacation, definitely.
We got our car late again, about 11 am. I was worried we wouldn't be able to fit in all we wanted to see.
I wanted to see a Cairn. Thanks to Stephen R. Lawhead, and The Song of Albion Series....I have a romanticized attachment to Cairns.
I wanted to see the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness, Skara Brae, and Maestowe.
I am not asking too much...right?
We found Maestowe first. We wandered a little, realized we were in the parking lot with a tour bus, we decided to head out.
We then went to the Standing Stones of Stenness. And we beat the tour bus. Excellent. The most amazing part of being there is knowing that Kent's family were there....they were from the area of Stenness and Firth, and the stones are right on the Loch of Harray, (Horie is spelled an many different ways on the Island and in Kent's genealogy search....all of them pronouced like Hurry with a bit of Wh sound at the beginning)
We moved onto Skara Brae, and spent most of our time there. Probably because it was inside. On the top of Skara Brae the wind was so harsh, it was pushing me across a little bridge.
After all our sight seeing was done for the day, we headed back to the Kirkwall Hotel and had dinner in the dining room.
One of the most amazing things about being away is the amount of kids we saw in the pubs. This night, was no different. There were little kids in the bar--so sitting in the dining room sounded amazing.
One of the bucket list things I have -- is to be a part of an archaeological dig...we've decided, next time we go back--we will be signing up for a dig.
We got our car late again, about 11 am. I was worried we wouldn't be able to fit in all we wanted to see.
I wanted to see a Cairn. Thanks to Stephen R. Lawhead, and The Song of Albion Series....I have a romanticized attachment to Cairns.
I wanted to see the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness, Skara Brae, and Maestowe.
I am not asking too much...right?
We found Maestowe first. We wandered a little, realized we were in the parking lot with a tour bus, we decided to head out.
We then went to the Standing Stones of Stenness. And we beat the tour bus. Excellent. The most amazing part of being there is knowing that Kent's family were there....they were from the area of Stenness and Firth, and the stones are right on the Loch of Harray, (Horie is spelled an many different ways on the Island and in Kent's genealogy search....all of them pronouced like Hurry with a bit of Wh sound at the beginning)
Kent at the Standing Stones, Loch of Harray in the background
Dang tour bus...
Archaeology dig at the Stones of Stenness
We moved on to the Ring of Brodgar, again, beating the bus by not much, but enough so that my photos weren't all filled with strangers.
We moved onto Skara Brae, and spent most of our time there. Probably because it was inside. On the top of Skara Brae the wind was so harsh, it was pushing me across a little bridge.
Inside the replica of Skara Brae, Kent went into a hole...I stuck the camera in, this is what we got...
Inside the replica of Skara Brae
Pretty fancy lock for 4000 BC
The REAL Skara Brae
The Bay of Skaill
The Bay of Skaill
After all our sight seeing was done for the day, we headed back to the Kirkwall Hotel and had dinner in the dining room.
One of the most amazing things about being away is the amount of kids we saw in the pubs. This night, was no different. There were little kids in the bar--so sitting in the dining room sounded amazing.
One of the bucket list things I have -- is to be a part of an archaeological dig...we've decided, next time we go back--we will be signing up for a dig.
October 7 -- Inverness-Thurso-Stomness-Kirkwall
We left fairly early this morning for the train station. We got on our train and headed from Inverness to Thurso, by the way of Wick.
We got to Thurso with a few hours to spare so we asked the taxi driver to take us to a place for "eats".
He took us to a pub that only served drinks.
We found a little restaurant to wait out our time until our ferry was ready to leave for Stomness.
The ferry.
Ugh.
I get motion sick, the high speed train was making me sick, then we had the ferry....They said moderate swells...when the ferry slapped down on the surface of the ocean, knowing that the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean were meeting underneath me....well, lets say, all I could do was breathe through it.
We landed in Stromness and took the city bus to Kirkwall, 132 km/h down narrow roads was only adding to the sick feeling I had.
We got to the visitor's centre and literally our hotel was a stones throw from there.
The Kirkwall Hotel, built in the 1800s. It was home. They were amazingly friendly and helpful. We arrived late and due to my motion sickness I hadn't eaten since lunch. At 10.30 they opened the kitchen and fed me a sandwich and 2 salads.
