3 AM. I woke up, and decided to just stay awake because I was having broken sleep. I had basically surrendered. It wasn’t but a few hours after that we loaded the plane for our next layover. We were to spend about 5 hours in Amsterdam, Holland. It was a short flight to the airport in Amsterdam, and after arriving, we went looking for the way out to catch the train to the central city. Our cash was pretty low and I was sleepy as well because I was napping all the way there. We found the way out and paid 15 Euro for the both of us to take a round trip into Amsterdam. Sal and I were pretty irritable from lack of sleep, which made a strange combination for the amount of excitement we had to see a new city. When we got outside the airport, the first thing that I noticed was the cool, crisp air. We eventually got on the correct train to the city after asking a few people. With our train passes in hand, we took a few pictures on the way. A gentleman came down the cart to check our passes. We surrendered them to him only to find out that we were in the first class cart. However, there were no indications of being in first class. There were no signs that we saw, and there certainly wasn’t a first class feel to the coach. We got to wondering what the other ones looked like that were not deemed first class. Finally, we stepped off the train to a new city full of people.
On the Train to Amsterdam
There were lots of things to see. We first wanted to get ourselves to an information center of some kind to figure out where to go, and what to do first. We found a place with very little insight on what there was to do in town so, we used the restrooms there and decided to explore for ourselves. We walked to the right of the tourist center and came to a bridge. Below there were some water taxis. It was quite scenic to look across the water at the old buildings as well.
I had a few things to accomplish with what little money I had left to spend. I wanted to get a patch for my travel bag and a charm for my charm necklace. So, we wondered to all of the shops to see what was being offered in the way of souvenirs. We found many interesting places along the way. It started to rain a bit whilst we were walking around, and I had decided to eat my sandwich that I had saved on the flight in. I saved the sandwich with ease from the flight, as I was significantly more concerned with sleeping on the flight to make up for the unarguable lack of sleep from the previous night’s stay in the airport.
Among the stores, we found several sex shops with interesting and unusual items within them to purchase. We were content to see what was offered inside, from the outside window displays which were completely uncensored. We had no urge to go in and explore. There were also several coffee shops on the streets. Each one seemed to play a different Bob Marley song when you entered. You must know, if you haven’t heard, that coffee shops in Amsterdam are more known for the cannabis or marijuana that they sell than their coffee. Each door we opened was a bellow of smoke and coffee smell to follow. Sal decided that he fancied a cup of coffee, but he wanted to get one “to go”. We must have been in and out of several coffee shops to find one that even offered a take away cup. We didn’t know it at the time, but in Europe, it’s not a common thing to have coffee to go.
Shortly after we found a take away coffee for Sal, I decided that with my remaining 5 Euro, (which I wanted to save) that I would “do as the Romans do” so to speak. I went into a coffee shop and bought a tobacco blended smoke for exactly 5 Euro. Now, we set out to wander a bit more. I was nervous to light it and I didn’t even have the lighter yet. Sal suggested I ask to borrow a light from someone, which I was really nervous to do. While hunting for a lighter I noticed that along the Amsterdam streets there where many classic looking bicycles leaned against walls and rails. The streets, I recall had a lot of trash on them.
They were bricked streets made for walking and bikes. Eventually, I borrowed some money from Sal for a cheap lighter and I stopped and lit my smoke. I wasn’t sure if it was even ok to smoke it on the streets, as I didn’t see anyone else doing it. However, I walked and smoked until we stopped to simply observe the streets for a bit. We stopped across from an outdoor urinal posted on the street. We thought it quite curious that a gentleman should urinate right on the public streets. We even witnessed someone doing such. Sal had a funny idea, for which we didn’t execute, regretfully, to video him using said urinal in Amsterdam. After a while, Sal commented on my smoking.
He asked if I thought it was a very good idea for me to smoke the whole thing by myself. It was just then, as I recall, that the world slowed down like a program running in “The Matrix”. I dropped the smoke with the intent to step on it and snub it out. When I did, I saw it fall in a very slow fashion as my mind drifted to the ground’s perspective looking up at me. I saw a still smoking joint fall slowly and artistically to the ground and then get snubbed out. Sal, shortly after needed to find a restroom with the utmost urgency.
