I am already reminisccing about our trip to Edinburgh, Scotland that we took about 3 weeks ago. It is undetermined whether I am Scottish or Irish – or perhaps both. Nevertheless, I was interested in seeing this part of the country and visit the castles that are prevalent there.
Getting There- Oh boy!
So, it was nearly the second full day we were there, that we were on a high-speed train to Edinburgh. First, we would take the “Tube” ( subway) to Kings Cross (in England) and then on to Edinburgh on the train. Well, luck would have it that I had my first adventure!
We were boarding the subway, or should I say my hubby boarded the subway and put his luggage and my luggage onto the train. Quickly, the subway door closed on me and I was left behind. Not one to be good with directions, I panicked a bit and realized that I had no cell service and I wouldn’t be able to text him. After some harrowing- panicky moments, it must have been God’s Will, that I listened to him and the directions that day. Did you ever have to get into the mind of how someone thinks? I did. I thought, he may get off at the next stop where we could both catch the tube. So, I got off, and then back on quickly when I realized he wasn’t there. I heard him say our stop was “Kings Cross”, so as I was looking at the stops, a young lady asked if I needed help. I must have had a certain look on my face. She reassured me that I was to get off after she did. All was well when I got off at Kings Cross then we made our way on a high-speed train to Edinburgh. I just didn’t need that kind of excitement! I suppose the moral was to “listen to your hubby when you are in a foreign country and need to know the directions”… Haha.
I truly enjoy the high-speed train, and we were met with a Scottish older man on the train who was lovely and aided us with our technology. A younger guy sat next to me and shared his bottle of wine, along with conversation on the train. I really would love if the US had some kind of fast train service between states! This is such an advantage to those living in Europe. Dogs are welcome everywhere as well, and we saw some of the train. The train ride to Scotland was 5 hours by high-speed train, and it is truly an enjoyable way to travel, highly recommend. First class is not a big expense, and you get a meal and snacks! No shortage of biscuits and tea! We did meet a younger guy who was traveling to Glasgow that sat with us and shared his wine that he had bought. Very friendly people!
In Edinburgh
My hubby and I love to go to VRBO’s and BnB’s. This time we stayed at a place called, Arna-said, and the name had been around for decades. It was a lovely older house, and we had a beautiful room with a bath/shower. The owner, in his late 20s, was lovely to talk to. We would congregate in the lounge area, filled with older, and possibly vintage leather chairs and couches. Cozy, this is where we would eat a light breakfast.
On our way by train to Edinburgh, we saw the Edinburgh Castle, a very majestic site on the hill. A windy hill it was, and quite cold the day we were there. I went to the gift shop and bought some gloves! I was in 3 layers and still very cold. The owner said he always knew who the tourists were and who lived in Edinburgh.
We made our way to the Castle, and then visited another called Craig Millar, The Castle was 15th century that the first tower was built. We would explore through the castle and imagine what it would be like in the jail, the common area, etc. Stone walls remained yet stood for the Castle’s prominence.
Besides castles, we had some delicious foods, no Haggis, and fun at some of the local pubs. I eat chicken and fish, so no pork or meat for me. When there was a mention of Haggis, my husband was distracted enough that he forgot about eating this on one of the menus. I’d have to pass on this “delicacy” and stick with chicken pot pies with vegetables and yummy chunky chips. You can also find much international foods, often in one location. We first ate at an Italian restaurant, and I happily scraped the bowl of my Caccio e Pepe and eventually ate the bowl of this cheesy concoction.
We also had Greek food at one of the small Greek restaurants. Stavos, the owner, in his 50’s, was quite proud of his food and service at the restaurant. We enjoyed a bottle of Greek red wine, and then I ate the Chicken Paprikash, a dish I had always wanted to try.
At the local Scottish pub, we witness, a man, Alan, had his name emblazoned on a place at his bar stool. Not to criticize, but with his shoulder length, messy grey hair, short in stature, he resembled a hobbit. I would never make such a proclamation but just enjoyed the local banter and one of the doorways at the local church was obviously a Tolkien sign.
We enjoyed a few days, exploring pubs, castles and the surrounding areas. I would love to go to the Highlands, but it was much farther for this trip. The idea was to get a feel for the area and people and explore.
In the Craig Millar Castle jail.
Craig Millar Castle- a must see. From the 15th Century.
My condition
I am not going to say it is easy with EDS. I push through most of the time andbb then want to recover and visit my PT straightaway for some dry needling. The toughest part of this disease is walking slowly, with hypermobility, which makes museums and standing quite difficult.
Ever since I had a flare up of my condition in 2008-9, I have always thought to be proactive with my health. Once I found I had Myofascial pain and EDS< I could address it and not prepare for a life in bed. I am not great at pacing myself and often go beyond what I should do when on a holiday. I have learned to take my time, adjust or modify what I can do, and then enjoy it.
