The Land of Kilts and Bagpipes: Edinburgh

Funny how I'm feeding into the stereotype for no real good reason.

I did an overnight at the airport for the first time in my life for my trip to Edinburgh. At the Dublin airport, masses of people slept in the Starbucks at the mezzanine level for their early morning flights, I was one of them. Successfully got about 2 hours of sleep, maybe?

I wanted to take a photo of the camp, but I left my SD card at home...

Anyway, the next morning I managed to get into Edinburgh and found my way to my friend's flat. Absolutely loved her place, it's super cute and cozy. I think I got attached to her sofa though it probably wasn't the best for my back. No photos of that either... Lack of photos? Strange.

After freshening up, I met up with my trusty travel buddy bernZ. From there, we got some lunch with mommy munchkins and her friend at The Elephant House. The funny thing about this cafe is that people can sign up for Dumbledore's Army in their bathrooms! Well, the lists are there... because J. K. Rowling sat in the cafe to write her books.

I'm kind of just blabbering because I need something to keep me occupied.

From there we headed to the Edinburgh Castle. A few cool exhibits and stuff, nothing that really knocked me off my feet, admittedly.

View from the Castle. Yes, still panoramas.

I'm sorry that this post is not interesting in the slightest. I'm just unfathomably bored. 

We were also just in time for the 1PM canon. Unfortunately I didn't capture the moment, but I did jump when I heard it... 

What did sweep me off my feet was the sight from Hollyrood Park near the parliament building. With the absolutely gorgeous weather I was about to take home with me a few shots that will remain in my heart. I think at that moment I truly fell in love with Edinburgh.

Shoot, did I say I'm trying to cure my panorama addiction?

Outside the parliament building

Now I know that the parliament building has been under constant fire for how much money they spent on it... but I honestly admire it for the work of architecture that it is. Perhaps if I was the one paying for it I would be irritated. Luckily, I'm not, so I get to praise it.

Loving the design of the hall.

Just a random shot from North Bridge

I'll post about my travel buddy's birthday dinner next. Thinking about posting more detailed thoughts on some of the sites I visited when I get back home to continue this blog. Let me know what you think! Hopefully won't sound as bored in my next post, I think lethargy is starting to take its toll...

By fishii with 1 comment

Trip Down Memory Lane: London

It has been 5 full years since I've last stepped foot into London. Not that London has changed that much, I don't think, but the feeling is completely different... or maybe it wasn't, I don't know.

This time, I spent a day with Cambridge with two old friends, walking around town, attending a Cambridge formal, it was all a new experience... strange, and foreign, but very interesting.

Outside the enchanted walls of Kings College.

It was foggy that day, making Cambridge look that much more mystical. It was just an amazing experience, all in all, to catch up with friends I haven't seen for 5 years. Honestly, one weekend wasn't long enough. I wish I had more time to spend with them!

A sweets shop at Cambridge that looks like a potions shop.

Being super sleep deprived (only 4 hours of sleep because of the flight and 6 hours the next night because we missed the last fast train from Cambridge back to London), I was afraid that I'd fall asleep watching Harry Potter in the morning at (apparently) the largest screen in Europe, ODEON. But I enjoyed it immensely.

After that, I had the first restaurant Chinese meal I've had in 3 months? It wasn't even that good, but it was so satisfying. Xiao Long Bao... why do you evade me thus?

I've also developed a strange (and probably unhealthy) obsession with taking panoramic shots...

Horse Guard Parade

Uhm... what's this called? ^^;;

Shaftesbury Square

Talfalgar Square

Just some more random photos, these from St. James Park. I saw pelicans! They're so... tall (yes, I'm short, so what?).

 

Met up with friends during different times of day on my second day. At night, mommy-munchkins, my friend, and I went on the London Eye! I know, you're thinking 18 quid for a ride on that Ferris Wheel? We were lucky and got a whole pod to ourselves! It's like... booking a pod but not paying the price! Ok, I'm just justifying it, but still~ it was all in good fun. Must mention that I had Korean cuisine that night. That was especially delicious, since I haven't had Korean served in a restaurant since I left home.

Atop the London Eye

HA! I'm all caught up now! Except I'll fall behind again soon. This weekend will welcome Budapest.

By fishii with 2 comments