Our morning began at 8:30 on a sightseeing tour with a new guide. He was a jolly chap who liked to tell jokes and play on words. Seems to be a Scottish trait.....my dad was so similar! We toured the 200 year old “New Town” . We saw the residences where famous scientists, inventors, novelist, including Alexander Graham Bell, Sir Walter Scott, Dr Jekell and Mr Hyde lived . It was pointed out to us the difference between a “close” and a”wynd” .....it goes like this.....an entrance called a close will be “closed” from 10pm to 6am, while a “wynd” never closes, its open to the wind to let people pass through 24 hours a day.
We drove up to our first stop, Edinburgh Castle. I had not been there since about age 9 and dare say I didn’t pay much, if any, attention to the history. Today was a different story although it was getting to be difficult to remember it all! Fascinating history that goes back 350 million years when the rock that is Edinburgh castle was volcanically formed. It really is an architectural marvel and it’s no wonder that it has never been successfully attacked.
We were able to view the Crown Jewels although no photographs. I had been told by someone that the “real” Crown Jewels were in England and the Scottish ones were “paste” it is actually COMPLETELY the opposite! The crown and other jewels had been hidden for hundreds of years, Oliver Cromwell came up from England once a year for 7 years looking for them to no avail. They were so well hidden none in Scotland knew where! It was Sir Walter Scott who found the hiding place in Edinburgh castle and had them excavated. He was led to them by the study of some old manuscripts. Another area of interest was a little dog cemetery up at the top of the castle where the pets and service animals of serving soldiers were buried. The view from the castle is outstanding, but the wind at that level was cold. The day was a bluebird one with puffy white clouds! We left the castle at 11:30 as it was starting to get busy.
Next stop was Holyrood Palace. This is where the queen takes residence when she is in Edinburgh. It is located below Arthur’s Seat. Bodyguards that are marksmiths with bow and arrow are known to practice their craft up on top of Arthur’s Seat. Today they are ceremonial but still active shooters.
The Palace is small by palace standards , drawing rooms, bedrooms, dining room, ball room which is used for visiting heads of state, and portraits of important people over the years adorn the walls.
I entered what was almost the last room for viewing , it was a small room and I was immediately drawn to the largest painting in the room and in a split second thought it was what I thought it was !!!
There was a security person in the room and I approached and asked if he knew the artist of this painting? He did not but said he could find out in a minute. I think he was also happy to relieve the boredom of the job. He was back in a flash with some papers in hand and said “The artist is John Pettie”. I was a bit lost for words and then told him this artist was my ancestor. He seemed quite thrilled as well! We chatted for a bit about the whereabouts of his other works and he gave me a code number to trace....which I have tried to do without success. No problem as he is easy enough to find in the Scottish Portrait Gallery. This “event” was quite fortuitous as the painting, which is of Bonnie Prince Charlie was only moved from the Queens private room to the public viewing area room 5 weeks ago. It is said to be the best painting of Bonnie Prince Charles. I was not able to take a photograph of the painting, but at home I have a postcard image which was sent to me by my cousin Rae after she had viewed the painting in the Queens gallery by Buckingham Palace last October.
It was back to our hotel, The Hilton, just on the rise over North Bridge above Waverley Train Station, which is at one end of Princess Street, very central and a lovely hotel.
After a short rest, some of our group were off on an optional tour to Rosslyn Chapel which is a 40 minute drive outside Edinburgh Center.
Rosslyn Chapel was begun by William St Clair 3rd prince of Orkney in 1446 and was finished but not complete for 40more years. William St Clair was a Mason , the guide asked if there were any free masons in the group, one man raised his hand.....I thought of my brother in law Billy and my dad who were masons. The St Clair ancestors occupy the family home a short 10 minute walk away, and the chapel is in regular use by the family. Imagine being able to trace your roots that far back. We listened to a 20 minute talk by a volunteer historian that included many antedotes about the very intricate carvings that covered almost every surface. One such story was about a pillar that had been carved by an apprentice stone mason, while the master stone mason was abroad searching for inspiration to complete the last two pillars. When the master mason returned to find the apprentice had carved one pillar on his own accord, the master Mason was so enraged he stabbed him to death. Elsewhere on the walls a small head of the apprentice was carved and on another pillar the head masons head was carved where he would be facing the pillar carved by his apprentice for infinity. Finally the Rosslyn Chapel was the chapel used in the filming of the Da Vinci Code. Since that time annual visits have gone from 36;000 per annum to 170,000!
I took many photos outside the Chapel but none allowed inside.
It had been a long day of sights when we arrived back at the hotel at six pm.
Tomorrow my time will be free from about 3pm.
What an amazing day.
Monday, April 30, 2018
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Scottish Tour 1st full day
This morning we were to have our suitcases outside our room door by 7:45......breakfast was from 7-9. So far the food has been very good, the usual for a full breakfast with some Scottish add ons. Black pudding, haggis, and scones. While I generally like haggis and black pud......the haggis was a bit too mealy.
A little bit of a Glasgow city tour started the day, the streets were quiet. Since it was Sunday people were either in church or still in bed! There were a few who were obviously ready for the game of the day , Rangers vs Celtics. I did hear later on that Celtics won.