We flopped into bed ready for a great day of adventure tomorrow!
We got to Thurso with a few hours to spare so we asked the taxi driver to take us to a place for "eats".
He took us to a pub that only served drinks.
We found a little restaurant to wait out our time until our ferry was ready to leave for Stomness.
The ferry.
Ugh.
I get motion sick, the high speed train was making me sick, then we had the ferry....They said moderate swells...when the ferry slapped down on the surface of the ocean, knowing that the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean were meeting underneath me....well, lets say, all I could do was breathe through it.
We landed in Stromness and took the city bus to Kirkwall, 132 km/h down narrow roads was only adding to the sick feeling I had.
We got to the visitor's centre and literally our hotel was a stones throw from there.
The Kirkwall Hotel, built in the 1800s. It was home. They were amazingly friendly and helpful. We arrived late and due to my motion sickness I hadn't eaten since lunch. At 10.30 they opened the kitchen and fed me a sandwich and 2 salads.
We flopped into bed ready for a great day of adventure tomorrow!
My initials are in the carpet!!
I thought the ferry and the bus were scary....the elevator looked original to the build of the hotel.
October 6 -- Inverness/Glencoe/Loch Ness
Somethings aren't open on Sundays.
Like car rental places.
It took a while, but we found a car to rent -- had them come pick us up and we were on the road to Glencoe at 11 am.
Melissa and Jonathan bought property in Glencoe for Kent, who should now be referred to as Laird Kent Horie, Lord of Glencoe.
The property wasn't well marked and we went right past it. Then we looked at the map, which was inadequate, but that didn't stop us.
We found the property.
We got there and we both had to go pee. Seriously badly.
If you've ever been on a Horie Family Road Trip...there is a lot of bathrooming out-of-doors. Kent has been really great over the years of making sure I get to stop at a real bathroom, but this day, I felt like I peed all over Scotland. (We did stop at a proper bathroom in Loch Ness....and I didn't even have to pay 30p for it!)
When we found the Glencoe Wood, seconds after we arrived Stewart showed up--who it is THE guy who is promoting the sale of the property, he was there to check on his wildlife cameras.
Like car rental places.
It took a while, but we found a car to rent -- had them come pick us up and we were on the road to Glencoe at 11 am.
Melissa and Jonathan bought property in Glencoe for Kent, who should now be referred to as Laird Kent Horie, Lord of Glencoe.
The property wasn't well marked and we went right past it. Then we looked at the map, which was inadequate, but that didn't stop us.
We found the property.
We got there and we both had to go pee. Seriously badly.
If you've ever been on a Horie Family Road Trip...there is a lot of bathrooming out-of-doors. Kent has been really great over the years of making sure I get to stop at a real bathroom, but this day, I felt like I peed all over Scotland. (We did stop at a proper bathroom in Loch Ness....and I didn't even have to pay 30p for it!)
When we found the Glencoe Wood, seconds after we arrived Stewart showed up--who it is THE guy who is promoting the sale of the property, he was there to check on his wildlife cameras.
So on the property we placed 5 Red Pirates, a Canadian Flag and a treasure chest. And then we peed on the property. It's now marked for life.
:)
And then I thought about the wildlife cams......
On the way home, Kent and I stopped in Loch Ness and Kent went for a swim -- it was planned that we would both go in, but I caught a cold days before and didn't think it would be wise to be chilled on the way back to the Antfield B and B.
October 5 -- Edinburgh/Invernesss
Today we woke up and headed back to more of the Royal Mile.
Now that we know how to get there. ;)
Ben told us the best way to see the Royal Mile is to actually get off the Mile. All along there are "closes" that go into the properties just behind the Mile. We found one that was from 1590:
We took today to go the Edinburgh Castle and tour around. I know that I left my heart in Stirling, but I have to say, Edinburgh wasn't as impressive as Stirling.
There was lots to see and lots to do, my camera opting out on me as we found this amazing guy to video, but that is life.
Once we had our fill of castle, we went back to our hotel, gathered our stuff and headed to the train Waverly Train Station to catch our train to Inverness.
We arrived to Inverness after dark, got ourselves a taxi and headed to the Antfield Bed and Breakfast.
