Drinks with the Girls xx

For one of Vicki's last nights in Edinburgh, Jordan, Vicki, and I went out to dinner at TGI Fridays. Of course, when we got there they told us it would be about an hour before we could get a table, so we ended up wandering down Princes Street to Primark (where I got some SUPER cute new rings) before going back for dinner. They also have super fun cocktails, including this thing that Vicki got...

And the MASSIVE blended drinks Jordan and I got (Pina Coladas forever).

Check out those rings. So cute.

While TGI Friday's is a heavily meat-based establishment, they did have some veggie options, including a tasty veggie burger. I don't know if its because I'm from Alberta, but I find generally it is much easier to find vegetarian options here than it is in Canada. And not just, like, passively vegetarian options like salads, but actively vegetarian options like veggie haggis.

It was a bit of a splurge, but it was a really fun night. Plus Jordan had a coupon for a free appetizer.

Seriously though, the rings.

Hairy Coo (Round II)

For one of Vicki's last days in Scotland, we decided to head up into the Highlands – while she did a couple of paid tours on her own, we booked into the free Hairy Coo tour together. You may remember that I previously did this tour in October with Kate. So while there weren't really any surprises on the trip, it was still quite fun, and seeing the highland cows is always a treat!

Since the tour leaves quite early, we of course *had* to stop at Starbucks first. Also, I love that nail polish so much.

The first stop on the tour is just outside Stirling, at the William Wallace Monument. Built in 1869, the monument houses Wallace's massive broadsword.

The monument overlooks the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge:

On 11 September 1297, an army jointly led by Wallace and Andrew Moray won the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Although vastly outnumbered, the Scottish army routed the English army. John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey's professional army of 3,000 cavalry and 8,000 to 10,000 infantry met disaster as they crossed over to the north side of the river. The narrowness of the bridge prevented many soldiers from crossing together (possibly as few as three men abreast), so, while the English soldiers crossed, the Scots held back until half of them had passed and then killed the English as quickly as they could cross. The infantry were sent on first, followed by heavy cavalry. The Scots' schiltron formations forced the infantry back into the advancing cavalry. A pivotal charge, led by one of Wallace's captains, caused some of the English soldiers to retreat as others pushed forward, and under the overwhelming weight, the bridge collapsed and many English soldiers drowned. Thus, the Scots won a significant victory, boosting the confidence of their army. (x)

It wasn't that nice of a day out unfortunately – though it didn't actually rain, it was overcast most of the day.

After leaving the monument, we briefly stopping in Stirling at the base of Stirling Castle.

We then headed over to Lake Menteith, one of Scotland's few actual lakes (as compared to lochs)

It was pretty chilly at this point, so we all kind of huddled around on the beach for a couple minuets before quickly heading back into the bus.

Next stop was for lunch, at some small town (I can't remember where). We grabbed a pub lunch before taking a walk along the river before hopping back on the bus.

We then headed up into the Highlands a bit more, for the main stop of the tour...

The hairy coos for which it is named!

So. Cute.

After that, we headed up to Loch Katrine, which is the setting of the Lady of the Lake story, and also the birthplace of modern tourism.

The next-to-last stop of the day was at the Monty Python Castle (aka Doune Castle).

Vicki and I also spotted this wee bun while walking around the grounds! SO. CUTE.

Vicki laid down to get a better angle for her pictures of the castle. I made fun of her for a bit before joining her.

Vicki also bought this truly epic beer.

And finally, we stopped at the Forth bridge.

More photos under the cut, including lots more coos!

Canada Day!

For Canada Day in Edinburgh, Melissa and I invited everyone to join us in the Meadows for a BBQ and drinks...

The grocery stores sell these little one-use BBQs that people use in the meadows (there are designated use areas, AKA that little chunk of pavement in the middle of the grass, but a lot of people just use them wherever, though you can get fined for doing that). The BBQ is basically charcoal under a mesh screen, with this sheet lying under the mesh that is used to light the charcoal on fire. There are big disposal bins specifically for them at the exits of the park.

Everyone was late. And Melissa and I didn't remember we didn't have bottle openers until AFTER we bought our beer, so we had to wait for our friends.

My terrible attempt at a patriotic manicure...

The City of Edinburgh allows the consumption of alcohol in public places but under a by-law, anyone drinking in public has to stop if asked by police. But basically everyone drinks in the meadows, and since it was such a nice day, there were quite a few other groups out in the meadows, drinking and BBQing.

Melissa attempts to hide her pale, pale skin from the sunlight.

I tried.

The coolest kids...

All of the Americans came out to celebrate with us, though Maya and Jordan were very late (Lindsey was there for quite a while though!). I asked Maya if they were doing anything to celebrate America Day, and she replied "There's an America Day?"

....

No comment.

After spending the entire afternoon in the sunshine, we decided to head to a pub for *cold* drinks, and some food.

On Alix's suggestion, we all gave this Belgin beer a shot (it was quite tasty).

And pink.

I got a grilled mushroom burger and it was delicious. After, we all headed home, as the pub was starting to get quite rowdy with World Cup enthusiasts.

xx