My plans to head to the firth of forth were temporarily thwarted. When I woke up this morning, Edinburgh was having a very strong downpour. I don’t hate this weather, I just know I would have tracked mud all up and down the back side of my pants. Perhaps I’ll brave the elements tomorrow, whatever those elements may be. You’ll have to check back and find out if I did. Instead, I walked back to Princes Street, stopped in at the Apple Store, headed up to Calton Cemetery, and eventually walked up to Calton Hill.
I managed to take a live video on my Periscope account… just warning you there are some audio issues with my microphone but will have that looked at tomorrow at the Apple Store. I hope they are able to fix it- I hope it’s nothing more than a software reinstallment.
I had dinner at an Italian/Scottish restaurant called Papavero. It was a really great meal! I’ve probably been spending too much on food lately, but I justify this by telling myself that I’m on vacation and that I have budgeted for this.
Pesto BruschettaLamb ShankBanoffee Pie
About the time I was finishing up my dessert, as luck would have it, I lost part of a tooth. I bit into something crunchy and I thought, at first, that it was a piece of eggshell. Then upon further examination, I realized that part of one of my bottom-front teeth was gone. I should probably go get it looked at, but I doubt there is anybody in Scotland who would honor my dental plan. I guess I’m going to have to be careful and have it fixed when I get back to the states.
With the time zone adjustment, I didn’t wake up until after 11:00 this morning. I had planned on a walk that would have taken me about 5 hours, round trip, but since half the day was almost gone, I decided to forego that adventure for the time being. This would have taken me to an area where my ancestors lived.
As I was looking for some dinner, I was crossing between two main streets, and this restaurant caught my eye. I’ve found that so many fantastic places to have dinner are just off the beaten path. This gem was pretty much in a turning alleyway.
All this, after I was hunting for a simple chippy for my dinner. This restaurant didn’t even have fish & chips on the menu, however. I guess that can wait for another night. I spent way too much on the meal- the understatement of the century.
My Airbnb In Edinburgh (the two windows on the top right)
03.03.19 | Edinburgh, Scotland | 11:36
I ended up going to bed last night at about 20:30- I don’t know the exact time, but I knew it was early still. At 04:00, I woke up and thought that maybe I’d had enough sleep. I fell back asleep soon and was zonked out until about 10:40. Since church starts at 10:30 and is about an hour’s walk from the flat, I guess that church isn’t happening today.
21:27
I decided to go for a long walk through the city, all the way into Old Town. I ended up walking down to Holyrood and climbed Arthur’s Seat. Such a great leg workout! While I was up there, I shot a quick Periscope video- the view from the top is always so breathtaking!
The rest of the day was spent at the flat. Since I couldn’t attend church this morning, I guess I tried to salvage what was left of the Sabbath day. I heated up a frozen shepherd’s pie that I had picked up from the market for dinner. It was really good, especially for not being freshly made.
Before I left the airport this morning, I stopped in the airport Starbucks and ate a chocolate muffin. Since I didn’t get any sleep on the plane, I needed to put something into my body that would give me some energy. It was after 08:00 (01:00 to my body) and I just needed something.
I walked outside and requested an Uber. It’s a nice, partly cloudy day in Edinburgh. It’s not raining but it must have yesterday, because the streets are all still wet.
I requested an Uber and I had my driver drop me off at the Omni Centre in New Town. This place has plenty of restaurants, a gym, and even a Vue cinema. I just don’t have the energy to do very much exploring right now. I needed a place to keep out of the wind and just relax for the time being. I saw Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse– mostly because it was the first show playing at that moment.
I really enjoyed the animation, but there was just too much going on. I may have had a poor experience because I was fighting to stay awake for most of the film. If I could have, I would’ve spread out across the seats and just took a nap. Instead, I fought off sleep by trying to pay attention to the plot line. Occasionally I had to slap myself on the cheek to keep from dozing off.
19:49
I ended getting a late lunch at Slug and Lettuce, a popular restaurant at the Omni Centre. I’ve eaten here a number of times over the years- I ordered a vegetarian pasta. It was really good- I sometimes forget that I don’t have to eat a dead animal at every single meal.
When I checked into my Airbnb, the only thing I wanted to do was sleep. I was frustrated because I couldn’t find the lock box which had the key to get inside. I stood on the front porch of the building for about 15 minutes. Finally, the manager returned my message on Airbnb. She explained where it was and I walked up the stairs until I came to the top of the stairs, door ‘G’.
This is a cute little one-bedroom flat. At this point, all I really wanted to do is use the toilet and then take a nap. I set an alarm, just in case, but ended up getting a deep, three-hour nap. This was enough to catch up on some sleep, but I don’t feel like that was too much, especially after being up for about 24 hours. Hopefully, I can fall back to sleep tonight.
