the trip of my dreams

As many of you know it has been a dream of mine for many years to go to Scotland. My father's family is from Scotland, specifically my great-great grandmother, Jesse, whom I'm names after is from just outside of Edinburgh. Before I stared dating Jared I had planned out a study abroad exchange for a semester in Scotland, but ended up choosing to marry Jared instead. It was a difficult choice ;) but I still think I made the right one. For Christmas my mom surprised us with the gift of taking us to Scotland. I don't think she'll ever be albe to top that gift. So on May 4, 2011 Jared, my mom, and I started our trek across the pond to Scotland. It was definitely an adventure! We had delayed flights and multiple flight changes, but did make it to Edinburgh on schedule, but without luggage. Luckily we didn't have to wait too long, our luggage arrived and was delivered to us the following morning.

From here on I'll just list the adventure by days. Enjoy!
click "older posts" for all of the days.

Day 1 - May 6th - Scotland

Our first day in Scotland was CRAZY! We landed around 10am in Edinburgh. Our luggage was lost so it was hard to not have our stuff. But we didn't let that stop us from touring the town. We got to our Bed and Breakfast and cleaned up and then hit the town. Our B & B was right on the bus route into town. It was perfect! We just spent our time getting to know the town and soaking it all in.

Our room at the B & B the Culane House

Waiting for the bus

Jared trying haggis and tatties. Mom liked it, Jared didn't mind it, and I didn't like it, but it wasn't as bad as everyone said it was.

Fish and chips and haggis, neeps, and tatties.

We were tired but had a fun time exploring the town.

Day 2 - May 6th - Scotland

This was our first full day in Edinburgh. We had a tour guide take us on a walking tour of town. We started in the middle of town, went to the new town, then to the old town, then to the castle, and spent the end of the day walking down the Royal Mile. I love how old and beautiful the town is.

Monument in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Another view of Edinburgh Castle

Views from the castle

Gravestone of the famous dog. Bobby was loyal to his master even after his master died. He laid on his masters grave and stayed near by for the rest of his life. Always protecting him. When you walk around town there are little statues of a dog, that is Bobby.

I'll never forget the incredible city of Edinburgh. It was so much fun to walk around. There was never enough time to see everything. I guess that means I'll just have to go back!

Day 3 - May 7th - Scotland

This was the day we made for Jared. We went to the small college/golf town of St. Andrews. We rode the train and then took a cab into town. The weather was beautiful and sunny until we got on the golf course. We ate lunch and shopped in town until our tee time of 3pm. We played 9 holes and I was so cold from the rain and wind that I couldn't finish anymore. But we still had a lot of fun!

The train ride to St. Andrews

The University in St. Andrews

Views of the coast

The beautiful cathedral in St. Andrews

More of the cathedral

Entrance to cathedral

Other side of entrance

Jared had to try Scotland's attempt at fajitas. They weren't that great.

I stuck with ice cream :)

St. Andrews is the place where Prince William and Kate met, so there were a lot of William and Kate stuff, well more than normal. This was in a candy store. It's made out of jelly beans.

The driving range. I already felt out of place, but then to golf on something this nice just made it worse.

Me right before we started golfing.

Views from the Castle Course on St. Andrews

This is Jared with his caddy, Jim.

Jared made this putt to par hole #7. He was so proud. We all were actually. Even the caddies were screaming with excitement. You can see my caddy, Angus, in this picture. He was really nice. And especially patient with me as I spent more time taking pictures than golfing.

 Getting to golf on the Castle Course at St. Andrews was amazing, even for me. I must say that even though Jared parred a hole, he lost one golf ball, I lost none. So I have at least something to brag about. But it was so beautiful! I can see why people love it there. If you ever get the chance to go to Scotland, you have to go to St. Andrews. Even if you don't golf. The town is so much fun and so beautiful!

Day 4 - May 8th - Scotland

This was the day I gave my mom to show me where my family was from. She spent all day Saturday finding places while we were golfing. She was brave enough to rent a car and try driving on the wrong side of the road. We all somehow managed to survive ;). First we went to church, then to lunch, then to the around Jessie was from.

driving in the very small car.

a very funny joke on the wall of the Italian place we ate for lunch.

The small town Jessie was from. It was so beautiful!

countryside around Edgehead.

The church Jessie was Christened in.

This is Chrichten Castle. It's only a few minute drive from where Jessie lived. It is set up back up on this hill and not many people visit it. We basically had it to ourselves. The guy working there must have been bored because he got out his keys and showed us some doors that were locked to the public.

The courtyard

Views from the castle

Mom in one of the rooms.

This was a nice relaxing day, with the exception of putting unleaded fuel into the diesel car. Luckily it wasn't the other way around, and they just told us to fill it up with diesel and it would be okay. It was so much fun seeing the places that Jessie would have known as her home town. I know I keep saying this, but it's just so beautiful there!