And we drove.
And we drove.
And we drove.
We asked the taxi driver about the area, he didn't sell it very well.
And we drove.
Finally we found a small sign on the side of the road, and went down a narrow winding driveway.
We were greeted by Angela and she showed us to our room.
We flopped onto a cozy bed, and Kent set to finding us a car to use tomorrow.
Now that we know how to get there. ;)
Ben told us the best way to see the Royal Mile is to actually get off the Mile. All along there are "closes" that go into the properties just behind the Mile. We found one that was from 1590:
We took today to go the Edinburgh Castle and tour around. I know that I left my heart in Stirling, but I have to say, Edinburgh wasn't as impressive as Stirling.
There was lots to see and lots to do, my camera opting out on me as we found this amazing guy to video, but that is life.
Once we had our fill of castle, we went back to our hotel, gathered our stuff and headed to the train Waverly Train Station to catch our train to Inverness.
We arrived to Inverness after dark, got ourselves a taxi and headed to the Antfield Bed and Breakfast.
And we drove.
And we drove.
And we drove.
We asked the taxi driver about the area, he didn't sell it very well.
And we drove.
Finally we found a small sign on the side of the road, and went down a narrow winding driveway.
We were greeted by Angela and she showed us to our room.
We flopped onto a cozy bed, and Kent set to finding us a car to use tomorrow.
Edinburgh Sunset
October 4--Edinburgh
So, part of the fun of travelling using local transportation like the bus, is you really have no clue where you are going.
We got on the bus to go to "The Royal Mile" and we went in the wrong direction.
We finally got around to where we wanted to be, having had a great tour of the city and seaside of Edinburgh, we walked to the Royal Mile.
We started walking up the road when we came across this:
To the right side of the picture you can see a group of people gathering. At the centre of that group was Ben Hunter.
He was giving a walking tour of the city of Edinburgh -- we didn't know if it was a paid tour or not, but we decided to join in.
Ben was describing this monument--it used to have wooden doors attached to it. If you were found stealing in the city, they would hammer your ear to the door. You had 2 choices at that point.
1. Rip your ear off, then everyone for the rest of your life will know that you are thief and finding work would be very difficult.
2. Stay for the 24 hours you were sentenced to. During that 24 hours, people could throw rotting food at you, the family "poop bucket" etc...
Ben sounded interesting--and knowledgeable. Sounds like the guy for us.
We walked all over the city.
A few of the great stories Ben told us:
Deacon Brodie was a man who's name is highly used. He was a man who made really amazing boxes and locks. He would sell these boxes and locks to the super rich. He ended up having a gambling problem and found that he was highly in debt, which could be punishable by death. So he decided to start stealing from the boxes he had built. So, late at night he would steal into peoples homes and steal. The City was very upset about this thief, so they asked Deacon Brodie to head up a task force to see who was behind all the thieving. Deacon, didn't find himself....eventually he was found guilty and was put to death.
The other great story was about Greyfriars Bobby. Before there was a City Police force, the city would hire men to be Night Watchmen. Most of the Watchmen would walk the city at night with dogs, fierce, bite-y dogs.
Greyfriars Bobby was a terrier, a lovable, sweet little dog owned by John Gray. He made friends with the people and He guarded the city with John Gray for 2 years.
John Gray fell ill and died, when he was buried, Greyfriars Bobby sat at his tomb for 14 years. People of the city fed him and took care of him. A license was purchased for him and he was given the keys of the city. Amazing story. Now, consider this, Greyfriars Bobby was allowed to vote before women were--because he was given the keys to the city.
Amazing.
So, when Greyfriars Bobby passed away, the City actually allowed him to be buried in the City cemetery. There is a statue of him just outside of the cemetery.
One of the interesting things about being away, we actually found the lack of dogs disturbing. The Scottish, seem to like their dogs. In 2 weeks, we counted 50 dogs. (49 I think actually)
Ben walked us through the cemetery. There were 350 tomb markers, but they think there could be over 50 000 people buried there.
Ben walked us to some metal gates, there were some flowers attached to the gates, like someone had just been there to honour the dead.
Behind the gates was the convenanters' prison. People who were held for their beliefs. It was said that they were held face down at night, not allowed to move. If you moved the guards would kill the person on your right and left.
