We arrived safely after a VERY long flight, with little sleep, plenty of movies and games, regular vomitting (by Will and Sasha), but as expected, great spirits and a sense of adventure. Departing Dubai for Glasgow, Sam asked "is Dubai in the middle of the world and Glasgow on the other side of the world?" I loved the visual, and not being one strong in geography, replied, "sure is". Please feel free to correct him upon our return.
Our 2 days in Glasgow were fantastic..staying and catching up with wonderful friends who we have not seen since leaving Glasgow in July 2006. It was as if we left only yesterday. Will's friend Joe was as fun and gorgeous as we remembered, and with a love of sport that rivalled Will's and Sam's, the boys did not stop! Sasha and Ava followed, playing together as if they too shared an incredible bond. Thank you to our dear friends Claire and Richard for inviting us to stay, it was so good to see you and some of our friends from Will's creche and playgroup.
Glasgow itself has not changed and brought back such strong memories. Our drive to the Queen Mother's Hospital, the birthplace of our beautiful Sasha...with its speed humps (not ideal for imminent childbirth) was incredibly nostalgic. The children loved the history of Glasgow and their role in it!
From Glasgow we drove to Edinburgh, and into the thriving world of the Edinburgh Festival. It was amazing, thousands of people, hundreds of street acts...the semi-clad tightrop walker and Melbourne-based hula hoop "artist" must be noted as particular highlights! The other being our apartment, in the heart of the Royal Mile with a blue door...I felt very Nottinghill!
That evening we had the wonderful privelege of attending the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which was just fantastic. I have a particular softspot for the sound of bagpipes and the Hyland Cathedral...that together with the Lone Piper made the evening so special and emotional, capped off perfectly by a resounding rendition of Auld Lang Syne. It was so special to be a part of the traditions of beautiful Scotland....we actually got to share them on our second night as well, as our apartment, being 2 minutes from Edinbugh Castle, provided us with a perfect view (and sound!) of the fireworks, and was the perfect place to view the performers coming down the Royal Mile at the end of the show. We were all thrilled!
During our stay in Edinburgh we toured the castle and took the kids to St Andrews, one of our favourite places! We have thought about buying a place there one day for our semi-retirement..the sea, the beach, the history, the shops...and did I hear Ben mention golf?! We shall see..a dream perhaps, but a nice one to aim for!
As I write now, we are enjoying our second stay at the Wild Boar hotel in Bowness near Windemere. Our first being Christmas 2004, when Sasha was just 3 months old and Will, 18 months. We spent Christmas here with Ben's parents Sue and Charles. Very different this time around in summer, with no snow or Santa! Still beautiful food, and again great nostalgia.
Tomorrow we head to Bath, Oxford then into London for 4 days. Forecast...26 degrees and not a cloud! Hope everyone is great. We are loving sharing our adventures with you.
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