It's all about Brett!!!

It's been a few days, we have been really busy on our scotch tour, they are literally full days. We thought we would have some down time but it has not been that way at all. The ferry ride across to the Isle Of Islay was two hours and it was a very rough ride over, so needless to say it was not a enjoyable experience for me. Once we arrived though it certainly was worth the experienc it is an absloutey beautiful Isle and a small isle with a population of only 3000 people. The roads are mostly one lane and they are very small so two cars at a time can not go through at the same time, and being a small town every time you drive by another car or someone walking they give the good old wave. It also houses 6 scotch distilleries..acutally they call it whisky(notice there is no e) We toured two of the distilleries her and they were very informative.Brett sampled alot to even on the ones we did not tour they still have two sometimes three free samples. The first picture below it at the Lagavulin distillery(Bretts favorite one) and Brett had a chance to sample some whiskey right out of the cask just before it was going to hit the barrells where it will have to sit for 16 years before they can bottle it to sell, so we need to come back in 16 years to buy a bottle...lol. The second picutre is a bar here on the island that we were in for lunch and they have a selection of over 300 whisky's it was pretty impressive even for someone who is not a whisky drinker. It has been a great tour full of lots of information on whisky and the history of not only the island but also the main land. today we head back across to the mainland on the ferry once again (ugh) to wind down our visit of Scotland. Cheers!!

Not sure why this did not post the first time but it has to be in the blog....what a baker!!!

Today we headed out for our scotch tour, on our way we stopped in at Stirling Castle which was and unexpected but pleasant stop. As we toured the castle they had certain rooms set up as they would have been back in the day. The bakery was of most interest and Brett could not help himself and jump in to lend a hand...a true baker even in Scotland!! The picture on the bottom is over looking the castle absolutley breath taking. the photo on the very left is Loch Lomond (spelling) and was absolutley stunning. We are just in awe of how beautiful this country!!

It's been a busy few days, no time to blog, we were on the road Monday and headed up to fraser Castle in Aberdeen..about 2.5 hours from Edinburgh. The castle was amazing and the grounds were breathtaking, really a beautiful place. Tuesday we headed up to culloden were the Scots and the Brits had the battle in 1746. After the Brits won it was illegal for the Scots to have their clan system and wear their Tartans. In the early 1800's the stones were erected for all the clans that fought in culloden and had fallen. Another reason why the gathering of the clans and the walk up the royal Mile was so emotion for a Clan member. After Culloden we headed up to Loch Ness for our tour...all I can say is everywhere you turn Loch Ness is absolutley beautiful every angle is a picture perfect kodak moment.We then headed back to Edinburgh for the night. Tonight (Thursday) we are in a bed and breakfast for the night before we head out tomorrow for our Scotch tour. Cheers!!

Yesterday was day 2 of the gathering and we went into the talisker tent to sample some Scotch...yes me and Sami too. Brett actually went in the first day as well. For 5 pounds you got a gathering scotch glass and 3 nosings. so we all went for the deal, Sami and I included, only to find out yuck we really do not like this stuff, that left Brett with 7 samples which he eventually shared with my brother. After we were done at the gathering we went on to tour Hollyrood Palace, which the Queen still resides in when she is in Scotland. Actually Prince Charles did the opening ceremonies for the gathering and he was in the Palace the night before. It was actually a very informative and worthwhile tour. Today we headed up the Aberdeen where we toured the Fraser Castle and are spending the night and tomorrow we are off to Loch Ness then back to Edinburgh tomorrow night.

This is part of the procession going up the Royal Mile last night. We had to mustard at the gates of Hollyrood Palace for 700pm and then they put all the clans in order and each clan group of 1000 and there were 6 groups were piped up the Royal Mile by pipe bands. It was unbelievable, the streets were lined all the way up about 15 deep and people were hanging out windows cheering and watching the parade...really was a historical event here in Edinburgh and it is so exciting that we were a part of it. Pretty emotional night.

Last night we had our taste of Scotland dinner and show.The meal was awesome and the show was even better.Sam and Brett actually tried Haggis....ummm not me no way no how!!!!! This is our whole group from our family link that came to the gathering and it was nice to be able to get together for a nice dinner. Today the gathering started, wow lots of kilts! Tonight we have the parade up the royal mile with all the clans, should be pretty amazing to walk up the royal mile with Clan Fraser. Je Suis Prest. went to our reading and book signing for Diana Gabaldon tonight, sweet, nice lady and of course Sami informed her we were Fraser's...Fraser,s Of Lovat!

Here is the big guy on the Royal Mile.....but there is nothing Royal about him!!!! Yesterday we walked the full lenght of the Royal Mile...yes it is a Mile. We went to Edinburgh Castle which was pretty Awesome, we did not tour the inside yet maybe some time next week! I can not believe how much there is to do and see in Scotland and were only in Edinburgh!! Tonight we have a taste of Scotland dinner and show....Haggis....not sure if I am willing to try that. Ands tomorrow the actually gathering of the clans begin..can hardly wait!!!

Cheers from Scotland!!!

Arrived yesterday to pouring rain in Edinburgh we all got soaking wet and some of our clothes were even wet, but in true Scotland style the sun came out and we were able to get out and about. We can not believe how hilly it is here lots of hills and lots more walking. Sam is wishing her little green machine was here!! today we walked the Royal Mile and went to Edinburgh Castle.....wow something else, we are going to tour it tomorrow. Also did the Real Mary's King Close, it is a street underground...Its from the 1600's and the Government buildings today are actually built on top of the old streets....interesting. After supper were going to do the on/off bus tour and get a good view of the area and hopefully learn lots. So much to do here its actually overwhelming! Take care everyone and chat soon....Cheers, we'll have one for you!! xo

Ola from across the pond

Hey everyone we have finally arrived in Scotland and we are tired and excited!! The weather here is overcast and rainy...feels like Ontario when we left!! Our flight was late leaving so were arrived a little later than expected, but right now we are on a bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh...free wifi...have to love that. No picture yet I have not had time to upload but I will soon. Hope all is well at home and try not to miss us too too much and we will try and miss you....yeah right...lol. Ciao for now!!

Its getting closer now!!! This is most of the group from our family that will be heading over to the gathering. My cousins Cathy and David and Jennica's husband Mark are missing from the pic, don't worry we will get them in Scotland!! It was a fun night and more of a catch up then an official Scotland meeting with lots of laughs. I'm sure we will have lots of stories to share and even more that we don't want to share after this trip. Looking forward to everything Scotland has to offer....woot woot way too excited....20 days to go. Je Suis Prest!!

So this will be one of our most important stops while in Scotland, Fraser Castle!!!Next time I post a picture of the castle I will be in front of it with a glass of wine...sort to speak. Family Castle, have to say thats kind of cool!!!

getting ready

Thanks for stopping by and checking us out, nothing yet to post since were still about a month away. All our prep is almost done and everything paid for...woo hoo now we just have to wait but I am sure time will speed by now. Having our last Scotland meeting on June 30th and most of the Scotland people will be here not just our little group. So we will post pics of that night, should be fun lots of finalizing that night and planning if we can get together as a large group while we are all there, but it is going to be a very busy trip. Not much down time as we have lots we want to see and do, considering alot of my heritage is there and so much Brett is interested in...golf...scotch, all which he will be able to par take in and enjoy, I sense another trip to Scotland in our future!! See you soon....p