Our first stop was in Georges Square. The Center of the square is home to a tall column with a statue of King George III . The interesting fact is that he was headless until about 60 years ago, the Scots had beheaded him as they were offended that he had won “the” battle ....he got a new head, the head of Sir Walter Scott! On one side of the square is a massive building that is now the Lord of Glasgow and council chambers. The Scottish flag flies above along with a minutur3 of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the USA. We were also made aware of the reason behind the design of the flag. The blue is for the sky and the white cross is askew because St Andrew who who died nailed to a cross, said he was not worthy of being on the same cross as Jesus.
The things you learn on a tour!
Did you know A university education is still free in Scotland? No matter if you are doing a relatively short arts degree or a long dentistry one (8yrs) ! Prince William first wanted to attend Glasgow University but because of the difficulty of security in Scotland’s largest city it was thought he would be better off in St Andrews. ......and female registrations soared.
The population of Scotland is about 5 million, mostly in cities, all the sheep are in the highlands, I don’t know their number! Speaking of sheep.....farmers are a bit concerned......due to the massive deer population there are plans to re-introduce 200 wolves to reduce the numbers of deer. They are
closely monitoring the program in Yellowstone. Currently the hunting season for deer is 8 months long, but not sufficiently working.
We are leaving the city but our schedule has changed due to a marathon being run through several of the towns we were to visit..... Dunblane, Stirling , and Doune Castle (yes this is one of the Outlander locations) . Our back up plan was to stop in Falkirk and visit the Kelpies. We drove on roads that took us by the fells (hills no more than 1500 ft) and past Grangemouth where my dad worked for a time. The 2 Kelpies are 30 meters high and each weigh 300 tons, made of Scottish steel, the worlds largest equine sculptures. They honour the Clydesdale horses that were used extensively in earlier days in every type of works.
From Falkirk we drove on to the beautiful village on the bank of the Forth river, The Royal Burgh of Culross. This is also where much of Outlander was filmed. Claire’s herb garden is here, it’s wuite large, our guide said it was Jamie’s favourite place to go. She also told us the actor who plays Jamie was currently running in todays marathon! The town folk quite enjoyed and benefitted from the filming, their houses were all painted a different colour for the show, and whitewashed back wh3n they were done. The main palace in the village which we toured was the home of Sir Walter Scott.
Inside we were told the history behind several expressions used today. There was a large table with legs and a loose board on top...hence the name board table, when a meal was finished the “board” was simply turned over so the dogs under the table could lick it clean! The “boss” sat at the head of the table “chair” man. After the ladies had retired from the table to the “with drawingroom” the men would pass the “piss” pot around and the chairman’s “right hand man” sitting on his right would dump the piss pot down the dry urnial......which was later collected for tanning leather and used in the making of turning sea water into salt! And if you didn’t have a piss pot......you didn’t have a pot to pass in! And of course most of these old buildings have a ghost or two! The guide relayed a story from 2 weeks ago.....there is an area within the Scott palace where odd things have happened. A young girl of about 5 was being told by her mother to come and asked what she was doing, the girl replied there was a man waving at her. When the guide asked her what the man looked like she described him in some detail. Upstairs in the house was a portrait of “the man” exactly as she described him.....when she saw the portrait she said, Mummy that’s the man who was waving to me. We heard stories about the many witches who were burned at the stake, and the boy referred to in Outlander who had his ear nailed to the post. The post is still standing in Culross market square.
We had a mixture of weather in Culross, rain and brilliant sun. We then drove on to Edinburgh where we will be for the next three nights.
We had two hours to relax before our Scottish show night where we had a 3course meal served with wine. We were entertained by the ceremony of the haggis, then bagpipes, fiddle, accordion, a young girl who sung some melancholy pieces with a background of misty Scottish hills. 4 young girls in kilts doing the highland fling and sword dance, plus a little country dancing. This was the dancing my parents and their Scottish friends did regularly when I was growing up in Kitimat. We were also serenaded by some very familiar Scottish songs by Andy Stewart and others, finishing off with Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond and finally Auld slang Syne.
Oh my it was special! Grait! (Spelling intentional.......pronounce it how it looks)
A little bit of a Glasgow city tour started the day, the streets were quiet. Since it was Sunday people were either in church or still in bed! There were a few who were obviously ready for the game of the day , Rangers vs Celtics. I did hear later on that Celtics won.
Our first stop was in Georges Square. The Center of the square is home to a tall column with a statue of King George III . The interesting fact is that he was headless until about 60 years ago, the Scots had beheaded him as they were offended that he had won “the” battle ....he got a new head, the head of Sir Walter Scott! On one side of the square is a massive building that is now the Lord of Glasgow and council chambers. The Scottish flag flies above along with a minutur3 of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the USA. We were also made aware of the reason behind the design of the flag. The blue is for the sky and the white cross is askew because St Andrew who who died nailed to a cross, said he was not worthy of being on the same cross as Jesus.
The things you learn on a tour!
Did you know A university education is still free in Scotland? No matter if you are doing a relatively short arts degree or a long dentistry one (8yrs) ! Prince William first wanted to attend Glasgow University but because of the difficulty of security in Scotland’s largest city it was thought he would be better off in St Andrews. ......and female registrations soared.
The population of Scotland is about 5 million, mostly in cities, all the sheep are in the highlands, I don’t know their number! Speaking of sheep.....farmers are a bit concerned......due to the massive deer population there are plans to re-introduce 200 wolves to reduce the numbers of deer. They are
closely monitoring the program in Yellowstone. Currently the hunting season for deer is 8 months long, but not sufficiently working.
