England and Scotland

I just got back from a two week vacation in the UK traveling with my cousin, Betty, going from England to Scotland. I am still recovering! We started in London and went to Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London, Harrod's and had dinner with our UK's cousin, Eileen. Betty didn't get to see the Crown Jewels as the line was a mile long - bummer! We did get to ride on the London Eye - I took this photo of Big Ben at dusk from across the river.

We then took the train up to York where we were met at the station by new friends Anne and Pat. What sweethearts! Anne invited us to stay overnight at her house and we hadn't even met in person until then! They took us around York to see York Minster (cathedral), the Shambles (a funny, narrow little road that inspired Diagon Alley), York Castle Museum and then a drive through the Yorkshire Dales the next day. Thank you Anne and Robert!

Later that evening, we took the train up to Edinburgh where we stayed in a dorm at the University of Edinburgh - 2 twin with a private bath and breakfast included...not bad! The first day there, we took a bus tour with Rabbie's Bus Tours to Melrose Abbey and Roslyn Chapel. Roland, our bus driver was absolutely hysterical and he stopped at 2 extra places not on the itinerary - Abbotsford House (Sir Walter Scott) and the small village of Temple (Templar ruin). The rest of the time in Edinburgh, we enjoyed the Fringe Festival, the National Gallery of Scotland, the National Musuem of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle and the Military Tattoo.

The second week I'll post tomorrow!