Merry Merry Christmas!

Happy Christmas!  Santa came to Scotland! (sort of)  The day broke and I made breakfast eggs and fruit for everyone before we headed out to our day's destination: The Zoo!  We had an appointment to see the Pandas promptly at 11:30.  Catch the bus (one of the only ones running today) down in St. Andrew's square and we're golden right?  Come on now kids, you know my stories aren't that easy...

So we trek off to the square, which is about a half mile's walk.  The entire city of Edinburgh was like a ghost town.  Not a car or another human in sight at 9:30 in the morning.  As we're searching the square for some sign of life (and Aunt CC had taken off for the bus station terminal, which she was convinced would be open- you can guess it was closed as we knew it would be), we hear a few voices calling us over.

We are greeted by a taller man, dressed in army green from head to toe and his face and hands covered in soot.  His hair is a little scraggly, could definitely use a wash, but smiling and welcomed us to the Occupy Edinburgh family...originally from LA, he and his buddy Jimmy an organic Scotsman.

They were happy to give us directions, but wanted to point out some festive decorations they had hung up on Christmas eve.  We turn around to see the World HQ for RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland)...an elegant and massive building right beside the square.  Our eyes glaze over the front and slowly up to the top, where at the peak of the flagpole, right below the black and white RBS initials waved, flew a second black and white flag with a skull and cross bones.

The Jolly Roger pirate flag whistled in the wind!  A professional "climber" on the occupy team had shimmied up the side of the building, all the way to the top of the flagpole to hang the pirate colors.  Too funny!  What a great interview these guys gave us.  A boy (i believe he was the climber) in a Guy Faulkes mask swaggered his way over to me and Britty and I couldn't help but pull out the video camera and get everyone's pictures.  Great fun to the start of a not-so-wonderful day.

The following 2 hours can be chalked up to chasing down exactly where we should have been picking up the correct Bus 26 to the Zoo...yes, 2 hours.  We finally ended up getting on the bus at about 12...which caused us to miss our Panda viewing.  Luckily the zoo fit us in at 3:15, which left us time to go see the monkeys, the tigers, the birds, and even the Penguin Parade.  I have a love-hate feeling about zoos.  I try to have as much fun as possible while being there, but I can't help but feel so depressed for the captivity these guys are forced into.  Some of them may be safer and well taken care of compared to their natural habitats being destroyed - so that leads me to hate the poachers and people destroying the forests and trees...  Go read the Lorax.  That's all I am going to leave you with for anger thoughts.  It's Christmas, I won't dampen the mood.

We caught the bus right in time, after our short limited Panda viewing, and headed back to the apartment for a full blown meal with so much food for only 4 people.  Delicious veggies, and chicken and apple pie and ice cream...And of course a bit of Asti to cap off the evening.  I brought out the Christmas Crackers and Mom and Britty tried their very hardest to make them pop - poor Maja B had a bit of trouble and it was too funny watching her try several times before throwing in the towel....A very merry-different-Christmas was had by all!

The next day we were off and running early again.  Our cab arrived at 8:30 to take us to the airport.  We ended up feeding the staff at the front desk the next day, since we couldn't take it with us!  Mom and I were flying from Edinburgh back to Heathrow with Aunt CC and poor Britty had to wait for her flight back to Sweden solo because she flew Ryan Air.  Another day spent at the airport, which I didn't mind half as much because I was able to read a lot.  Finished the Hunger Games and halfway through book two.  Aunt CC parted her own way and Mom and I took off to go find a place to sit.  It was a bittersweet feeling to be going home, but blunted by the fact that I knew I would be back again soon.  I don't know when, but I know I will.

And so the countdown begins... another 4 years? another 4 months? another 4 days???  That might be pushing the envelope...but you never know ;)  I'm ready.

Cheers! x Krista  

Christmas Eve Festivities

Sandman Walking Tours are the best.  Too bad we didn't have 3 spare hours to stay for the whole thing.  Troy (an Ozzy not a Scotsman...) took us on a journey through Edinburgh and shared stories about the city every which way we went.  It was both a cultural and historical tour.  So cold though!  The winds were crazy.  Everyone had closed up shoppe, and there weren't many places open for a quick coffee even.  We left the tour early not because it was 3 hours long, but because we were too cold and trying to get home in time for Christmas Eve service at Greyfriars church.  This was actually one of our stopping points on the tour, where Troy led us to the Black Mosseleum, the most haunted place in the world...right around the corner and down another path was a grave marked Tom Riddle, and a second marked Mogonagul.  Yes, my friends, JK Rowling took many of her character names from walking through the graveyard here.  We passed by the Elephant Cafe on our way out, where she spent many days creating the Harry Potter we all know and love today.