They said people died of exposure, and in some cases drowning, rather than move and hurt their fellow prisoners. They were given no shelter at all.
Most days they were fed about 4 ounces of bread. Ben did say that some people from the community would bring food to them--in support.
At one point--there were about 300 prisoners put on board a ship set to sail for America. The salty sea captain and his crew survived, but they said that not many of the people on board survived. It was thought that the sea captain had wrecked the ship on purpose, collecting insurance money.
We got on the bus to go to "The Royal Mile" and we went in the wrong direction.
We finally got around to where we wanted to be, having had a great tour of the city and seaside of Edinburgh, we walked to the Royal Mile.
We started walking up the road when we came across this:
To the right side of the picture you can see a group of people gathering. At the centre of that group was Ben Hunter.
He was giving a walking tour of the city of Edinburgh -- we didn't know if it was a paid tour or not, but we decided to join in.
Ben was describing this monument--it used to have wooden doors attached to it. If you were found stealing in the city, they would hammer your ear to the door. You had 2 choices at that point.
1. Rip your ear off, then everyone for the rest of your life will know that you are thief and finding work would be very difficult.
2. Stay for the 24 hours you were sentenced to. During that 24 hours, people could throw rotting food at you, the family "poop bucket" etc...
Ben sounded interesting--and knowledgeable. Sounds like the guy for us.
We walked all over the city.
A few of the great stories Ben told us:
Deacon Brodie was a man who's name is highly used. He was a man who made really amazing boxes and locks. He would sell these boxes and locks to the super rich. He ended up having a gambling problem and found that he was highly in debt, which could be punishable by death. So he decided to start stealing from the boxes he had built. So, late at night he would steal into peoples homes and steal. The City was very upset about this thief, so they asked Deacon Brodie to head up a task force to see who was behind all the thieving. Deacon, didn't find himself....eventually he was found guilty and was put to death.
The other great story was about Greyfriars Bobby. Before there was a City Police force, the city would hire men to be Night Watchmen. Most of the Watchmen would walk the city at night with dogs, fierce, bite-y dogs.
Greyfriars Bobby was a terrier, a lovable, sweet little dog owned by John Gray. He made friends with the people and He guarded the city with John Gray for 2 years.
John Gray fell ill and died, when he was buried, Greyfriars Bobby sat at his tomb for 14 years. People of the city fed him and took care of him. A license was purchased for him and he was given the keys of the city. Amazing story. Now, consider this, Greyfriars Bobby was allowed to vote before women were--because he was given the keys to the city.
Amazing.
So, when Greyfriars Bobby passed away, the City actually allowed him to be buried in the City cemetery. There is a statue of him just outside of the cemetery.
Greyfriar Bobbys Tomb Stone
The Statue of Greyfriars Bobby
One of the interesting things about being away, we actually found the lack of dogs disturbing. The Scottish, seem to like their dogs. In 2 weeks, we counted 50 dogs. (49 I think actually)
Ben walked us through the cemetery. There were 350 tomb markers, but they think there could be over 50 000 people buried there.
Ben walked us to some metal gates, there were some flowers attached to the gates, like someone had just been there to honour the dead.
Behind the gates was the convenanters' prison. People who were held for their beliefs. It was said that they were held face down at night, not allowed to move. If you moved the guards would kill the person on your right and left.
They said people died of exposure, and in some cases drowning, rather than move and hurt their fellow prisoners. They were given no shelter at all.
Most days they were fed about 4 ounces of bread. Ben did say that some people from the community would bring food to them--in support.
At one point--there were about 300 prisoners put on board a ship set to sail for America. The salty sea captain and his crew survived, but they said that not many of the people on board survived. It was thought that the sea captain had wrecked the ship on purpose, collecting insurance money.
Ben told us that JK Rowling wrote her first couple of books in a coffee shop--she used names from the headstones as characters in her books--Tom Riddle and Voldemort are buried in Greyfriars Churchyard.
October 3--Edinburgh to Stirling
For years, I have had this small love affair with Stirling.
