Saying goodnight and goodbye to the girls last night was probably one of the most painful things I’ve had to do as a parent so far. Honestly, I was thankful for the pain of separation—I have a tendency to distance myself, emotionally, from most intense situations and the thought actually came to mind as I was tearing up singing them to sleep: “Wow…it’s nice to feel SOMEthing.” I’m not claiming to be made of stone, but mostly I fear that being emotionless is something I could easily fall back to in certain situations. That may be strange, but it's how I roll. So, having that spontaneous, strong emotional experience with my girls was wonderful for me. Even if it involved emotional pain, the fact that my love for those two incredible little people goes so deep was more of a reassurance in itself: I’m doing right with this Mama thing. There is no doubt in my mind or in my heart that caring for those girls is the most important job I will ever have.Now that most of the packing is done, the lists upon lists of instructions and schedules are distributed and posted, I feel a great peace that God has led me through this process—that the girls are in his care. I am free to scamper off to Scotland to spend time with my mother and sister. Gold only knows what shenanegans the three of us will get into. I’m ready for an adventure!
24. August 6:40am (local) Amsterdam Airport
Second breakfast? Or bedtime snack? I can’t make up my mind.As I had expected, my trans-Atlantic flight was more of a vacation than I’ve had in a long time. What do you mean I can’t leave my seat and you’re just going to supply me with food and beverages for the next seven hours? Torture!
I lucked out and for the most part, traveling has been very smooth so far. There have been no delays and no annoying seat partners. For my flight overseas, I was seated next to a young man who has been in the military for 13 years. He has been on three tours in Afghanistan and on his most recent, lost a leg. He was flying back to his station in Dusseldorf from the (American)Midwest, where he had been visiting family and being fitted for a spare prosthetic. One would expect a person who had been through so much to have a bleak or even jaded outlook on life, but instead he had a calm, content manner. He was quick to laugh and even nonchalant when apologizing that he might jerk in his sleep because of nightmares. In all of his comments there was no anger or bitterness, just calm, resolute acceptance.
I know it’s odd to go on at length about someone who might as well be a stranger, but to tell the truth, I was inspired by this gentleman. Maybe it's because I'm a mother hen without any chicks, but I've felt a strong need to keep him in prayer as he leaves the military this year and continues on in life. Here I was thinking God would use this trip to allow me to spread His light a little further in the world and the Lord is already showing me instead where He has placed His light in others.
So far at the airport I've recconoitered and discovered that the Starbucks accepts Brittish pounds. Consider this my last ditch effort to cling to my Americanism. At the moment I'm bound and determined to avoid jet lag. Does wandering around like a zombie in desparate search of coffee count as a success or denial?
From here I'm off to Edinburgh and, Godwilling, a nap once I make it to our Bed and Breakfast.
25. September 5pm (local) Edinburgh Glenisla Bed and Breakfast
Got into Edinburgh and through customs with no problems. Hopped in a cab and enjoyed the peaceful twenty minute ride to our B&B. I got here around 10:30am--way before check-in. I was so thankful that our room was ready. I stumbled up the stairs to our room, devoured my portion of welcoming shortbread and promptly passed. out.
After I woke up, I found out Mom's flight had been significantly delayed and I had more time on my hands than I expected, so I did one of the things I love most about traveling: I explored.
The Glenisla is in a residential area a few miles from the Royal Mile, so I set out with no destination in mind and tried to be aware of what turns I was making, so's not to get completely lost. So far, I love this place. It's the beginning of Fall; leaves are starting to turn and the weather is that glorious combination of cool breezes and warm sunshine. Everything here in Old Town is just that: Old. But it has been charmingly maintained and cared for over the years. Like many places across the pond, the front doors here are the centerpiece of the home's facade. I love the bright pops of color amongst the weathered brick and stone. Everything here is so very real; coming from the land of pre-fab houses, laminate flooring and composite wood, it is so refreshing to see old stone walls, aging statues and ornate wood trim so dated, the layers of paint have created a second skin. There is lush greenery everywhere and like everything I've seen so far, there is pride in maintaining a green haven in every front yard. These people are in their homes and outside: working, clipping, planting, playing, chatting,--living.
It is beautiful...It is breathtaking...and I haven't seen a single castle yet.