I rushed over to Marks & Spencer hoping to find a chicken (pre-cooked) that would surfice for our Christmas dinner.  I was in luck!  Although many of the rows had been plucked over, there were still a few prime birds left on the shelf.  Now I faced the challenge of walking across town with this sucker, in addition to a pie, ice cream, Asti, and a few other essentials for the next morning.
Church was a great welcome!  The congregation was very welcoming, the minister very nice and the choir was so talented.  Their passion for singing the carols radiated on each of their faces.  Who would have ever thought we would be spending a Christmas Eve service in Scotland?
After church, it started to spitter rain - and apparently there was another carol service at 8pm that Aunt CC wanted to go to, so we passed up efforts of trying to make it to the German Christmas markets again.  Fail.  What a bummer, the other itineraries took precedence again.  So we popped into a pub for a drink, where we chatted briefly with the very nice bartender.  He made Britty a delicious Baileys Hot Chocolate.  A mulled cider for me, and mom grabbed a mulled wine.  We headed to St. Gile's Cathedral at quarter to 8, and unfortunately Aunt CC had gotten the wrong night...Oh well, what are you going to do, right?  C'est la vie.  Tomorrow is Christmas, so we won't let it rain on our parade!!

x Krista

Castles and Carrot Cake

Friday morning was kicked off by a trip to the grocery store.  Mom, Aunt CC and I took to the streets to go and purchase fillings for our cupboards the remainder of the week.  Even such a simple task felt like quite a production with conflicting personalities.  Britty slept in, but was remarkably awake, showered and dressed when we got back at 11.

Off to the castle!  It was frigid out, but we forced ourselves to take a walking tour with the guide...we ended with a high tea in the cafe.  Britt and Mom plunged at the carrot cake with real cream cheese frosting.  Hot Chocolate & Coffee to accompany...  Aunt CC went for an afternoon tea and ordered something similar to a date square, with mince pie filling instead.  For me?  Elderflower and Lemon tea - delicious.  The tea pot also brought my fingers back to life.  I wonder how many shades of white they can turn in one trip?
On our way out, Aunt CC took off somewhere, so Mom, Britty and I decided to go for a whiskey tasting - when in Rom--eh, Edinburgh :)

We walked down to what we thought was one of the Christmas Markets...it was more of a disappointment than anything.  Wrong one.  Oh well, more time for Britty to get to go to Primark!  If only we had more room in our suitcases...

Dinner consisted of carrots and hummus, crackers, cheese (my leftover mozererlla from dinner the night before) and soups for all.  I believe here even may have been a Ben's Cookie that made an appearance, which Aunt CC had been hiding away from the rest of the crew.  Then it was off to bed by 10...seriously, what a bust.  We're such a bunch of party animals.  Had I known, I would have been down the road earlier for the 12 Pubs of Christmas: Edinburgh Style with friends from our Shamrocker tour.  Ultimate Fail.  Oh well, there will be future return trips!

x Krista

Up-Chuck and Away...to Waverly Station

Well, today was the day from hell.  At least the start of it was.  Grumpy pants all around and getting our bags together and out the door seemed like a production in and of itself - we checked out and I wanted one last trip to the bathroom before we were on our way to Kings Cross.  To avoid having to get a new card for access to the second floor, I decided to just use the toilet right at the top of the stairs.  Problem was there was no lock on that door.  Mom was going to keep an eye out for me and it was 9:30AM with a desolate hostile...hardly anyone was going to just barge into that bathroom when there were plenty of others on all the other floors, right?  WRONG.  Just as I had gotten situated, the door flies open and I am puked on.  Yes.  Puked on.  Projectile vomited in the face and on my jacket and new boots.  It was like a horror movie in slow motion...I still am in shell-shock.  The hostel was appalled, and offered free laundry (if only we had the time.)  I just called my mom up to come and help me out.  Luckily it wasn't as bad as it could have been.  The hit-and-run vomiter fled the scene and up the stairs, but was courteous enough to try to hold back as much as possible when to his shock as well, he had barged into the wrong bathroom...Ugh.

On a lighter note, off we went to Kings Cross.  Unfortunately they have now closed off Platform 9 3/4 to the public...How can you do that?!  Britty and Mom tried to get their pictures, but unfortunately there were barricades blocking the way.  We caught our train at 12:00 on the button.  Mom made several buddies on the train, as usual.  The first gentleman rode the same train every week, commuting.  Wow.  I guess it is comparable to taking the train from Long Island or Stamford into the city everyday.  He learned quickly that my mom had a good sense of humor, and joked with her a lot - playing off of her naive gullibility.  He departed, and an older woman took his place.  She was such a gem.  She and mom made small talk about the different sights and towns we were passing through.  She was able to point out a town where she used to live, right on the water.  She now lives in a houseboat with her dog, since her husband passed on last year.  She was so friendly and bright spirited.  I hope both of them had wonderful Christmas festivities with their families.
We got into Edinburgh (it was much darker at 4:30pm than we anticipated) and stepped out to see a beautiful scene structured with the Christmas Festival lights, Edinburgh Castle and all of the city's marvelous architecture.  After our hazardous walk (mom still has those huge bags don't forget) across the streets and hills of coblestone - we finally reached our final resting spot for our adventures - The Holyrood ApartHotels = HEAVEN.  Queen Beds (yes one for me and britty and one for Aunt CC and Mom; No more snoring!) The Kitchen with its granite countertops, stove, oven, water heater, dishwasher...etc...Living room with tv, dvd, radio, a mini dining room and 2 full bathrooms.  It was clean, it was spacious and although it smelled like smoke and I had a creepy picture on the wall of my room (which I hung a piece of paper over, and am just realizing I forgot to remove...) - it was fabulous.
Unfortunately, the days had led up to a bit of a height in tempers.  Britt and I got in a scuff, where she was yelling and I didn't say a word, knowing I would be yelling/crying in response so I left and walked right out.  I blew off some steam and walked the Royal Mile, which was relatively deserted and quiet.  I ended up stumbling upon a few pretty, secluded Christmas trees and lights.  I also realized I should be taking more pictures, even if I have had the privilege of seeing this all again, I should be capturing my second adventure.
I went back to the apartment eventually and we all went out for dinner at Bella Italia - Mom couldn't stop raving that her pasta, veg and chicken dish was the best thing she had eaten in weeks.  Judging that she had been living off of triangle box sandwiches and toast for 2 weeks, I don't blame her.

