Day Eight: Saturday 5/29

Bus Tour to the countryside of Edinburgh

"Back then, people didn't have sewer systems in their house so they would got to the bathroom in a bucket; at 10 pm every night they would throw the stuff out of the bucket... and this is why it is called shit faced when people leave the pubs and get hit by it!!" - bus Tour guide

wee folk= little people= midgets

We left to go bus tour of the Highland/ Countryside at 8:30 am. The tour guides were hilarious always making jokes about their own people and also every other culture on the bus. When he yelled our names he made us say "I" like the Scottish people say- & not to say "Yes" as they think American's say... but I usually say "here." First we went to the William Wallace Memorial-- he defeated the English army in the Battle of Stirling Bridge, he was the inspiration for the movie Braveheart -- what a hike up to it!! They should have told us to wear tennis shoes because it was rough with flip flops & it was raining! Then we drove to Maizzes Castle which was apparently haunted in some rooms- I didn't go in because it was 4 pounds and I was already going to pay 5 pounds for the Whiskey tour. After a convenience store lunch (yeah that's what I said), we had the Dewar's Whiskey Distillery Tour. Lots of info about the process of making it but I cannot remember it all! The 3 ingredients are distilled water (most important), barley, and yeast. They make 400 bottles a minute! It is the #1 company brand in America. Had a wee bit taste of whiskey but it was terrible so I didn't finish it :/
Then we drove to Hemorrhage where the tallest tree in Scotland resides. Cool... i guess. But... there was a magical waterfall close by!!! love love love.

The tour gave us a different view of the beautiful country-- but I do not recommend that specific company - Highlander Explorer Tours.

Later, our group was invited to the National Poetry Library for h'orderves and drinks while listening to poetry. Quite odd to be having a "party" in the library. The 4 boys all read poems- quite well !! But we all have to get up at 7 am to ride the train to London at 9!!!

I absolutely enjoyed being in Scotland but I think I'm ready to get to London . Scotland was a joyful experience and I wish I didn't have jet lag 3 of the days but I would definitely go back again.

I am officially down to 40 pounds... I think I did pretty well with saving my money where I could- but the eating out every lunch and dinner I think put a dent in my budget this week. What budget? The one in my head I suppose. London I assume will be better because our flat will have a fridge and we can buy things at the grocery store! Yay I love cooking!

Goodbye Edinburgh, Hello London !!!!