We are leaving the city but our schedule has changed due to a marathon being run through several of the towns we were to visit..... Dunblane, Stirling , and Doune Castle (yes this is one of the Outlander locations) . Our back up plan was to stop in Falkirk and visit the Kelpies. We drove on roads that took us by the fells (hills no more than 1500 ft) and past Grangemouth where my dad worked for a time. The 2 Kelpies are 30 meters high and each weigh 300 tons, made of Scottish steel, the worlds largest equine sculptures. They honour the Clydesdale horses that were used extensively in earlier days in every type of works.
From Falkirk we drove on to the beautiful village on the bank of the Forth river, The Royal Burgh of Culross. This is also where much of Outlander was filmed. Claire’s herb garden is here, it’s wuite large, our guide said it was Jamie’s favourite place to go. She also told us the actor who plays Jamie was currently running in todays marathon! The town folk quite enjoyed and benefitted from the filming, their houses were all painted a different colour for the show, and whitewashed back wh3n they were done. The main palace in the village which we toured was the home of Sir Walter Scott.
Inside we were told the history behind several expressions used today. There was a large table with legs and a loose board on top...hence the name board table, when a meal was finished the “board” was simply turned over so the dogs under the table could lick it clean! The “boss” sat at the head of the table “chair” man. After the ladies had retired from the table to the “with drawingroom” the men would pass the “piss” pot around and the chairman’s “right hand man” sitting on his right would dump the piss pot down the dry urnial......which was later collected for tanning leather and used in the making of turning sea water into salt! And if you didn’t have a piss pot......you didn’t have a pot to pass in! And of course most of these old buildings have a ghost or two! The guide relayed a story from 2 weeks ago.....there is an area within the Scott palace where odd things have happened. A young girl of about 5 was being told by her mother to come and asked what she was doing, the girl replied there was a man waving at her. When the guide asked her what the man looked like she described him in some detail. Upstairs in the house was a portrait of “the man” exactly as she described him.....when she saw the portrait she said, Mummy that’s the man who was waving to me. We heard stories about the many witches who were burned at the stake, and the boy referred to in Outlander who had his ear nailed to the post. The post is still standing in Culross market square.
We had a mixture of weather in Culross, rain and brilliant sun. We then drove on to Edinburgh where we will be for the next three nights.
We had two hours to relax before our Scottish show night where we had a 3course meal served with wine. We were entertained by the ceremony of the haggis, then bagpipes, fiddle, accordion, a young girl who sung some melancholy pieces with a background of misty Scottish hills. 4 young girls in kilts doing the highland fling and sword dance, plus a little country dancing. This was the dancing my parents and their Scottish friends did regularly when I was growing up in Kitimat. We were also serenaded by some very familiar Scottish songs by Andy Stewart and others, finishing off with Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond and finally Auld slang Syne.
Oh my it was special! Grait! (Spelling intentional.......pronounce it how it looks)
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Moving On.......π to Glasgow
I was packed up and ready to go. I thought Ollie and his sons had gone out for breakfast .....not so, the boys were still asleep and Ollie was out with their dug....Rocky. I sat and chatted to Ollie, who was now back with the dug. (That’s Scottish for dog). The rain was on again off again. I got a little wet walking to the station, not being able to manage an umbrella and a rolling suitcase on cobblestones.
It occurred to me as I got my ticket from the machine, this is much easier than in France, all is in the kings english! £12.90. The train was on time. I was sitting in a 4 seat configuration hoping the train would not be full as it didn’t appear to have a spot for luggage unless you could manage the overhead rack....I could not! So mine was beside me. At each stop, more we’re getting on than off. We were passing garden allotments, golfers braving the rain, lots and lots and lots of sheep and baby lambs.....so pastoral! The horses in the field were wearing full coats, down to their knees! A riding school of young kids were out in rain gear as well.
The train was arriving in Glasgow so I pulled out my pocketed notes to refresh my memory of my instructions. Detailed instructions! I was walking as the hotel was so near the station I didn’t think a taxi would take me. After walking what I was sure was much too far I decided I would ask the next person who I thought looked “local” . It was a chap eating lunch out of a plastic container. He set his lunch on the curb and consulted his phone. This is getting to be a thing with me, very annoying.
Sure enough the hotel was close, now I just had to turn right then right again then left and I was there.
I settled into my room and went out and about as I was not meeting the tour group till 6 in the hotel pub. I came back, had a bath and went down to the pub for 6. As I suspected the tour travellers were all around my age, but dare I say some looked older? The tour director said for us all to get a complimentary drink at the bar.....so we soon knew who all were . I met a few Americans, a couple of Canadians, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, a New Zealander. There seemed to be more single ladies than couples., apparently there is one ‘young’ couple. I’ve heard the bus holds 50 and there are 43 of us, so a few single seats. I also heard that the bus is brand spanking new, if you were arriving by plane today the tour bus picked you up.
Breakfast, full on Scottish I believe, is at 7, bus leaves promptly at 9.
The adventure begins.......back in Edinburgh.....which I knew, so I left a few things off my list last week.
Stay tuned mates!
Cherrio the noo!
It occurred to me as I got my ticket from the machine, this is much easier than in France, all is in the kings english! £12.90. The train was on time. I was sitting in a 4 seat configuration hoping the train would not be full as it didn’t appear to have a spot for luggage unless you could manage the overhead rack....I could not! So mine was beside me. At each stop, more we’re getting on than off. We were passing garden allotments, golfers braving the rain, lots and lots and lots of sheep and baby lambs.....so pastoral! The horses in the field were wearing full coats, down to their knees! A riding school of young kids were out in rain gear as well.
