October 31

This evening finds me in an airport hotel near Gatwick. The past two days have been filled with more new and memorable experiences.  You would think my first meal in Scotland would be haggis or chippies, but I ended up in an Italian restaurant eating the best darn gnocchi imaginable. On Wednesday, I toured Holyrood castle, The Scottish National Museum and Edinburgh Castle. Enjoying the “must sees” in any destination is important, but I enjoy everything I experience in between. Those who know me best are aware that I like to chat with strangers. I have done plenty of that. Moreover, I enjoy traveling through the countryside observing the landscape, the dwellings, and the farming practices. In the cities, I love to see the architecture, the statues, the landscaping, the alleyways, the fountains, the gargoyles...everything in between major destinations interests me as much or more than the main attractions. There are little things that I observe such as expressions and customs. Things like people taking their beer out of the tavern to mingle on the sidewalk outside the pub or walking on the left rather than keeping to the right. Later yesterday, I caught the train to York. I am very glad that I sprung for a first class ticket. Bigger seats, less crowded, free wifi, and complimentary food/drinks. I stayed at an Airbnb in York. Wonderful host and the accommodations were in the centre of old town. Last night I figured I should have bangers and mash just to say I did. The day began with tea and toast in the window seat watching people walk to work down cobblestone streets. Old York is bordered by a fortress wall has a walkway on top. I walked most of the fortress wall then joined a boat cruise on the River Ouse. Next stop was York Minster Cathedral, the second largest cathedral in Europe. Truly impressive. My final stop was Clifford Tower, the remnant of a medieval castle. I could have toured a couple more museums but I was museumed out so I caught the train for Gatwick through London Kings Cross. Traveling by train, making connections, finding the right platform, taking buses/subways, going up and down levels, reading departure displays/schedules...it’s a lot to handle when you’re a little old prairie boy. And now I am looking forward to home and routine and hockey and volleyball and my own cooking and phone calls to Mom and my loved ones and my Luv Bug.