I watched a series on PBS, probably when I was in my 20s about a number of battles that happened in and around the Island of Great Britain, one of them being "The Battle of Stirling Bridge" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Stirling_Bridge
Years later, a great movie is produced, called Braveheart--bringing the War of Independence to light. And made the story more popular.
So, Kent and I rented a car today and we headed to Stirling. The driving on the wrong side of the road was super stressful for me. Kent took most of it in stride. I was his navigator and he was my chauffeur.
There were notices posted that we were to be expecting heavy rain, but we didn't see much of it until we left Stirling.
I watched a series on PBS, probably when I was in my 20s about a number of battles that happened in and around the Island of Great Britain, one of them being "The Battle of Stirling Bridge" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Stirling_Bridge
Years later, a great movie is produced, called Braveheart--bringing the War of Independence to light. And made the story more popular.
So, Kent and I rented a car today and we headed to Stirling. The driving on the wrong side of the road was super stressful for me. Kent took most of it in stride. I was his navigator and he was my chauffeur.
There were notices posted that we were to be expecting heavy rain, but we didn't see much of it until we left Stirling.
Stirling Castle. One of my most favourite things in life.
Robert the Bruce, welcomes you to Stirling Castle
The William Wallace Memorial as seen from Stirling Castle
I want to go on record for saying that I don't think William Wallace wanted a gigantic phallic symbol memorial. In fact, I think he'd hate this.
I loved the castle, I loved the city, I hated the driving, I hated the weather we had to drive home in, but if you ever wanted to see what your marriage was made of, do this.
As I was navigating, I said, in this round about, take the right. Kent went left. We re-entered the round about and instead of going straight through, Kent went left again. We re-re-entered the round about and finally took the right exit.
At that point, I was tired, irritated that Kent was "not listening", or second guessing me.
I decided to stop navigating. I. Am. Done.
We went around a corner and there is a sign, the next round about had 7 exits.
So I pulled up my socks and started navigating again. Not the first left, but the second left is ours for the M9.
And back on track.
I realized, although Kent has this exterior that almost always looks the same, frustrated, mad, happy, all the same.
So, I wasn't thinking about how stressed he might have been driving on the wrong side of the road, shifting with his left hand....
It was a temporary bump in our day, we got through it, we are better for it--we've learned to get over those humps, faster and without saying or doing something that will not inflict pain on the other.
We dropped off the car, caught the bus back to our place in Edinburgh, and went to the Red Squirrel.
The Red Squirrel is a cute little pub, we sat down, our waitress being from Vancouver, the family behind us was from Hamilton felt like there was a whole Canadian Quarter.
The Red squirrel in life is a little squirrel that is going extinct. Another one of those "useless" pieces of information that I have gleaned over the years. The Grey Squirrel has crossed Hadrian's Wall and is taking over the Red Squirrel.
So at the Red Squirrel Pub, we had a burger that the proceeds go to helping save the Red Squirrel. All-in-all a good day.
October 2--London to Edinburgh
We got up very early this morning. We were up at 05.45 and on our way to the train station.
When we had originally looked at this trip, our train ticket from London to Edinburgh was a reasonable 25 GBP. When we arrived at the train station -- it had jumped to a colossal 152.10 GBP. Seriously.
There is a big back story to the organization of this trip, I took care of accommodations and flights, Kent was to do the cars/trains.
I would've bought the cheap tickets, Kent decided to wait until the day of to rent/buy transportation.
This is where the opposites attract thing kicks in. I am too cheap to let go of a deal, Kent likes to fly by the seat of his pants.
Both of us right.
Both of us completely different.
Me the planner.
Kent the freer spirit of the two of us.
I had a small heart attack at the cost of the tickets, but Kent, was not phased, this is how he rolls.
We arrived in Edinburgh, found our accommodations at the Best Western Bruntsfield. (The only reason we stayed at BWs were the gift cards I had accumulated....)
We decided to get out and see the city, so we went for a long walk, it wasn't really raining, but it was misty and foggy....enough to ruin a good hair day. :) Welcome to Scotland.
We fell in love with Edinburgh and I can see that we will more than likely return to Scotland. It was everything I had dreamed it would be and then a little more.
When we had originally looked at this trip, our train ticket from London to Edinburgh was a reasonable 25 GBP. When we arrived at the train station -- it had jumped to a colossal 152.10 GBP. Seriously.