The train was arriving in Glasgow so I pulled out my pocketed notes to refresh my memory of my instructions. Detailed instructions! I was walking as the hotel was so near the station I didn’t think a taxi would take me. After walking what I was sure was much too far I decided I would ask the next person who I thought looked “local” . It was a chap eating lunch out of a plastic container. He set his lunch on the curb and consulted his phone. This is getting to be a thing with me, very annoying.
Sure enough the hotel was close, now I just had to turn right then right again then left and I was there.
I settled into my room and went out and about as I was not meeting the tour group till 6 in the hotel pub. I came back, had a bath and went down to the pub for 6. As I suspected the tour travellers were all around my age, but dare I say some looked older? The tour director said for us all to get a complimentary drink at the bar.....so we soon knew who all were . I met a few Americans, a couple of Canadians, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, a New Zealander. There seemed to be more single ladies than couples., apparently there is one ‘young’ couple. I’ve heard the bus holds 50 and there are 43 of us, so a few single seats. I also heard that the bus is brand spanking new, if you were arriving by plane today the tour bus picked you up.
Breakfast, full on Scottish I believe, is at 7, bus leaves promptly at 9.
The adventure begins.......back in Edinburgh.....which I knew, so I left a few things off my list last week.
Stay tuned mates!
Cherrio the noo!
Friday, April 27, 2018
My last full day in Edinburgh April 27/18
I slept late this morning, so I would say I’m on Scottish time!
I finally left the flat at 9:30, decided I wasn’t going to try to overdo it. I’m feeling badly I didn’t get to Broxburn to see cousin Andrew. The fact that he would not remember me ( he is in a care home with a diminished memory) doesn’t make me feel much better.
I had a list of places to see today and pretty much accomplished the list. I walked everywhere, and my feet know it!
First I went to the Grassmarket area, where Travis and Sian used to live, just off Kings Stable Rd, at the back of the castle. I had to take a photo of that. The Grassmarket area was mobbed with tourists, I can’t imagine what it will be like in the summer months. I walked up towards Victoria street, lots of quaint shops and restaurants, then along Forest Road. The Royal Mile was thick with people which put me off walking along it. I made my way back to the other side of Edinburgh Castle and descended into Princess Street Gardens.....somewhat more peaceful there, less people. It actually reminded me of when we lived in Victoria, BC and I used to walk to work along the waterfront past the Empress Hotel, having to weave my way through throngs of tourists! Grrr.
I was once again on Princess Street and as it was about 1:30 I went into M&S for lunch, and to give my feet a rest. I next stopped in Waterstones book store to pick up a Muriel Spark novel. A multi level store with a cafe on the top level, worth a visit. Making my way further along, I turned down Queensferry Road towards Dean Village. It is quite a hike down and of course back up! It is every bit as picturesque as it is billed to be. A beautiful river with several old bridges crossing it, lush trees and flowers with gorgeous old buildings in great repair. What an oasis! A photographers dream. I was very glad I included it in my day. Back up in the melee of traffic I walked along Lothian Road to Morrison Street where I stopped at a Sainsburys for chocolate and some fruit for the morning.
It’s my first time staying in an Airbnb and it won’t be my last. When staying for any length of time to be able to make a cup of tea, or have a bowl of cereal without having to always go to a restaurant for every meal makes such a difference.
I was out and about today for 7 hours! Back at Ollies place I was too tired to go out for dinner and made do with tea and a scone. I popped out to a store down the street before dark and found the magazine I had been looking for with the article on artist Julie Dumbarton.
My host Ollie has been out all the evenings except tonight he has his twin boys staying with him.....they went out to play golf but are back, he invited me to have a beer with them but I politely (i hope ) declined, preferring to write my blog and prepare to move on tomorrow. I plan to catch a train to Glasgow around 11:30.
On to exploring more of Scotland!
Cherrio!
I finally left the flat at 9:30, decided I wasn’t going to try to overdo it. I’m feeling badly I didn’t get to Broxburn to see cousin Andrew. The fact that he would not remember me ( he is in a care home with a diminished memory) doesn’t make me feel much better.
I had a list of places to see today and pretty much accomplished the list. I walked everywhere, and my feet know it!
First I went to the Grassmarket area, where Travis and Sian used to live, just off Kings Stable Rd, at the back of the castle. I had to take a photo of that. The Grassmarket area was mobbed with tourists, I can’t imagine what it will be like in the summer months. I walked up towards Victoria street, lots of quaint shops and restaurants, then along Forest Road. The Royal Mile was thick with people which put me off walking along it. I made my way back to the other side of Edinburgh Castle and descended into Princess Street Gardens.....somewhat more peaceful there, less people. It actually reminded me of when we lived in Victoria, BC and I used to walk to work along the waterfront past the Empress Hotel, having to weave my way through throngs of tourists! Grrr.
I was once again on Princess Street and as it was about 1:30 I went into M&S for lunch, and to give my feet a rest. I next stopped in Waterstones book store to pick up a Muriel Spark novel. A multi level store with a cafe on the top level, worth a visit. Making my way further along, I turned down Queensferry Road towards Dean Village. It is quite a hike down and of course back up! It is every bit as picturesque as it is billed to be. A beautiful river with several old bridges crossing it, lush trees and flowers with gorgeous old buildings in great repair. What an oasis! A photographers dream. I was very glad I included it in my day. Back up in the melee of traffic I walked along Lothian Road to Morrison Street where I stopped at a Sainsburys for chocolate and some fruit for the morning.
