Off to Scotland

Friday was an early day as we had to gather to take a bus to the train that would take us to Scotland. Moving about with 80-some people is not easy. It was over a four hour train ride, but it did provide me with some time to get some things done and it was comfortable.

When we got to Edinburgh, we walked to the hostel. My mom thinks Tallahassee is hilly? Oh my. I thought I was going to die. I am actually glad that I brought my larger suitcase which has wheels rather than the smaller one that I would have had to carry. (The bruises still haven't healed from carrying it to and from Berlin!). Ay the hostel, all 80 of us had about 15 minutes to pile out belongings into a "secure" storage room that clearly states, "Leave valuables at your own risk.". I am not exactly what secure means. The key was at the front desk where anybody was free tongo up and ask for it.

First thing on the agenda was a walking tour and those hills are just as steep when you don't have luggage. Add to that, we had a guide that walked too fast, apparently unaware that we all were nt alway able tonget across the street. Then, she didn't feel the need to wait for everybody tonget caught up before starting her stories. That being said, it was beautiful.

You know, on these guided tours, I just love the stories. On this particular day, my favorite story was that of a dog, Bobby. Bobby was the dog of John Gray, a Edinburgh police officer. They were inseparable for the two years they shared before John died of Tuberculosis. It is said that Bobby laid on John's grave for the rest of his life, nearly 14 years! He, the dog, has been memorialized as a symbol of loyalty! It was a very endearing story!

We checked into the hostel when we got back from the walk. I was assigned to room 516, European, which is the 6th floor. We were told that there was no working elevator. I almost burst into tears and headed back to the train station right then and there! Two angels in the form of FSU undergraduate students saved the day and carried my bag up all those steps. If only they had offered to carry me, it would have been perfect!

After the getting settled in, so to speak, there was finally time to eat. Shelly, one of my roommates (who was simply delightful) and I headed back up the hill and found a place about which we had heard good things. I had salmon with potatoes and vegetables. It truly was a wonderful dinner and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Shelly!

Shelly and I both decided to stay in and ended up talking until quite late. So thankful for her as a roommate on this trip!