We began to hunt for a toilet on the cold, wet Amsterdam streets, when we finally came across one. Let it be noted that in Europe and much of the UK, you can’t do as you would in America and just enter a place and use the toilet. There, you must pay to rid your body of fluids. So, we found a toilet where Sal paid 75 cents Euro. He asked me whether I needed to use the Loo as well. I did. He paid for the both of us only to find out it was urinals only. That was fine for me, but it was accommodating for his particular dilemma. So, we had to once again look for another restroom.
We walked all over the place while Sal’s irritation level rose higher and higher. It’s not a very good feeling to have to use the restroom, with none to be found. I’m sure I would have been irritated too, but I must remind the reader that I was floating on cloud 9 while walking behind him. I felt out of space and time. It was my idea that finally brought us to a restroom. I mentioned that we should go back to the train station to find one. With Sal’s guidance we made it to the train station and found a toilet bearing restroom, where he paid 1 Euro to deposit. I waited outside the restroom crouched down to rest. I could hear people walking back and forth. I heard a mother and her children at the end of the platform, but my senses seemed so heightened that it felt as if they were on the end of the world and I was hearing a secret conversation that was exclusive to only those with super hearing. Sal finally reappeared from the restroom fully relieved.
We finally boarded the train and got back to the airport. On the way, we enjoyed some Dutch chocolate that Sal had picked up from the airport gift shop earlier. At our terminal we waited on our flight. We were extremely tired. We took a small nap while waiting, and before long we were being called to board. We got settled in for our long flight and I fell asleep for a bit. After waking, I decided to watch a few movies. I stayed awake for most of the flight and completed three in a half films on the plane. While watching “The Proposal”, we flew over Greenland. It was so fascinating to see the white landscape and mountains from the plane.
Greenland from the plane
We landed in Memphis, and I remember thinking that I wanted an American hamburger so bad. So, we ate at “Backyard Burgers”. It was absolutely delicious. Next stop was Oklahoma. After landing in Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma, I called Matt (our friend) while we were being taxied. He was on his way to pick us up. Sal and I collected our bags and found Matt’s farm truck waiting for us out side. To no surprise, Matt had some ice cold “Keystone Light” for us. We drank it and were reminded that we were home, where the beer tasted close to carbonated alcoholic water.
We boarded the plane with much anticipation. Strangely, it was a plane that boarded at the front and the rear from the outside. It was the first time I loaded on a plane from the outside like that. We got in only to hear Irish accents from the stewardess’. We took off and heard ever instruction on the plane in accented English, and then followed by Gaelic. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. The flight was short, and we landed in Cork, Ireland. There, we met Ken who picked us up at the airport. As we rode in the back of the van, we were in awe of the beauty around every corner. There were the greenest pastures speckled with cows on them, and the roads where just like you see in the films. I was so excited to see the country. We eventually came up on Kinsale, where we stopped to take pictures.
Kinsale was a touristy kind of fishing town, that upon seeing it, we had to stop.
Shortly after, we arrived at the house where we met Rosita and Ruby. The house smelled of wonderful cooking. She made us banana stuffed chicken. It was delicious. After dinner, Rosita drove us to “The Killbrittan Inn”, where there was a turf fire going and an Irish football game was on the tele. We got our first taste of Guinness in Ireland. I promise you it is the most delicious beer you will ever taste. It was worlds better than I have tasted it anywhere else. I was feeling tipsy in no time. Sleep came shortly after our pints. To quote my journal for my final thoughts for the day, I said “I love, love, love it here!”
My first Guinness in Ireland
Day two in Ireland, I woke up later than everyone else. Sal and Dad had porridge for breakfast, and I had to settle with Corn Flakes. After prepping for the day, we were to go to Clonakilty. On the way there we stopped in Timolegue. There we got to see the Timolegue Friary. It was built in the 12th Century. We took lots of pictures there, and dad did a video.
My picture with you at Timoleague
After looking around there for a while, Ken drove us out to Clonakilty, where we saw the statue of Michael Collins. I was overtaken to think that 100 years ago, Michael Collins himself was standing there giving his speeches about Irish freedom. We saw the house that he lived in. Our next stop we won’t soon forget.