It’s my first time staying in an Airbnb and it won’t be my last. When staying for any length of time to be able to make a cup of tea, or have a bowl of cereal without having to always go to a restaurant for every meal makes such a difference.
I was out and about today for 7 hours! Back at Ollies place I was too tired to go out for dinner and made do with tea and a scone. I popped out to a store down the street before dark and found the magazine I had been looking for with the article on artist Julie Dumbarton.
My host Ollie has been out all the evenings except tonight he has his twin boys staying with him.....they went out to play golf but are back, he invited me to have a beer with them but I politely (i hope ) declined, preferring to write my blog and prepare to move on tomorrow. I plan to catch a train to Glasgow around 11:30.
On to exploring more of Scotland!
Cherrio!
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Add on to a Braw Day!
I forgot to say , Sandra and I took a drive back to the Winchburgh cemetery, to see her sister Linda’s grave. Linda was a beautiful soul who had kept in close contact with my mother. Her headstone was beautiful and included a photo of her in the marble. I commented to Sandra that she must know a lot of the “residents” of the cemetery, Winchburgh being a small village and her being brought up there. She said aye, I know them all. We both decided it was “ nice” that they were all here together. The graveyard is probably the prettiest place in Winchburgh now.
Cherrio.
Muriel
Cherrio.
Muriel
A Braw Day!
I didn’t get going till 9:30 today as I had to research my transport first. I had to come back to the flat twice, I forgot my iPad and the second return was for my umbrella as I hadn’t noticed it was raining till I got outside. I had meticulously planned my route and the #’s of busses I could take and again I got down the street to the Haymarket station and everything I researched was wrong! Wrong bus #, wrong bus company, wrong £fare, and wrong schedule. Across the track I see a bus company office so in I go, everyone is very helpful.....left the bus office and my umbrella on their counter, I’m back waiting for the bus when I realize the rain is on again, back I go, the fellow from the bus office is running toward me waving my brolly! I run to meet him and race back as another bus is coming. It seems like it may be one I want but I ask this time if it is going to Winchburgh as I’ve discovered none go to Broxburn (Billy did tell me this) Finally I’m on my way now recalculating as I’m due to be at the Gyle Park by 12:30. To meet cousin Sandra.
I get to Winchburgh and get of the bus in front of my old school, which is looking derelict, boarded up and labelled a dangerous space! I snap a few pictures and walk towards Haigs Bakery where my school friend Jane and sister Myra Haig lived above the bakery. I remember going to play with Jane after school, sliding down the banister from upstairs, landing in a puff of flour, to get a treat behind the counter. Jane wasn’t a well child, I didn’t know exactly why, but she missed a lot of school. Shortly after we immigrated to Canada she passed away from kidney disease, — the days before dialysis. My cousin Known as baker Andrew was a baker there and had a young Billy Glendinning as his apprentice (years later Billy married my sister, and still bakes sausage rolls and the best shortbread!)
Further on I recall the drapery shop, the chemist, all the shops are different now, the fields of cows right behind the high street are gone , their fields now a housing development. The last remaining familiar place, The Tally Ho Hotel , where my aunties and my Granny used to play cards once a week, bingo and no doubt a drink and a dance or two. I turn at the corner and walk down Niddry Road towards my Granny’s Council house. More pictures, the rows are in terrible shape., it was much nicer when she lived there. The Catholic Church over the high brick wall is under extensive repair. I remember when a wedding was on there our curtains would be drawn so we could peek at the proceedings. Heaven help that we should watch anything catholic! That’s the way it was.
I continue to walk down the road and ask a girl walking toward me if she knows when the Broxburn bus is due? She says, should be one any minute after consulting her watch! Things could be looking up for my schedule I thought .....many minutes later I realize I can’t wait . I cross the canal bridge to Bells Mill Terrace, where we lived at #29. I took a couple of photos, very bad repair. I cross the next canal bridge and there is a sign pointing to the cemetery, in I go to find my granny’s grave. My mums mum and dad and an unborn child are buried here together. It’s a beautiful well kept cemetery surrounded by a stone wall, Green cared for grass ,well tended and many elaborate headstones. I’m looking for two small plaques with simple inscriptions, that is what I remembered from a long ago visit. I walked around without success, as I was nearly ready to leave I saw my auntie Chris and Uncle Bills headstone.....obviously visited on a regular basis. I was pleased I had spotted it. Then just as I was about to go out the gate something made me turn for one last look over the whole garden.....an old upright headstone, well weathered had my granny’s name, Agnes Long! And issac, and son! Not what I remembered , then I realized my mother must have put it there after granny died in September 1975. She had just been to Canada 3 weeks previously to meet her newest great grandchild, Travis who was born in January that year. Now I really don’t have time to walk up Niddry Brae to Broxburn today, so I quickly go back to the high street for the bus to Gyle. Luck iscwith mecas the wait is short. I arrive at my destination with time to get a coffee and wait for Sandra. We meet like it was last Week! We head to Queensferry for lunch in her wee car. We sit and talk over lunch for about 3 hours....a lot of years to catch up on. Then we go to her house in Kirkliston, look at each other’s photos...mostly old ones. She had photos of our grandparents on our dads side, I had never met them or even seen photos. Soon it was time to pick her grandson Monty up from school. She is raising him, he is a delightful engaging 10 year old. Home again for more visiting then we took Monty out for Mac Donald’s, after that it was close to 8 and she dropped me at the bus for my trip back to Edinburgh. What a good day! Exactly how I thought it would be!
