This past week has been a very exciting one. I got to exercise my new Scottish knowledge as I toured my family around Glasgow and Edinburgh. Before my family got here for the weekend I was able to explore Glasgow's music scene. On Wednesday I went to the Old Dominion country concert. Glasgow is well known for their music scene and many bands end their tour here. It was very special to be at the last show of Old Dominion's 11-month tour. I also felt back at home with the country music-- something I never hear in the UK.
On Friday Heather, Mother, and Father arrived in Glasgow! We spent the weekend exploring all things Glasgow with a focus on the area around the University. The Clydesdale Distillery tour followed by whiskey and chocolate tasting was a favorite as we all learned a good amount about whiskey and the history of the Clyde River in Glasgow. We also took advantage of the popular gin scene here and explored the numerous gins Scotland has to offer. To get the best view of the city we went to the Glasgow Cathedral. The building itself is mesmerizing by the sheer size. Behind the Cathedral, which was build in 1136, holds a cemetery packed with just as much history. In true UK fashion, we attended afternoon tea at the Mackintosh House designed by the famous Glaswegian architect Charles Mackintosh. To conclude our time in Glasgow we headed over to the Pollok House to spot some hairy coos. After seeing the cows we ventured around the extensive grounds and gardens of the old estate.
After a nice weekend in Glasgow, we boarded the train and headed to Edinburgh. It was quite interesting to compare the two Scottish cities that lie less than an hour apart. Edinburgh was a great visit as it has history spewing out of every part of the city. Edinburgh Castle was a nice visit with lots of history of Mary Queen of Scots in addition to many Scottish military museums inside castle walls. Built on top of an old volcano, the castle is not only perfect for perfecting the city but also offers great views of the metropolis down below. Wandering Edinburgh for the rest of the day we were able to take in plenty of history learning more about kinds and queens that we had ever known before. Our final day touring Scotland together was spent on a tour to St. Andrews and the fishing villages of east Scotland. Despite not being a huge golfing family, seeing the home of golf was quite the experience. The course was not only perfectly groomed but offered a beautiful view of the sea. St. Andrews castle and St. Andrews Cathedral were interesting ruins to walk around. It was crazy to think of how old the structures we were walking around were and how much history they had seen. I also am starting to think that castles are to Scotland as lakes are to Minnesota...
I loved the opportunity to venture around Scotland with my family and show them some of my new favorite places! It was also a treat to get some of Scotland's nicest weather (no rain!) when they were here.