We tottled back to our apartment for a snooze before our big day at Edinburgh Castle.  My goal is to make it to the German Christmas Markets at some point.  That is the one thing on my list.  Britty and I got in bed and apologized to one another, and pinky promised a truce to just let the hostility go and hope to enjoy the rest of the time we had together.  Hopefully this will lighten spirits for the days to come. :)

xKrista

There Are Places I Remember...

Wednesday was a day of exploration - flying solo.  The rest of the gang went to Stonehenge and Bath for the day - I took off, and I mean took off...8:30 and out the door down Gloucester Road to pick up a cup of coffee, and walk straight up to Kensington Gardens, past Kensington Palace through the park into Hyde Park.  It was a cloudy crisp morning, but I was energized by the freedom to do my own thing.  I took my old walking route to work, passed the cavalry barrocks and arrived across from the RTYC - had to pause a moment for reflection, but didn't dare go in - not sure my dingy boots specked with mud would be appropriate.  I walked down to Harvey Nichols to take a few photos of the window displays - so cool.  All of the snow scapes were built of recycled materials, stunning.  I truly felt back at home when a random Brit walked up and said "Excuse me miss, is that Harrod's?" (he was pointing across the street to the Mandrin Hotel...nice guess though...)  I gave him proper instructions to turn around and walk back toward Burberry and to the left...can't miss it.
Back into Hyde Park I went, setting out to walk around the perimeter and up to Speakers' Corner.  I stumbled into a few special surprises as well - Winter Wonderland and... THE HOGWART'S EXPRESS!  (at least I think I found it).  Be jealous.

 

Winter Wonderland reminded me of a creepy carnival from an RL Stine book...quiet but a few scant visitors beginning to show their faces and rides going through their test runs...I made my way to Speakers Corner where, as I anticipated, it was dead silent.  I crossed past Marble Arch and onto Oxford Street - Primark for tights!!  The long anticipated shopping day...I made quite the haul, and was proud of myself for holding back - not due to the credit card bill but for lack of space in the suitcase :(  I did however manage to grab a new pair of boots and some Christmas crackers to share with the family on Christmas day.  I traveled down the rest of the street just wandering, not having a plan or exact idea where I was going.  Just a hunch and idea of where I wanted to end up.  Made my way into a few shoppes, and found the Carnaby Street hideaway - where Johnny Cupcakes London was hiding!  Hemley's toystore also called for a visit, but was a madhouse so I quickly departed.  Down the way I found Whittard's of Chelsea!  Best little tea & hot drinking chocolate mixes and lots of free samples.  Dreamtime is a favorite.  Down into Picadilly Circus I walked where I went into Lillywhites, where you can find any sports apparel you may need.  I was on the search for Rugby - couldn't find it...seriously?!  Sorry Mike!
After 5-6 hours of strolling about I was a bit chilled and my shoulder was aching from that Primark bag of goodies.  I hopped on the Picadilly line back to the hostel for some sweet potato soup.  There was still more time to explore!  I went back to Harrod's for a second time to take a stroll through the food hall, just to gaze and gawk at the incredible displays. I made it back to the PC World store to exchange my mom's camera card (they gave me the incorrect size) and met a boy who graduated from Richmond same year as I did - small world.  To cap off the evening alone, I had to go to Whole Foods a second time for some snacks and a Firefly juice, so delicious.  I had to take a turn around the corner to Cafe Nero for Haley :) and grabbed a delicious caffe americano while I was there.
I met back up with Mom, Britty and Aunt CC at the hostel before we headed out to more carols at the Royal Albert Hall again - tonight was HOT, but the carols were so much fun.  There were sing-songs, dancing and laughter.  After the show I went to meet Shamrocker friends, Kim and Luke, at Builder's Arms, praying for Pimm's Winter Cup - those fibbers had it on their chalkboard menu, but unfortunately were no longer serving it.  We had a mulled cider, a mulled wine and a winter brew and then walked through Kensington admiring the Christmas lights in the resident windows along the way.  We said our goodbyes/see you soons and it was off to bed before Scotland in the AM!

x Krista