When I woke from my nap, I was feeling hungry again, so I walked down the street and found a little grocery store. I got some salad fixings, and small Belgium chocolate cake, some digestive biscuits (when in Rome) and some herbal teas. The plan for Scotland 7 is to not gain any weight. Therefore, I will eat more veggies, less junk food (yeah, right!), and be more active. If I can just come out even, I’ll consider my mission accomplished.
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru
Today I am extremely excited to be making my way back to Scotland. This will be my seventh visit to this place where so many of my ancestors were born, lived, and died. Over the years, I have come to consider Scotland to be a sacred place.
I just boarded the first of two Delta flights that will get me from DEN to SWF, on the east coast. I was able to score a positive-space ticket for $122 one-way. I’ll have a short layover at DTW, just enough time to change planes. This reason is so I can fly nonstop on Norwegian Airlines to Edinburgh tomorrow. There isn’t a whole lot I wouldn’t do for cheap airfare. Put me in the cargo hold- I don’t mind- just get me there. Plus, I had such good experiences on Norwegian the last three times I flew on them.
DTW-SWF | 13:04
After we landed at DTW, I had to walk all the way from the end of the ‘A’ gates to the ‘C’ gates- that is quite the hike! I kept looking for the Southwest gates, but all I could see was Delta. I think Delta pretty much runs the airport.
I forgot to get my first crew some chocolates, as is my tradition, but I had enough time to run to a newsstand before my second flight, where I grabbed some Godiva chocolates for the second. My first plane, this morning, was a Boeing 737-900, but this second one was a much smaller CRJ-200, or as I call it, a Barbie plane.
There was only one flight attendant working this flight since the plane doesn’t hold that many passengers. In the U.S., the law states that there must be at least one flight attendant for every fifty passengers. Because of this, the CRJ-200 only requires one working flight attendant, and her name is Tiara. She, as well as the two pilots, greatly appreciated the chocolate.
Newburgh, New York | 17:52
Newburgh Airport (SWF) is such a small, and cute airport. I believe I saw a total of 8 gates, as I walked through the terminal toward baggage claim. Not as small as some airports I’ve been to (Google “Sumburgh Airport, LSI, Shetland), but so cute. I’m surprised that any airline offers international flights out of here.
The Hudson Valley Hotel and Conference Center should probably be called The Hudson Valley Motel and Gang Center. When I entered the lobby to check in, there was loud R&B/Rap music coming from one of the conference room- and the “hotel” is about as nice as a Super 8. I don’t want to knock Super 8, but now, at least, you can picture the quality I’m staying in tonight. That being said, the bed is pretty comfortable, the sheets appear to be clean, and the shower and bathroom are free of any visible nastiness.
I just got back from an early dinner at Panera Bread, where I ordered some french onion soup (it’s pretty cold outside tonight), and a barbecue chicken flatbread. I swang by Starbucks for some hot chocolate to carry back. This kept my hand from freezing, as I didn’t bring gloves on this trip. If Edinburgh is as cold as I think it’s going to be, I’ll have to buy some when I get there.
03.01.19 | Newburgh, New York | 09:20
It’s 24 degrees this morning, in Newburgh. I’m sure glad I packed a scarf at the last moment- I almost didn’t. I would just like to apologize to the fine folks who work at the Super 8 here in Newburgh, after my comment from yesterday. As I walked to Denny’s to find some breakfast, I saw a Super 8 that looked so much nicer than the Hudson Valley Hotel and Conference Center. Traveler beware- don’t always trust your instincts while on the journey.
After breakfast, I walked up the road to Walmart, so that I could find some treats for the flight crew tonight. I try to get something for the pilots and attendants. I’ve said this before, and everyone should do this! It’s sort of a nice way to say “Thank You”.
11:54
I just checked out of the hotel- I asked if I could get a late checkout but they said they’d have to charge me $50 if I stayed past noon. My flight isn’t until 8-something tonight, but my backpack is far too big and heavy to lug around all day. It looks like I’m about to hang out in a tiny regional airport for the next eight hours or so. Rad!
20:29
We just boarded the plane and are taxiing. The crew thanks me for the goody bag and gave me a bottle of water in return. They seem to be extremely kind. They keep walking by and asking if I need anything and keep reminding me that it would be no charge.
The guy sitting next to me, Sam, is probably wondering why they’re paying so much attention to me. He is a student at Penn State- he said that he is visiting Scotland for four days, then will head over to Ireland for two. He told me that he has friends in both places.
SWF-EDI | 21:07 (East Coast Time)
It still fascinates me that humans can take to the sky in a multi-ton, cylinder and cross an entire ocean. What a wonderful time to be alive! I wonder if the Wright brothers knew it would be this amazing! Fascinating and awesome and wonderful, and how I’ve been so incredibly blessed to make my living.
Today I’m hanging out in the crashpad. I have two days off of work, but decided that wasn’t enough time to go home and get very much accomplished. That will happen sometime next week, after my next work trip. I will be filing my taxes (hoping for a big refund), visiting the D.M.V. (I hope the punishment for losing your driver license isn’t harsh in the state of Utah), packing bags for vacation, among other things.