Tomorrow will be another good day!
I get to Winchburgh and get of the bus in front of my old school, which is looking derelict, boarded up and labelled a dangerous space! I snap a few pictures and walk towards Haigs Bakery where my school friend Jane and sister Myra Haig lived above the bakery. I remember going to play with Jane after school, sliding down the banister from upstairs, landing in a puff of flour, to get a treat behind the counter. Jane wasn’t a well child, I didn’t know exactly why, but she missed a lot of school. Shortly after we immigrated to Canada she passed away from kidney disease, — the days before dialysis. My cousin Known as baker Andrew was a baker there and had a young Billy Glendinning as his apprentice (years later Billy married my sister, and still bakes sausage rolls and the best shortbread!)
Further on I recall the drapery shop, the chemist, all the shops are different now, the fields of cows right behind the high street are gone , their fields now a housing development. The last remaining familiar place, The Tally Ho Hotel , where my aunties and my Granny used to play cards once a week, bingo and no doubt a drink and a dance or two. I turn at the corner and walk down Niddry Road towards my Granny’s Council house. More pictures, the rows are in terrible shape., it was much nicer when she lived there. The Catholic Church over the high brick wall is under extensive repair. I remember when a wedding was on there our curtains would be drawn so we could peek at the proceedings. Heaven help that we should watch anything catholic! That’s the way it was.
I continue to walk down the road and ask a girl walking toward me if she knows when the Broxburn bus is due? She says, should be one any minute after consulting her watch! Things could be looking up for my schedule I thought .....many minutes later I realize I can’t wait . I cross the canal bridge to Bells Mill Terrace, where we lived at #29. I took a couple of photos, very bad repair. I cross the next canal bridge and there is a sign pointing to the cemetery, in I go to find my granny’s grave. My mums mum and dad and an unborn child are buried here together. It’s a beautiful well kept cemetery surrounded by a stone wall, Green cared for grass ,well tended and many elaborate headstones. I’m looking for two small plaques with simple inscriptions, that is what I remembered from a long ago visit. I walked around without success, as I was nearly ready to leave I saw my auntie Chris and Uncle Bills headstone.....obviously visited on a regular basis. I was pleased I had spotted it. Then just as I was about to go out the gate something made me turn for one last look over the whole garden.....an old upright headstone, well weathered had my granny’s name, Agnes Long! And issac, and son! Not what I remembered , then I realized my mother must have put it there after granny died in September 1975. She had just been to Canada 3 weeks previously to meet her newest great grandchild, Travis who was born in January that year. Now I really don’t have time to walk up Niddry Brae to Broxburn today, so I quickly go back to the high street for the bus to Gyle. Luck iscwith mecas the wait is short. I arrive at my destination with time to get a coffee and wait for Sandra. We meet like it was last Week! We head to Queensferry for lunch in her wee car. We sit and talk over lunch for about 3 hours....a lot of years to catch up on. Then we go to her house in Kirkliston, look at each other’s photos...mostly old ones. She had photos of our grandparents on our dads side, I had never met them or even seen photos. Soon it was time to pick her grandson Monty up from school. She is raising him, he is a delightful engaging 10 year old. Home again for more visiting then we took Monty out for Mac Donald’s, after that it was close to 8 and she dropped me at the bus for my trip back to Edinburgh. What a good day! Exactly how I thought it would be!
Tomorrow will be another good day!
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Day Two, feels like I’ve always been here.
My morning started well, apple juice, tea and cereal at a leisurely pace. I research opening time for the National museum and left the flat at 9:45. It was windy and cool as I made the short walk to Haymarket Station. More helpful people at the tram/bus stop when I purchased my daily ticket. The old gent I sat beside on the tram asked if I was from America.....and seemed quite guiniuely delighted when I said Canadian. . So I found a way to insert into our conversation how nice most Americans are and that they get a bad wrap. Anyway I got off and promptly headed in the wrong direction. By the time I realized I was not where I meant to be I was within a stones throw from Calton Hill which was another “to do" so I carried on! Huffing and puffing I climbed the stairs and went inside Nelson’s Monument , for £5 you could view the history exhibit and climb to the top of the monument, which is designed like an upside down ship spyglass. The stairs were not too narrow and the view at the top was breathless in a literal and figurative sense. From a lofty height I saw Arthur’s seat, the Firth of Forth bridges, city, sea, and the Scottish national gallery! I took some photos , made one circular pass around and that was enough. The wind was even fiercer up high. Back a street level I made my way toward the Scottish national gallery. ......sidetracked by a vodaphone store,.......guess what.....Rogers did not deactivate my ph! π‘what a waste of time.
I popped into a few shops, nothing I had to have. In the gallery I was hoping to see the impressionists and some work of my ancestor John Pettie. Although the gallery has 22 of his paintings none were displayed and they were at the Portrait Gallery., another site. On the impressionist rooms some were being refurbished and were roped off but I did see a lovely Degas and some Raeburns and aa, john Constable . By now it was noon and the Scottish Cafe on site looked nice, with a view straight down princess street gardens, daffodils abloom. I ordered tea and a scone. Since I didn’t have anyone to chat to I eavesdropped a little on the two ladies next to me. A downside of a solo vacation is not having someone to talk to when you want. I do talk to people at bus stops and in the shops, and my host when he is home.