25. September 3:30pm On the bus to Dundee/Aberdeen
Last night Emily and Mom finally caught up with me at our B&B. They took enough time to eat their shortbread (are we predictable or what?) freshen up and then we were out the door headed for dinner, as most of us hadn't had a proper meal in over 12 hours. Luckily, Mom was in charge of organizing activities and we headed to a place called Mum's where we ate meat pies as big as our heads and drank ale. We were all a bit loopy from travel and sleep deprivation, so after dragging our distended bellies out of the restaurant, we headed straight back to Glenisla and promptly passed. out.
True to form, we were the first ones up and at 'em and down to breakfast; we enjoyed a traditional full Scotish breakfast of tea/coffee and toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, a potato scone (which is more of a potato pancake)and let's not forget: haggis! I have to admit that this particular haggis was not authentic in the sense of an American's expectation of haggis; it was not off-colored or cooked in a sheep's stomach and it contained meat only from the socially acceptable bits of animals. Therefore, it was not horrifyingly disgusting to eat...as I had expected it would be. I found haggis actually quite tasty, if not my ideal breakfast fare.
After chatting with our host, Graham, about our day's activities, we packed up and headed out to make arrangements for our bus trip later in the day and then set out to see Edinburgh: The City.
And let me tell you: it is a city...a big one. Full of magestic castles, royal residences and beautful churches. Sprinkled in among these beautiful relics are modern stores, restaurants, pubs and street musicians (only here they play bag pipes and wear kilts). We walked The Royal Mile from The Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood House and stopped in between for tea and pastries.
Edinburgh really is an intriguing mix of old world beauty and new age Klass (with a K, folks). Overall, I'm glad we had the opportunity to stay overnight in Edinburgh's residential Old Town area--it charmed me to the core. Had it not been for the familiarity and affection I felt toward it's private residents, I might have found the city's larger attractions almost lacking in character and overwhelming.
The three of us aren't much for the tourist aspects of traveling, so I'm glad we found a few holes in the wall to grab a pint or cup of tea and enjoy Edinburgh out of the hustle and bustle of those eager to have checked off their must-see list from the guide books.
Now we are off to Aberdeen where we will be based for the duration of our trip. We're going by bus and I am excited to get out of the city to experience some of Scotland's countryside.
It is beautiful...It is breathtaking...and I haven't seen a single castle yet.
25. September 3:30pm On the bus to Dundee/Aberdeen
Last night Emily and Mom finally caught up with me at our B&B. They took enough time to eat their shortbread (are we predictable or what?) freshen up and then we were out the door headed for dinner, as most of us hadn't had a proper meal in over 12 hours. Luckily, Mom was in charge of organizing activities and we headed to a place called Mum's where we ate meat pies as big as our heads and drank ale. We were all a bit loopy from travel and sleep deprivation, so after dragging our distended bellies out of the restaurant, we headed straight back to Glenisla and promptly passed. out.
True to form, we were the first ones up and at 'em and down to breakfast; we enjoyed a traditional full Scotish breakfast of tea/coffee and toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, a potato scone (which is more of a potato pancake)and let's not forget: haggis! I have to admit that this particular haggis was not authentic in the sense of an American's expectation of haggis; it was not off-colored or cooked in a sheep's stomach and it contained meat only from the socially acceptable bits of animals. Therefore, it was not horrifyingly disgusting to eat...as I had expected it would be. I found haggis actually quite tasty, if not my ideal breakfast fare.After chatting with our host, Graham, about our day's activities, we packed up and headed out to make arrangements for our bus trip later in the day and then set out to see Edinburgh: The City.
And let me tell you: it is a city...a big one. Full of magestic castles, royal residences and beautful churches. Sprinkled in among these beautiful relics are modern stores, restaurants, pubs and street musicians (only here they play bag pipes and wear kilts). We walked The Royal Mile from The Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood House and stopped in between for tea and pastries.Edinburgh really is an intriguing mix of old world beauty and new age Klass (with a K, folks). Overall, I'm glad we had the opportunity to stay overnight in Edinburgh's residential Old Town area--it charmed me to the core. Had it not been for the familiarity and affection I felt toward it's private residents, I might have found the city's larger attractions almost lacking in character and overwhelming.
The three of us aren't much for the tourist aspects of traveling, so I'm glad we found a few holes in the wall to grab a pint or cup of tea and enjoy Edinburgh out of the hustle and bustle of those eager to have checked off their must-see list from the guide books.Now we are off to Aberdeen where we will be based for the duration of our trip. We're going by bus and I am excited to get out of the city to experience some of Scotland's countryside.
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