We drove out to Drombeg Stone Circle. Drombeg was built by the Druids and the site was designed to represent the winter solstice on December 21st. I couldn’t get enough of looking at the stones while we were there. Ken and Rosita took the time to pack lunch and tea for us to eat later. While we were on our way to get our lunch, when a couple walked in to the circle. I noticed they had an American accent. I asked where they were from, and to my surprise, they said that they were from Norman, Oklahoma of all places! How strange to meet a fellow Oklahoman in the middle of a Druid circle. We talked about where we have been so far, and they told us where they had visited. After chatting with them, I was the last one to get to the sandwiches and tea. So I had to eat the cheese one. I found out that it was delicious! It was Irish aged cheddar with pesto on wheat. The tea went so well with it all. It was quite an atmosphere to be in such a place with a beautiful scenic view and drink tea by a stone circle.
Drombeg
We got back to the house after a long day. That night I met Erin, Rosita’s niece. She was a very cute Irish girl with dark hair. We changed clothes and went to Kinsale where dad had some clients to meet. Sal and I walked around Kinsale in search for a second hand store. We found none. Kinsale, we found, was more of a tourist place where you find souvenirs and pubs. Sal and I stopped into one of them for a pot of tea. We met back up later and had Fish – n – Chips on a wall outside with everyone. Rosita and Ruby went back home afterwards, and the rest of us went for Pints. We had little room for them though because our bellies where about to burst after eating the fish. We went home and went straight to bed that night.
I woke up to breakfast already being cooked. I had delicious black pudding with my eggs that morning. I showered and got ready, then, we were off to Bandon. Dad had clients that day, and we met a gentleman named Lou. Lou was an American that was successful at living in Ireland for years. Sal wanted some info from him. We joined him in a café and had some coffee while he ate. Lou seemed to know the person running the café, and I was looking around and seeing him life in Ireland with envy. He was an overwhelming spirit that seemed so helpful and motivating. We spent a lot of time discussing conspiracy theories and theology. I loved every minute of it. We went to his flat and had tea. We enjoyed a bit of tea there, and then went walking around town a bit. I tried to find tobacco for my pipe with no success. Lou was anxious to meet dad, but I had a theory of how the interaction would go based on dad’s judgmental side. We got to talk about 2012, Crystal Skulls, and other-worldly things. We met up with dad and Ken at “The Early Bird” for lunch. There, Sal and I ordered a Sheppard’s Pie. The best one I have ever had. I spoke to mom while I was there to check on things. I told her how much I loved the country. Dad had made a few comments about Lou after the meal. This wasn’t altogether surprising. Dad, Sal, and I wondered around town for a bit. We went in to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, stopped into a pub for tea (I had a Guinness), and through many shops.
Rosita came and picked us up after the day was up. On the way home Sal and I thought it would be a good idea to walk to the pub when we got there. Walked we did, for about 20 minutes back to the Killbrittain Inn. We passed stinky trash, manure, and fields of cows to get there, down a windy Irish road. Moments after getting there, we were indulging on the unmistakable, dark, creamy ale that had us in a positive emotional state immediately. Ireland was on the tele playing football, and we were knee-deep in an engaging conversation. Sal had the Idea of playing darts, so we played a few games of 301.
Playing darts like the Irish
We were working on a good pisser after only 2 pints. Sure, I was just after ordering another when we were interrupted by dad. (Record scratch) Sal was a little peeved because he had thought there was more time. I started getting ready to load up, when Rosita came to the rescue to help me finish my pint. I turned around to see that she had left only a third of the bloody thing. I finished it and went out the door. We went to eat at a place called “Fishy, Fishy” in Kinsale. I had learned that Johnny Depp was in there the year before to eat. Dad paid for dinner, and ordered himself a huge lobster that was over 150 Euros. We met a lass named Dierdre that night as well. I had crab claws and rice. We had a good dinner, walked around a bit, and then went home for bed.
Us at "Fishy Fishy"
Today was to be Cork Day. We had plans to see Cork City. It was also Ken and Rosita’s anniversary. They walked to the beach together, and Sal and I stayed at the house with dad. Once they returned, we headed out with Ken. We first went to The Blarney Castle. What a sight to behold! It was so neat. I had high hopes for the castle and they were surpassed.