I took a bus back to the flat and got in just before the rain. I phoned cousin Sandra to make arrangements for tomorrow and left a message. She called while I was getting ready for the cousins dinner.
My biggest problem when I’m getting around on the buses and trams is knowing which side of the road to stand on, I think I know but am usually on the wrong side! I always confer with the driver or a passenger when I get on just to make sure! I arrived in Corstorphine, which is a part of Edinburgh, at the restaurant 10 minutes early. Cousin Gordon was just ahead of me, we went to our reservation to wait for the rest. They all arrived at once, Allan, Brian, 2 Craigs and Helen, Moira, and one other whose name has just left me. First I have to say, Craig is the double of Sians dad....I couldn’t get over the resemblance, even down to the same eyeglasses and speech patterns. The genes in our family are strong! The men reminded me so much of dad. Lots of stories were being shared and photos. Moira had brought an old album and I had made a seperate file on my iPad to share. They can’t get over how similar myself and Sandra are! We enjoyed a meal and as much as I protested and wanted to buy they insisted not! They were most interested in my plans and I said I would be back in Edinburgh for 2days before I left for home......Helen and Craig insisted I stay with them. I had been planning to ask my airbnb host if I could come back for the 2 days but I will enjoy being with them again, and may meet some others. Gordon gave me a copy of the book his friend wrote, about the bike ride he did in Gordon’s honour.
We left the restaurant and dad’s three nephews drove me home. Allan said he thought Fleur and Andrews son Gordon lived just a street over from where I am. Small world if so!
I hope to go to see Dean Village tomorrow morning then take the bus to meet Sandra at 12:30. .
It was very satisfying to be with family . π
Cherrio once more xo
I popped into a few shops, nothing I had to have. In the gallery I was hoping to see the impressionists and some work of my ancestor John Pettie. Although the gallery has 22 of his paintings none were displayed and they were at the Portrait Gallery., another site. On the impressionist rooms some were being refurbished and were roped off but I did see a lovely Degas and some Raeburns and aa, john Constable . By now it was noon and the Scottish Cafe on site looked nice, with a view straight down princess street gardens, daffodils abloom. I ordered tea and a scone. Since I didn’t have anyone to chat to I eavesdropped a little on the two ladies next to me. A downside of a solo vacation is not having someone to talk to when you want. I do talk to people at bus stops and in the shops, and my host when he is home.
I took a bus back to the flat and got in just before the rain. I phoned cousin Sandra to make arrangements for tomorrow and left a message. She called while I was getting ready for the cousins dinner.
My biggest problem when I’m getting around on the buses and trams is knowing which side of the road to stand on, I think I know but am usually on the wrong side! I always confer with the driver or a passenger when I get on just to make sure! I arrived in Corstorphine, which is a part of Edinburgh, at the restaurant 10 minutes early. Cousin Gordon was just ahead of me, we went to our reservation to wait for the rest. They all arrived at once, Allan, Brian, 2 Craigs and Helen, Moira, and one other whose name has just left me. First I have to say, Craig is the double of Sians dad....I couldn’t get over the resemblance, even down to the same eyeglasses and speech patterns. The genes in our family are strong! The men reminded me so much of dad. Lots of stories were being shared and photos. Moira had brought an old album and I had made a seperate file on my iPad to share. They can’t get over how similar myself and Sandra are! We enjoyed a meal and as much as I protested and wanted to buy they insisted not! They were most interested in my plans and I said I would be back in Edinburgh for 2days before I left for home......Helen and Craig insisted I stay with them. I had been planning to ask my airbnb host if I could come back for the 2 days but I will enjoy being with them again, and may meet some others. Gordon gave me a copy of the book his friend wrote, about the bike ride he did in Gordon’s honour.
We left the restaurant and dad’s three nephews drove me home. Allan said he thought Fleur and Andrews son Gordon lived just a street over from where I am. Small world if so!
I hope to go to see Dean Village tomorrow morning then take the bus to meet Sandra at 12:30. .
It was very satisfying to be with family . π
Cherrio once more xo
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Solo Scottish Trip April/May 2018
Today I left Vancouver and flew to Edinburgh. π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ✈️
The flight was good, no bumps and I had an aisle seat in a row of four shared with only one other passenger. The flight attendant asked me if I always got asked if I looked like a British actress!? I said no....which one? She said on the tip of her tongue and she’d get back to me! I guess I’ll never know because she never came back!
I landed in London and after a lot of walking to my next flight I was off on the short flight to Edinburgh.
