A day at Stirling, and Edinburgh

We spent the day at Stirling today. There is so much history to see there, we wish we had an extra day scheduled. Unfortunately, we had to leave in the evening to get to Edinburgh. Stirling Castle was beautifully stoic, and the William Wallace monument was breathtaking. We had to climb a very narrow staircase, some 245 steps straight up, but it offered an incredible view of the Stirling area. So it was literally breathtaking! huff, puff, huff, puff...

We got into Edinburgh this evening, it was still daylight. The view of the city is surreal. Words can't even describe it. There is a definite pulse here, so I guess vibrant would be a good word. We checked in to our hostel and stayed at the bar here for dinner and beers. It was two-for-one happy hour, but the special was for "imported" beers. We had three Coronas each. It reminded us of home. This hostel has a laundry room, so I am doing a load of John's laundry right now. What a luxury, considering we've been using the sink to wash our chonies! Unfortunately, this hostel does not have towels...so I'm not sure what I'm going to use to dry off after the shower tomorrow. The guy at the front promised to try to locate some (apparently, they do rent out towels, but people do not return them, so they have apparently run out for the time being).

We were recollecting this evening how lucky we've been on this trip; we haven't had any mishaps. All our reservations have worked, all our transportation has arrived, and we haven't missed any of our legs along the way. The two weeks have seemed incredibly long. We've seen so very much.

Well, I only have five more minutes before I have to move the wash to the dryer. John is trapped in the room with just his pj's since all his clothes are being washed.

Tomorrow is a big tour day around Edinburgh. Definitely going to the castle. We are also going to try to take one of the graveyard ghost-walky type of tours. Again, the view is freakin' incredible. I hope I can get some photos that capture what I'm seeing. The light, and the old stone building, jutting out of the mountain top (it's an extinct volcano, actually), is extremely beautiful.

Okay, I really need to go! Talk to you all soon. It's Tuesday night here...I can't wait to get home and hug you all. And, unfortunately, we have also begun thinking about going back to work (ugh!). I think we will be playing the lotto with unusual enthusiasm...

love,

Lisa (John is not looking over my shoulder tonight)