Blarney Castle
There were caves under it, dungeons, and narrow stairs leading to the top for the castle. There were so many stories surrounding the castle. Once I got to the top, I found it exhilarating to see far off in the distance. I imagined what it must have been like long ago. Next, I stood in line to kiss the Blarney Stone. You have to be held, and lean back to reach it. Now I have the gift of gab. I wondered around outside the castle and took pictures and video.
Picking a shamrock
Then, we made our way to a gift store. I bought a few gifts for people. While in there, I heard the song “Galway Girl” playing overhead. I thought of Alex, because he likes that song so much. We all met up next to the souvenir shop and Sal and I enjoyed some Leek-and-potato soup, and tea. I love tea. I ordered a shot of Jameson neat while I was there too.
Kissing the Blarney Stone
We came home for a spell and enjoyed some tea and homemade apple pie that Rosita had made in our absence. It was outstanding!
Our next stop was Cork Central City. We stopped at the Beamish brewery and took pictures, and stopped in to a cathedral. There were a number of attractive females there walking the streets. It was a college town. It was a super busy place. We saw some stormtoopers stop and have tea on the streets at one point. Ken showed us to a huge market place where we bought some Irish cheddar and some bread for the bangers that they had cooked (Irish Sausage). We went a movie store and bought “Rat” for them to watch that evening. They had a HUGE Irish movie section there. Ken recommended a movie called “The General”. For dinner, Ken took us to a place that claims to have the best Fish – n – Chips in all of Ireland. Man, they were good. Before leaving, I picked up some Guinness to take home. We went home to watch Rat while Dad relieved stress on Rosita using his tapping process. I had a few Guinness’ by my onesy and went to bed. Ken and Rosita rather enjoyed the movie.
Morning came, as it always does, and Rosita made us salmon and eggs. We packed all up to depart that morning. We stopped at the beach. What a scene that was. We took a lot of pictures that day. I was truly missing Liam and Bridget, and my bed. However, I didn’t want to leave Ireland. I wish they were just there with me instead. Alas, we made our way to Aer Lingus and flew to Manchester Airport. Sal and I had some Boddingtons there and had to stay the night in the Airport. I put 3 pounds into a slot machine with no luck. It was an uncomfortable sleep in the airport that night. My legs were hanging off the chairs and it wasn’t a flat surface. We where sleeping under a PA speaker that announced, seemingly louder each time, “Attention, to avoid security measures, please keep luggage with you at all times.”
We were prepared for a cross-country train ride early in the morning from Scotland. Our first stop was to be London, England. It was during this train trip that dad had decided to unload the pics and video from our Scotland journey. He got a few, and the computer somehow destroyed the rest of them. What a pity. I wrote in my travel journal on the train. During one stop, dad got up to use the toilet. When he did, a lad sat down in his seat. Dad came back through and sat next to her. “Did I pinch your seat love?” she said. Dad looked around with confusion and said, “I don’t think so”. Eventually we arrived in London for what would be a series of extremely confusing hops from underground subways just to get us to our train. It was not user friendly at all. One wrong move, and you miss your train. Oh, and get used to the phrase “Mind the Gap”, because it is said repetitively on the underground.
Finally, we arrived in Salisbury. When we arrived there was a delightful English mist about. Our cab driver, Vic, was about as friendly and helpful as could be. He gave us the cheapest deal and told us the most convenient routes, as well as a few history lessons. He took us first to Stonehenge, one of the most anticipated places we had on our whole trip. We pulled up to the visitor’s entrance on the other side. It was drizzling rain just slightly. We paid our way in, and proceeded under the bridge. There was a mural depiction of the way Stonehenge may have been at one time on the wall under the bridge. As we walked the pathway, it started to incline and the Neolithic stones slowly came into view. It was rising from the ground, in effect, as if god were presenting them to us. It was one of the most amazing sights to behold. “We are actually here at Stonehenge”, my inner dialogue was screaming repetitively. Sal and I were extremely giddy, while Dad was a bit too concerned with making a video for his YouTube channel. We took several pictures and video. I had an audio guide in my ear at one point, just listening to the history, theories, and legends associates with Stonehenge. After a stop in the gift shop, where I bought a charm for my necklace and a patch for my travel bag, we cabbed over to our hostel.
