We saw the King and Queen!

This definitely wasn't in my planning spreadsheet. In fact, none of today was in my spreadsheet. Everything that happened today was a complete surprise.

Our plan for today was to drive to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. But Ian had a change of heart. He felt like he had seen plenty of lakes in the Lakes District. He was more interested in seeing the highlands. He plotted out a drive that finished in Braemar. It was a beautiful drive. Once we got off the motorway, we had loads of green rolling hills, sheep and picture perfect villages to look at. As we got closer to the Highlands, the landscape changed to heather covered mountains. It was a bit similar to New Zealand but, in New Zealand, the mountains are jagged topped where in the Highlands there are more of a dome top. Ian says that is because of ice caps or glaciers or something like that.

As we got closer to Braemar, we realised that today was the day for the Braemar Gathering. This is probably the best known of the various Highland Games that happen during summer in Scotland. Once we realised the happy coincidence, we decided to see the games. It was like something out of the movie Brave. The Gathering takes place in a beautiful, green recreation ground ringed by mountains. We were watching classic events such as the caber tossing, tug of war and heaving weights over a bar (all competitors wearing kilts) as well as all the usual races and field events. It was fun and kind of surreal.

We were getting ready to head back to the car when I noticed some unusual movement. I asked one of the attendants what was happening and he said that the Royal Family were about to arrive. They always come to the Braemar Gathering. This year was the first year that Charles would attend as the monarch.

As soon as I heard that, I planted myself against the rope along the entrance drive. And, unbelievably, Charles and Camilla followed by Princess Anne and her husband sailed past us almost within touching distance. All completely coincidental. I couldn't have planned it if I tried.

On the way home, we did a hike near the Glenshee Ski Centre (who knew there is skiing in Scotland!). This was the best part of the day for Clare.

What a day! 

N.B. Blogger doesn't allow the uploading of videos. If you want to see our video of the royals arriving, click here.

Also, see the pipers coming in behind the motorcade, here as well as watch a caber toss and tug of war.

Day 2 in Edinburgh

We started today visiting the royal yacht, Britannia. Since it was decommissioned in 1997, it has been turned into a tourist attraction at Leith in Edinburgh. It was a great tour. We got to see just about every space on this ship including the beautiful state dining room, the Queen's bedroom and the officer's mess. Most of the decor is pretty simple and 'country house' style. The only over the top bit was the space where they loaded the Queen's Rolls Royce Phantom onto the ship so she had her own car where every she travelled!

In the afternoon, we split up and went to different places. Clare and Ian went to Dynamic Earth (science centre and planetarium) while I went to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and St Giles Cathedral. I think we were all happy with our choice. I loved the palace. I have definitely developed a new appreciation for Mary, Queen of Scots after this visit.

Tonight, we took the Real Mary King Close tour. We were taken down into the narrow streets leading off the Royal Mile. Our guide, James, gave us an idea of what life was like for poor people living in Edinburgh 300 years ago. It certainly makes you appreciate the lifestyle we have now.

Incredible day in Edinburgh

We have just come home after a big, big day in Edinburgh. First up, the Castle. I can't speak more highly of Edinburgh Castle as an attraction. It is so impressive up there on the rock dominating the Edinburgh skyline. Inside, it has been preserved so authentically. I particularly loved seeing Mary, Queen of Scots rooms and the Scottish Crown Jewels. Fantastic morning.

After we finished at the Castle, we wandered down the Royal Mile. The weather was lovely and there were lots of people around but it wasn't too crowded. Easy to get around. After lunch in a cafe on the Royal Mile, we got on the Hop On, Hop Off bus for a really good look at the city. Each of us made our mental checklist of things we wanted to see.

Next, Clare headed off to Camera Obscura while Ian and I found an old fashioned bar for a drink. When we met up again we took a leisurely stroll through the city to the National Gallery of Scotland for a look at some European masters.

Edinburgh has an amazingly cool vibe. There are buskers all over the city, so many great outdoor bars and restaurants and, with the sun shining today, the city was glorious.