May 09, 2007

Scotland

OOPS! it looks like I'm posting out of chronological order ... my bad! You'll have to bear with me! ;) We had a merry time with our 'posse' (Jane, Bethany and Kristin Smith, Jon Ridinger, Melissa, Austin and me-self) in Scotland.

Once we got a-movin', we flew from Stanstead to Glasgow and rented a car (it was very nice). We made our way (eventually) to Edinburgh. Between the signs, construction and my general awesome driving, we took a lot longer to navigate there than I would have liked. I know, I've got skills ... ;(

Well, Edinburgh Castle was our first stop and we had a very fun time there! The day was overcast (gasp!) so we had some really great views of the storm over the Firth of Forth.

The shops were busy (much to Austin's dismay) and there were quite a few school groups ... we did keep an eye out for kilts, though! The only ones wearing them were older than the castle itself, so there was some disappointment to be had.

Oh, the Scottish people drive like maniacs, fyi. I was taking a picture of Jane, Beth and Kristin when *zoom* this white van comes barreling by ... off with his head! rude ... have no fear, it did not ruin our day! We had a nice smushed lunch (brought from home) at the castle.

Austin has formed an 'attachment' to Bethany and Kristin. He fancies them his 'girlfriends' and had a fun time fooling around with me and the camera ... Melissa even joined in the festivities! *smooch*

When we quit the castle (I sound so British!), we made our way to the Mercat Cross (market center in the 1700's). At this point, we went on a tour of the underground vaults. Our tour guide, Wendy, was a former history teacher and gave us a lot of interesting information about historical Edinburgh.

In the 16th Century, the Cowgate area was a very fashionable place just outside the city gates. Today, it is a forlorn underpass under the South Bridge.

At the time the bridge was built, the land under it was excavated (several floors of rooms and underground chambers were found underneath). These were virtually forgotten until recently (1995). The vaults contained families of 7-10 people in rooms the size of a small bedroom - no ventilation or windows - and a fireplace that provided some form of heat.

The vaults were lighted with fish oil lamps, which (combined with stale waste from garbage and chamber pots) must had made the area barely habitable (strinky and damp ... ew).

Wendy told us that if you put your ear to the walls, you could hear the wailing of those who have died in the vaults. Melissa tried it. Kristin tried it. Bethany tried it. Austin tried it. I tried it. Okay, we all tried it. Now we dare YOU to try it!