We pulled up to a hostel that looked like an old plantation home in the south, only it had a very English backdrop. After getting inside, we went to the front desk to discover an Aussie behind the counter. I spotted his accent, and he told us how he had family in England. We got situated in our room, and headed out for some eats. We came across a “Pizza Express”, or as they say, “PitzerExpress”. We were recommended this place from Barry & Sue, from back home. Our waitress was unbelievable gorgeous with her incredibly in shape body and adorable accent. I tried to steal a few pics of her. Finally our pizza arrived, and to our surprise it was whole, and not sliced. I bit into it only to find that it was extremely bland. The tomato sauce tasted like reduced sodium tomato soup. We cracked some pepper on to spice it up a bit. I looked around and to my surprise the English were eating with a knife and fork. That’s why the Pizza comes out whole, I concluded, they eat “properly” here in England. There I was folding mine and eating it like a god damned American barbarian.
After dinner, we thought the local Starbucks would be a grand place to stop. There, Sal and I got our favored Americanos, and sat while dad checked his mail and such. I saw two beautiful English girls, and decided to engage them. I walked up and asked about a local pub, and what there was to do around town while we were here. They were extremely helpful and did I mention attractive? They recommended that we seek the Salisbury Cathedral the next day. She gave us all the unique info concerning the 10th century cathedral, among the many other topics that we discussed. We eventually departed and I received a kiss on the cheek for the road. Then, we hit the streets again. We looked for a pub in the still slightly rainy weather. After wondering half the town to find nothing of interest, we headed back to the hostel. There, we decided to get a pint or two…Ok maybe more. We sat in the common room, where we met a chap from New Zealand, who I accused of sounding like Peter Jackson, and a bloke from the north of England. He (English gentleman) was telling us the rules of playing English pool, which we happen to be watching on TV. I, during that time had received the first taste of inebriation of the entire trip. I was on my third Guinness and had become fascinated with the way it was served. You see, the Aussie gentleman had a little machine that, after pouring a bit of water on it, and pouring the Guinness from a unique can into a pint glass, would send sonar through the glass and give it head. It tasted fresh from the draft! Brilliant! As they say… We decided (Sal and I) to purchase our flight to Cork, Ireland. So, there we have it, we were destined to see Eire! We were so excited to get to go there! Towards the end of the night, dad and I discovered these German girls that were a college class staying in the hostel to learn of geography from around the world. I saw whispering amongst them, while dad and I were conversing with the group. Who knows what for. There were quite a few that were very attractive. God, I hate being looked at like a piece of meat…. (That was a joke). Sal and I made a short video once were back in our room, and then hit the sack for the night.
Salisbury Cathedral
We awoke the next day with the plans to see Salisbury Cathedral. We first came to the breakfast table, where we saw the familiar faces of the German people we had met the previous night. The Australian gentleman was serving a buffet style breakfast, containing all the appropriate things to make a good English breakfast. We went to Starbucks for some coffee and Wi-Fi, then to the phone place for a sim for Sal. Dad also mailed some things. Then, we called Vic, and we were taken to the cathedral, not without extra information from Vic about what rooms to see within. One that he had mentioned was the room that held the actual Magna Carta signed by Prince John. As we pulled up, there was a lot of excitement. I was amazed at how tall and intricate the cathedral was. The steeple is the tallest structure in all of the UK! Inside, I found several tombs that held knights that had been there since the 1200’s. The stained glass was breath-taking as well. We mazed our way through, until it was time to go back to the train station for Manchester.
MANCHESTER
After we got into London, we decided to see if we could spend a little time there to see the sights. I was getting irritated, because I was pretty confident we had to make our destined train, not just any train that happened to be there. After dad had some accent trouble on the phone and Sal had returned from the loo. we had to fly to get there in 5 minutes, but we still had the bloody undergrounds to take. Needless to say we didn’t make the train, but on the way I was placing my luggage in front of me on the escalator and my luggage had gotten its own step as they unfolded and I started to topple backwards onto Sal and Dad. I was already mad, and that had been the icing on the cake. We stood in line to board, and the gentleman let us get on a different train with no charge for it, luckily. We saw that our seats were taken and tried to get them from the people sitting in them, when we realized that we weren’t on our original train. So, we sat in the available seats and appologised.
