Nostalgia Train - July 14, 2001

The long drive to Scotland was so worth it. It [sic] absolutely stunning here - I just knew that I would love it. On the way though the English landscape was so gorgeous as well.

We stopped at Gretna Green and there at Blackmith’s Forge the would perform weddings for many English runaways. Really cute gift shops. I finally bought some stuff for others. Hopefully they will like it - if not, TFB! We finally arrived at Univ. of Edinburgh and I have my own room which is great. After dinner we climbed up Arthur’s Seat - 850 ft hill. The walk up was so challenging but it was well worth the huffin’ and puffin’ for that view! My goodness was it gorgeous. I could see the whole city from up there. Hopefully my pictures will come out. It is still unbelievable that I’m here - I’ve wanted to go to Scotland since I was much younger, and now I’m here! What a packed busy day today, so I must rest for tomorrow!

I remember this hike well, I remember that drive, that dorm room, and how much I loved Scotland. Here in Colorado, I’ve gained plenty of elevation on plenty of hikes and continue to huff and puff throughout and curse myself for voluntarily putting myself through it! haha. It is always worth it, though.

I realize a lot of the trinket stuff I bought on this trip were pure, tourist trap stuff. Now I am a better shopper when I travel and buy practical things like a magnet or Christmas tree ornament from the locale. Most else is, well, junk. Well-intentioned junk. Bless.

I seemed overly concerned with the quality of my photos! Love it! I used my mom’s lovely, chic Olympus camera for this trip - 35mm film, baby! Those were the days! You’d take your pics but wouldn’t know what was what until you got them developed. Tik Tok could never.