The countdown to Scotland 7 has begun! Who and I kidding- I’ve been counting down since somewhere around September of last year. Here’s how you know you love a place and a people: I’ve already started to jot down ideas for Scotland 8, which won’t even happen until 2020. I was hoping to include some of my family members the next time, but people are busy with their own lives and goings on. I understand, though. I’ve learned that I can go on these trips by myself and enjoy every minute… most of the time, that’s actually my preference.
My originally plan after Scotland 7 was to head down and see Greece for the first time (number 45 on the bucket list). I don’t think this is going to happen, however. I just have had too many bills and expenses lately, and have had to focus on that. Perhaps it can happen later in the year, but we’ll see. This makes me sad, because my dear friend Dawn (a.k.a. MommaDawn) said she was interested in that portion of the journey. It would be amazing if she’d actually take a vacation- one where you turn off your phone for at least a week.
So far, today has been excellent! I found the coolest little cafe for a snack. I wish I’d discovered this place years ago, I’ve probably walked past it at least a hundred times. I got a fruit tart thingy and some hot chocolate. It still amazing me that people take the time to make the little design on top of the hot drinks. I almost hate to drink it, because I don’t want to destroy their artwork.
I went back to see the street performer do his act again. I recorded the entire thing on Periscope, and so it’s about a 45 minute video. I’m not going to upload the entire thing here, but you can definitely check it out. The guy was pretty funny, but you could tell that he’d practiced the same jokes over and over again. Something about his delivery was off. Still, he’s a great performer! To see my Periscope feed (and follow me!) go to https://www.pscp.tv/DavTravels/follow. I’m going to start doing more live videos over there.
So, I’m not much into buying souvenirs, I’ve always looked at the pictures I take as my souvenirs, so I haven’t had to spend very much money on these trips. I decided a few years back that I love skulls. It’s not to the point of obsession or anything like that, but I just think they’re cool. At home, I’ve got a few ceramic skulls from Mexico, and I decided that I would build that collection. Today I bought a new one. To be honest, I wish it was legal to own a human skull.
19:23
Tonight I had dinner at The Witchery. This is my absolute favorite restaurant in Edinburgh. It’s overpriced, with small portions, but it’s all about the ambience! I don’t often eat at fancy restaurants, but it’s fun to get dressed up and go out. This would be the ultimate restaurant to take a date… I’ll have to do that some day.
First Course: Grilled Isle of Mull Scallop, Cauliflower Purée, Curry Sauce, Apple and CorianderSecond Course: Jambonette of Perthshire Guinea Fowl ‘en croute’, sweet corn, basil, potato puréeThird Course: Pear William tarts tatin, star anise, milk ice cream
It is with great sadness that the Edinburgh part of this journey is ending tomorrow morning. Tonight I’m packing up all my stuff, and getting everything ready so in the morning, all I’ll have to do is shower, grab my stuff, and head to the airport.
Even though I’m not quite ready to come home yet, It’s time to go somewhere that I haven’t been in 11 years…
I don’t have a whole lot to report today. Was a slow Sunday- I walked a lot, but didn’t really go anywhere in particular. I’ve been listening to General Conference, and have been thoroughly enjoying it. Dinner was at this little Italian restaurant that is actually right underneath my flat. It was probably the most amazing one I’ve ever eaten at in my life. Will definitely be back in the future!
As per usual, today was a very rainy day. My hopes of headed back up Arthur’s Seat were soon washed away. I decided to declare today a laundry day. I spent most of the morning and afternoon reading or watching movies because the laundromat that I used to use, that was located close by, is now out of business. The next closest one I could find was a good 20-minute walk.
17:09
My legs were killing me, thanks to my hike up Arthur’s Seat yesterday. I was hurting so bad, but I managed to get a massage today, and I’m surprised they were able to get me in at the last moment, especially on the weekend.
21:06
Tonight I went to dinner at The Doric, which is the oldest Gastro-pub in Edinburgh, built in the 1700’s, according to the back of the menu. So- today I made history by simply eating there.
This morning, I was finally able to hike up to Arthur’s Seat again. I wanted to do it at the beginning of the trip, but we were in that big snowstorm, if. you recall. Even today, there was a lot of mud because of the snow storm we had two days ago. Still, it was a great climb and the views are always so breathtaking! I imagine I’ll climb it at least once more before I leave Edinburgh.
For years now, I have come across Oink, which is a restaurant that has a large, dead hog in the window. In fact, that’s really the only thing the restaurant services, they carve off this hog all day. you can get it as a sandwich if you wish. I finally got an early lunch at the place! It was quite delicious, even though I’m pretty sure that P.E.T.A. wouldn’t approve of the meal- nor the window “decor”.
DavTravels 