At "The Bull's Head"
We arrived in Handsforth and checked in at the Hallmark hotel, AKA The old Belfry. I must tell you, that Lucy, at the front desk won my heart. She was the most gorgeous piece of England I had seen so far. She had the cutest laugh to go with her blonde, shoulder length hair, and brown eyes. Not to mention, she had an English accent. We got our things in the room and decided that dinner was the next thing to do. We went to “The Bull’s Head” Pub as recommended by Barry and Sue. I had a Pint of John Smith’s, which was fantastic, and some Fish – n – Chips, while Sal got a meat pie, and Dad got something that I cannot recall. The food, however, was delicious.
The next day, we got breakfast. I got to try black pudding for the first time. We wanted to catch a train to Manchester, but dad had to be back at 5 that evening. However, we were looking for the rail station that day after browsing the second hand store, and I came up on a fellow to ask for directions, only to find that he was blind. He pointed us the right way, and Dad had made a joke to me when walking away about asking a blind person to point the way. I told Dad that he was blind, not deaf, and to keep his voice down. However blind he was, he did get us to the train station for schedules and pricing. We decided to go across the street to the pub there called “The Rail Station”, where they had a Laurel & Hardy room. This was another recommended place from the infamous Barry and Sue. We went back to the hostel for a bit, and then Sal and I went back out to find a Sim card. Sal got one and exchanged some money for pounds. I picked up some Guinness cans from the Tesco for later.
We woke up to another delicious breakfast the next morning and decided we (Sal & I) needed to get our laundry done. We went to the launderette and they said that they were booked up on people. So, we found a cab to take us to Wilmslow. There we found a few secondhand stores, and a launderette that would prove to be a little inconvenient for us. The driver seemed to be in a bit of a scheduling conflict, so he said that he would talk to the lady in Handsforth about laundry and get it done. He also asked if we minded if he picked up a few of his mates. We agreed (as if we had a choice). We pulled up to a house and they got in. We were packed in like sardines while we were once again stuck in what seemed like a Britcom. Back and forth convo’s between me, the driver, and Sal, and our new guests.
Here’s an example of the kind of conversation we had:
Girl Mate: Where ya from then?
Sal: Oklahoma
Guy Mate: Oh, zat right? Whatcha doin in Ahnsforf (Handsforth)?
Me: Just visiting, we were looking for a launderette, with no luck so far.
Driver: yeah, I’m just gonna teke em’ to the one in town. Doesn’t your mum do laundry? (To girl mate)
Girl Mate: Oh, I spose I could ask, oh, but she’s out in town shoppin
Sal: It’s no big deal really, we’ll just do it at the one in town.
The Old Belfry
…and the convo went on and on as if they didn’t pick up on our irritation from the fact that it was so damned difficult to get our laundry done, or that we weren’t much of a priority to the driver, or that we were cramped in with strangers. We finally pulled up to the Handsforth launderette, where the driver lied and told the lady we would be leaving in the morning and needed laundry done by then. He was extremely pushy, which made it awkward for us. We were happy to get that out of the way nonetheless.
We decided to pick up our laundry, but we did so after 2PM. They close after 2. So, the lie the driver gave will not hold up now… We were invited to a “girl’s night out” by a girl we had met at lunch while at the Bull's Head, so we decided to go to a Tesco to get Sal a shirt to wear. We decided that money was a little too tight for us to go to the place the girls were going. It was a real shame to not have stories to tell from that night. I wish more than anything that we had the money to join her and her girls. We instead, went to the pub that night. That night Sal and I watched British comedy shows and drank tea/Guinness in the room. We got a decent pisser going and went to bed.