There is a big back story to the organization of this trip, I took care of accommodations and flights, Kent was to do the cars/trains.
I would've bought the cheap tickets, Kent decided to wait until the day of to rent/buy transportation.
This is where the opposites attract thing kicks in. I am too cheap to let go of a deal, Kent likes to fly by the seat of his pants.
Both of us completely different.
Me the planner.
Kent the freer spirit of the two of us.
I had a small heart attack at the cost of the tickets, but Kent, was not phased, this is how he rolls.
We arrived in Edinburgh, found our accommodations at the Best Western Bruntsfield. (The only reason we stayed at BWs were the gift cards I had accumulated....)
We decided to get out and see the city, so we went for a long walk, it wasn't really raining, but it was misty and foggy....enough to ruin a good hair day. :) Welcome to Scotland.
We fell in love with Edinburgh and I can see that we will more than likely return to Scotland. It was everything I had dreamed it would be and then a little more.
On Home Street, Edinburgh Scotland
I loved this little house
October 1 -- Happy Anniversary!
I think this anniversary will be my favourite for years, not just because it's our 25th, but how we spent it.
We got up early and had breakfast in our B and B, Kent and I had the "full English breakfast", more food than anyone should consume in one sitting....ever.
We headed into town, to spend the day at the Tower of London. We then stopped on our way at Star Mugs for coffee......get it? Star Mugs. We also used the loo, just an FYI, carry 50p around with you all the time. That's what it costs to use the toilet....
I don't know if I can fully describe in a single blog what being in the Tower of London meant for me. In a sad way, I know more about English History than I know about Canadian History. Especially about the Royalty.
So, today, this meant the world to me.
Firstly, the Tower was built as a family home for the Royal Family. It was started in 1066 by William the Conqueror. In fact, Anne Boleyn's home was built there, not finished until after her death. She was only married to King Henry VIII for 3 years. 3 very short years.
Secondly, the Tower's reputation for being a jail, was supposed to be for the worst criminals, murderers and thieves.
But it was used as a prison for reformists and political prisoners. This is where I was halted.
We got up early and had breakfast in our B and B, Kent and I had the "full English breakfast", more food than anyone should consume in one sitting....ever.
We headed into town, to spend the day at the Tower of London. We then stopped on our way at Star Mugs for coffee......get it? Star Mugs. We also used the loo, just an FYI, carry 50p around with you all the time. That's what it costs to use the toilet....
I don't know if I can fully describe in a single blog what being in the Tower of London meant for me. In a sad way, I know more about English History than I know about Canadian History. Especially about the Royalty.
So, today, this meant the world to me.
Firstly, the Tower was built as a family home for the Royal Family. It was started in 1066 by William the Conqueror. In fact, Anne Boleyn's home was built there, not finished until after her death. She was only married to King Henry VIII for 3 years. 3 very short years.
Secondly, the Tower's reputation for being a jail, was supposed to be for the worst criminals, murderers and thieves.
But it was used as a prison for reformists and political prisoners. This is where I was halted.
I took this series of photos:
So here's the question, how far would you go for your beliefs?
I think the easy answer is if you believe you'd go all the way, even to die for what you believe in, but I don't think it's that easy.
I've seen this decay that has permeated all things "churchy" lately. People, willing to lie to save their hide, steal from work because they feel they are entitled, little "white" lies, but still lies.
I pushed the last button. Why am I telling you this? Partially because I want it to be public that I believe in Jesus' sacrifice, like I believe in Thomas More and others who died so that I could worship freely like I do. The other reasons are purely for myself.
The odd thing, is Henry VIII was a reformist. Wanting to leave the "Holy Catholic Church" to start his own church--purely for selfish reasons, so he could rid himself of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. But he was a reformist.
Here he is, executing people for the fact that they don't believe like he does. I am sure there were all kinds of political things here too, but the short fact is, He as a reformist, was killing of reformers.
Isn't that just like our society?
I wandered that day, mostly numb and a little bewildered at what we saw, the most chilling being the graffiti left by prisoners, as they awaited his or hers execution.
They were real people, who had real loves, lives and beliefs. So who am I to look at their sacrifice with anything else but awe and gratefulness?
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