edinburgh, scotland: may 2005

stayed at the globetrotter's inn. too early in the morning. smile not activated yet.
the view behind the hostel.
and some pictures along the streets of edinburgh. every inch oozing with history don't you think? i think this is what makes europe so different from our metropolitan home.
the major attraction was edinburgh castle, with a well-dressed tour guide.
this was the entrance to the castle.
just look at the crowd!
a look at the interior: where they have meetings, put their weapons, the prison, etc. lots to look at.
a big castle with various buildings and clock towers to take photos at.

lunch was at redcoat cafe in the castle.
searched for greyfriars bobby, this loyal dog that stayed by its owner's grave till his own death. a series of bars and statues named after him. and of cos, visited his grave as well.
visited various museums: people of edinburgh museum, prisoners of war museum, and the childhood museum which was one of my favourite (pictures below).
the national gallery of scotland offered a truckload of oil paintings as well.
after a long walk down the main road in edinburgh, the royal mile, was rewarded by the excellent view of arthur's seat. see if you can spot some tiny people climbing this feature.
dinner was at leith at fishers bistro. wonderful seafood.
the second day started with the haggis day tour with a very cheery and energetic guide cum driver. saw many hairy coos (cows) on the green open fields. there were black ones and also the ginger brown ones called hamish.
stopped at doune castle, heard more about scot history, in particular the guide demonstrated his phelgm making sounds when he had to the say the names edward/michael the first. similar to the click sound when you need to pronounce !kung bushmen. :)
along the trip, we were introduced to many lochs (lakes). well, that's where the loch ness monster originates from! pretty hills and flowers. definitely something different from the concrete jungle we are too familiar with.
here's a loch with cascades, where we stopped by for lunch.
and me with another new friend. can't seem to find out whether he's giving me any eye contact. :p

visited the whiskey distillery producing the famous grouse, with gilbert the grouse! learnt alot about whiskey making in a fun and interactive way.
the pretty sky seeing the last of the sun's rays.
dinner was at a rather poshy looking place.
starter
steak
and a very mushroomy pasta.

glasgow, scotland: may 2005

i arrived at glasgow by taking a bus from edinburgh, and stayed at the scottish youth hostel. pardon my uninterested face.
along the river, as in any other city, bridges span the length of the river.
some lucky sights i managed to chance upon was this flea market near the bridge.
where i made a new friend!
and a random procession nearing the city centre.
here's a picture of the shopping streets, where you have disney, levis and the likes.
at the city centre, there's st mungo's cathedral with its characteristic black walls and greenish roof.
visit the museum for more information on the place as well.
and here's a 3d map of the buildings within walking distance of each other.
george's square with its own stash of pigeons and statues.
and finally food! scottish favourite haggis.
and this is how it looks like inside, with sheep intestines, barley and oat. meant to give farmers an extra boost in energy.
of course not forgetting the fried mars bar. which should really be eaten warm for maximum satisfaction.
and yes the train took me back to good old london which was my base for my europe trip.