Our hidden pee spot
Sunday, we decided to get our laundry. Dad paid Sal and I to switch rooms that night for 50 quid (split). Dad, his girlfriend, Sal, and I all went into Manchester that evening. We saw the Manchester United field. We also ate at a strange Spanish restaurant. My least favorite meal on the trip so far. Later that night, we all went to “The Bull’s Head” for some pints. There we flirted with Georgina, and talked with some new friends we had met during the seminar. After they had left, Sal and I closed the pub down. We had a great pisser going and had a deep, meaningful talk about family. We stumbled on home and passed a bunch of closed down shops, and we were starving. Alas, there was one still lit up. We both looked inside, and an Indian girl raised her head as if she was delighted to see us. The place was called “Kansas Fried Chicken”. Sal and I got our chicken and walked towards the Old Belfry Hotel, but not before I stopped and used my favorite hidden pee spot. I was walking through the empty streets when I dropped my last chicken wing. I looked at the wing, then looked at Sal, and said, “How long is that rule again?” I picked up the wing and continued our march home. I’m sure the nearby sheep found it funny.
Monday came, and I told dad about the place we heard about at the bar the previous night called Alderly Edge. Alderly Edge was a town that had a nature trail that lead to a scenic edge. It was one of the rumored resting places, although least likely so, of King Arthur of legend. It was said that when Britain was in a time of peril, He shall rise to reunite England. We walked around and enjoyed the Geology of the place with a seemingly pouty woman. (Dad’s girlfriend) She was trailing behind a lot.
We took some pictures of the forest, which looked as if knights could come galloping in at any moment, or Robin Hood could jump out of the trees to greet us. Dad shot some video for his YouTube. Towards the end we posed in front of a tree that was bowed up. An old Englishman offered to take a picture of the three of us. We handed him the camera, and he said “thanks very much”, and started to walk off jokingly. We ate at the Wizard’s Pub just after that. We had huge sandwiches there and house ale. I wrapped the other half of my egg salad sandwich for the plane ride we were about to take to Ireland. Dad’s girlfriend left early, and was a bit pissed off. We waited for our cab outside to take us to the airport.
I was on the brink of a huge weekend full of events. It was the weekend of a very important soon to be 3 three year-old, my son Liam. Since his mother and I had split up, birthdays have been less than ideal. We planned on doing this one together, but, I was leaving on October 4th, to visit the United Kingdom. Going that weekend was something I could have avoided, except that I had to help my father with a seminar the coming weekend. To complicate things more, I had a Kings of Leon concert October 3rd. So, I had a birthday party during the day for my baby, concert that night, and a plane across the pond in the morning. I decided it best to stay up all night to be on UK time. So, there I was writing in my diary and tired as can be, waiting on my plane in the terminal. I was ready to sleep.
With only a Braum's breakfast in me, we flew to Minnesota for our layover. I practiced a bit of sleep under a bench until our flight to Amsterdam was ready to depart. I was so completely spaced out. After our long, sleepy flight to Amsterdam, we landed and got to our terminal to Manchester. We decided to exchange our currency for Pounds. Then, we were off to England. After landing, we drug our tired selves through the huge Manchester airport. We got turned around finding the train station. Finally, we waited in a café for our train to Scotland. I tried to get some sleep there, but the stupid door kept opening and closing over and over, squeaking the whole time. It was a nightmare. Finally our train pulled up and we got on. So, as the song goes, we’ll take the high road, ye’ll take the low, and we’ll be in Scotland before ye!
I was tired, but I got to see the in’s and out’s of Englanders and the countryside. We trained through York and many others until we reached the Scotland border. I remember seeing hillsides covered in a magnificent purple. Sal and I just couldn't gwt over the accents we were hearing all around us. Before we knew it, we had arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was quite a temperature change in Edinburgh. We got a cab to our hostel, as well as heard our first legitimate Scottish accent. We asked to go to Cockburn Street. The driver looked a bit confused. He said in his Scottish accent, “Oh, you mean Co-burn?” (It was spelled Cockburn) Sal said in retort, “Well, it’s spelled Cock-burn.” “Aye, we know that…” We had a laugh at the driver’s sense of humor. Alas, we were at our Hostel.
