Hitting the Scottish Countryside

This is just outside a beautiful little Scottish town called Pitlochry. There are farms everywhere, with large rolls of hay like this.

We're in Scotland!

Here we are, sitting on the walls of a castle that dates back to the 11th century, and looking out over the city of Edinburgh and the ocean beyond. So fantastic! The castle is at the top of the "Royal Mile", a mile of amazing sites and restaurants in the middle of Scotland's capital. There was even a wedding going on in Margaret's Chapel, a tiny chapel in the castle that is the oldest building in the castle, dated 1066 or something. The bride and groom were in traditional scottish attire.

This is Edinburgh.

Can you imagine living in a city where there is a castle on the hill, looking over it? Edinburgh castle is amazing! Housed Mary Queen of Scotts and many other kings and queens of Scotland. Edinburgh is very influenced by this castle. The building are all impressive and massive. Very unique and fascinating city.

I feel like I'm in a time warp!

This is Stratford-Upon-Avon, in the town. It feels like we're still in the 17th century, but there is a Body Shop and a Starbucks in buildings like this. Kind of strange, but really relaxing and peaceful. Just don't go out at night...the small town teenagers are trouble. Wouldn't you be growing up in a tourist town like this?

Shakespeare Town

So, to continue our travels we got on a train from London and took a two hour ride to Stratford-upon-Avon which is the town where Shakespeare was born. This is a lovely shot of the middle of the town, where swans are everywhere, mingling with the people. The Royal Shakespeare Company Theater is just down the river Avon and the rest of the town is on the other side of this bridge. A very quaint, sweet little town.

The London Tower

Here are a couple of shots of the London Tower. On the left is a shot with our backs to the River Thames. On the Right is a shot of the Guard tower which they use as an entry point for the Tower. They call it a tower but really it is an impressive fortress where the Kings and Queens of England used to live. Many of King Henry the VIII's wives were executed, and buried here. The grounds are lived in by members of the military that keep it running. It is a tourist hot spot but is a fully functional community. It houses the Crown Jewels, which are viewable by the public and under heavy watch in a very secure vault within the grounds.

The Tower Bridge

Just us outside London Tower, over looking the Thames River and the Tower Bridge. This was built in the 1800s, by the Victorians.