Even though I was again in an aisle seat I got a glimpse of the red Firth of Forth rail bridge and the new rail bridge, as we came in for landing. I was really here! I had meticulously planned how I would get to my Airbnb from the airport but as meticulous plans go they sometimes fall apart. I couldn’t find where to get the bus following my directions it just wasn’t there. The tram was though, and I’m not shy to ask directions so soon I was on the tram (£6 from airport) and got off at Haymarket station. I went into the station as I couldn’t see the road I was looking for. By this time the info booth was closed so I asked at a coffee kiosk right beside it. The bloke got a funny look on his face and then said well....how do you spell that? Dalry is pronounced Dal-rye and I was saying Dal-ree. I was soon on my way, a 10minute walk to my Airbnb. I remembered I was to ring the trade bell but not the rest of the instructions (can’t tell you what they where as Then they’d have to change the instructions and they really are good) . I wondered how long I’d have to wait? I walked around the building , and a fellow sitting in his car looked at a lost soul dragging a suitcase and got out to help me. He offered to phone Ollie ( my host) and I got the rest of the instructions which I suddenly remembered.....jet lag is my excuse. All was well and I was soon in my lodging. I have the whole flat to myself, it is really nice, comfy and has everything, full kitchen, beautiful new bathroom in my favourite colour....white! Complete with heated towel rack. I find they are pretty standard in British homes. I unpacked a little and sat on the bed looking out to a balcony with flowers.....no sooner had I sat down than the squirrel parade started! Seemed like at least 5 were racing back and forth across the railing, and then one caught another and a bit of mating went on. I posted a photo on Instagram, I haven’t mastered photos on my blog yet!
I rested up till Ollie, my host arrived home from work then with another look at maps I ventured out to walk to Princess Street. It seemed like a long way but I did make it, took a few pictures of the castle in early evening light, and the beautiful old graveyard by the church. Ollie was telling me the Royal Infirmary Hospital (where I was born many moons ago) has been turned into luxury flats! The hospital was beside the aforementioned graveyard.....close proximity for medical students back in the day to rob the graves for cadavers!
I went into a book store that was prominently showcasing The author Muriel Stark, the 100th anniversary of her life. She wrote 22 novels, I was only aware of one that Art Topham gave me as a gift years ago. I’m going to research the stories and pick one to buy.
I hadn’t had dinner yet, stopped for a coffee at Starbucks and decided to get take out from Sainsburys.
All the restaurants looked very full and it would be dark before I would get home. I got some soup, lovely cheese, a bun, a small bottle of wine and of course some chocolates.....oh and bandaids! Yes I have a blister, that’s what I get for buying new shoes for a holiday. The rain was starting to spit as I got close to the flat.
Tomorrow I will do some exploring, a small hike and meet about 10 of my cousins for dinner.
Ta ta and Cherrio the noo! Lassies and lads,
Mur xx
The flight was good, no bumps and I had an aisle seat in a row of four shared with only one other passenger. The flight attendant asked me if I always got asked if I looked like a British actress!? I said no....which one? She said on the tip of her tongue and she’d get back to me! I guess I’ll never know because she never came back!
I landed in London and after a lot of walking to my next flight I was off on the short flight to Edinburgh.
Even though I was again in an aisle seat I got a glimpse of the red Firth of Forth rail bridge and the new rail bridge, as we came in for landing. I was really here! I had meticulously planned how I would get to my Airbnb from the airport but as meticulous plans go they sometimes fall apart. I couldn’t find where to get the bus following my directions it just wasn’t there. The tram was though, and I’m not shy to ask directions so soon I was on the tram (£6 from airport) and got off at Haymarket station. I went into the station as I couldn’t see the road I was looking for. By this time the info booth was closed so I asked at a coffee kiosk right beside it. The bloke got a funny look on his face and then said well....how do you spell that? Dalry is pronounced Dal-rye and I was saying Dal-ree. I was soon on my way, a 10minute walk to my Airbnb. I remembered I was to ring the trade bell but not the rest of the instructions (can’t tell you what they where as Then they’d have to change the instructions and they really are good) . I wondered how long I’d have to wait? I walked around the building , and a fellow sitting in his car looked at a lost soul dragging a suitcase and got out to help me. He offered to phone Ollie ( my host) and I got the rest of the instructions which I suddenly remembered.....jet lag is my excuse. All was well and I was soon in my lodging. I have the whole flat to myself, it is really nice, comfy and has everything, full kitchen, beautiful new bathroom in my favourite colour....white! Complete with heated towel rack. I find they are pretty standard in British homes. I unpacked a little and sat on the bed looking out to a balcony with flowers.....no sooner had I sat down than the squirrel parade started! Seemed like at least 5 were racing back and forth across the railing, and then one caught another and a bit of mating went on. I posted a photo on Instagram, I haven’t mastered photos on my blog yet!
I rested up till Ollie, my host arrived home from work then with another look at maps I ventured out to walk to Princess Street. It seemed like a long way but I did make it, took a few pictures of the castle in early evening light, and the beautiful old graveyard by the church. Ollie was telling me the Royal Infirmary Hospital (where I was born many moons ago) has been turned into luxury flats! The hospital was beside the aforementioned graveyard.....close proximity for medical students back in the day to rob the graves for cadavers!
I went into a book store that was prominently showcasing The author Muriel Stark, the 100th anniversary of her life. She wrote 22 novels, I was only aware of one that Art Topham gave me as a gift years ago. I’m going to research the stories and pick one to buy.
I hadn’t had dinner yet, stopped for a coffee at Starbucks and decided to get take out from Sainsburys.
All the restaurants looked very full and it would be dark before I would get home. I got some soup, lovely cheese, a bun, a small bottle of wine and of course some chocolates.....oh and bandaids! Yes I have a blister, that’s what I get for buying new shoes for a holiday. The rain was starting to spit as I got close to the flat.
Tomorrow I will do some exploring, a small hike and meet about 10 of my cousins for dinner.
Ta ta and Cherrio the noo! Lassies and lads,
Mur xx
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