And even though we've started classes and settled into our London apartments or "flats" stories from our travels in Scotland must be told...
We made our way up the island in our large tour bus driven by our hilarious and animated driver Robbie.
One of our first stops on the way to Scotland was at Hadrian's Wall. [If you have seen the recent film "King Arthur" staring the dashing Clive Owen as Aruther, you've seen the Roman wall that was built by the emperor Hadrian to mark the empires territory in Britain.]
We were not only able to walk on the wall, but also we were able to explore the ruins of the wall's main fort; of course this was not without the help of our excellent English guide by the name of Dr. Bryan.
After a little bus trouble and an extented lunch we were off toward Stirling.
Stirling is the home of Stirling Castle but more "importantly" it is home to the William Wallace national mounment. The group was fired up and ready to see the mounment after watching the "completely historically correct" film "Braveheart" staring Mel Gibson, the night before.
The mounment was built in the 1860s as a tribute to one of Scotland's greatest heros William Wallace. There were several rooms within the tower mounment where you could learn about Wallace and other pieces of Scottish history, but the most impressive feature of the tower was the view from the top:
After we has each shouted "Freedom!" at the top of our lungs to our hearts' content were off to Ediburgh, the capital city of Scotland.
BUT not before we stopped for lunch where the "Cathedral of Golf" is held...St. Andrew's. A small beautiful town, home to the 4th largest University in Europe AND of "course" the location of the famous golf course.
Part of the course with a view of the sea.
Students enjoying a day at the beach in St. Andrews. This was Brad's FIRST trip to a beach, so of course a sandcastle had to be constrcted in honor of this historic event.
We spent two excellent days in Ediburgh. We were able to tour the Royal Mile, explore the castle at the top of the Royal Mile AND we even had tea with the Queen at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, her home when she visits Scotland. Ok we didn't actually see the Queen, but we saw photographs of her. We also got to tour the rooms where Mary Queen of Scots, the Mother of James I of England, lived during her exile.
Deacon Brodie's Tavern, on the Royal Mile, was the favorite "party spot" of noble by day, play boy by night, Deacon Brodie. His real life story of duality of personality eventually became immortalized in novel Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hyde.
Students walking down the Roayl Mile.
Part of the inner keep at Edinburgh's castle.
The Queen's Palace; can you see her waving at us from the top left window? Look very close ;)
But perhaps the highlight of the trip was our group meal at the Elephant House, better known as "the Birth Place of Harry Potter." This restaurant was one of the places J.K. Rowling sat and started creating her magical world and her beloved character Harry Potter.
Scotland was a highlight for the group--the views, the history, the Potter, and the kilts have left us permanent fans of the Scotland.