Our Hostel
After unpacking in our Dorm style hostel, I wrapped myself in a scarf and my leather jacket and hit the streets with Sal and My dad. We first decided to get something to eat. We found a place right around the corner and we ordered a Guinness. I ordered the Haggis with Gravy. It was the best Haggis I have ever tasted. After a delightful dinner, we strolled around town on the brisk Edinburgh night. We came across several pubs and souvenir shops. We decided to stop for a drink at the end of our street. We paid for our drinks and sat at a table. Across the way, sat a group of college students with instruments lying on the table. Everyone was watching the football game on the tele. After the game, they picked up their instruments and played a delightful Céilidh song. The whole pub was alive. I looked around to see if everyone was enjoying the music. To my surprise, they paid it no mind. We retired to bed that evening. I got very little sleep, and woke up to a massive headache. I spent a few hours in the dorm style shower to get over it.
The next day, the Edinburgh streets were alive. People were going to work in the morning. We headed down next door for a full Scottish breakfast: two eggs, two hash, toast, sausage, haggis, and “real” bacon. Oh, Aye… Topped off with a delicious Americano coffee. We had a full day in Edinburgh that day. First, we just started walking. We came across some very cool statues in the street.
We eventually found a graveyard just below the castle. Dad did a video there, then we decided to go look for a second hand shop. We had very little luck finding it from the local’s directions, but Sal did buy a jacket at one. We then went to see “The Greyfriar’s Bobby”. I have seen the Disney movie of that, and I felt like I was walking on the set. (Go rent it) It’s about a little dog that slept on his master’s grave every night after he passed He was the town’s friend. It was there the little dog died, and there his grave remains. We were fascinated with the tombs all over it. We took lots of pictures there.
We followed an arrow pointing off the sidewalk to a little café under the sidewalk. It was around noon there. We got some delicious Leek and Potato soup and some tea. Afterwards came upon a bookstore under the sidewalk, just next door. Its proceeds went to funding efforts in achieving peace. I bought a little peace sign with a thistle on it. Leaving there, we found a Cathedral and wondered through it. Outside, it had a huge hand made from stone with a hole in it. (Obviously Jesus’ hand). We went on back to the hostel, and on the way, we came across a bagpiper playing in the streets….IN SCOTLAND….
We decided after getting in to get a taxi to the Castle. We went through the castle, and it wasn’t what I thought it would be. It was like a little town in there. They had cannons lined up, old churches, a café, and several museums. After we had seen it all, we got some tea and scones at the café and then walked to a kilt shop/factory. It was there that dad got measured for a kilt and ordered it. I got to see how a kilt was made and the progression of the kilt through the ages. We fetched a cab and then took it to Calton Hill. We saw the Scottish National Monument there, and it overlooked the city. It was a beautiful sight to behold. We were worn out by the end of it all. At the monument, Sal was trying to take a picture of my dad, and kept backing up until he fell backwards over a boulder. I hate falling over things backwards, but if I were to do it, I’d want it to be IN SCOTLAND. Just saying…
We went back to the hostel, only to decide to go out one last time. We found a place called “Captain’s Pub”. We were too tired to finish our Pints that evening.
We trekked back to the hostel til’ morning. That day we were training to Stonehenge. I was beginning to finally get adjusted to the time schedule. First stop was London, England to switch trains to Salisbury…
I had a few things to accomplish with what little money I had left to spend. I wanted to get a patch for my travel bag and a charm for my charm necklace. So, we wondered to all of the shops to see what was being offered in the way of souvenirs. We found many interesting places along the way. It started to rain a bit whilst we were walking around, and I had decided to eat my sandwich that I had saved on the flight in. I saved the sandwich with ease from the flight, as I was significantly more concerned with sleeping on the flight to make up for the unarguable lack of sleep from the previous night’s stay in the airport.
Among the stores, we found several sex shops with interesting and unusual items within them to purchase. We were content to see what was offered inside, from the outside window displays which were completely uncensored. We had no urge to go in and explore. There were also several coffee shops on the streets. Each one seemed to play a different Bob Marley song when you entered. You must know, if you haven’t heard, that coffee shops in Amsterdam are more known for the cannabis or marijuana that they sell than their coffee. Each door we opened was a bellow of smoke and coffee smell to follow. Sal decided that he fancied a cup of coffee, but he wanted to get one “to go”. We must have been in and out of several coffee shops to find one that even offered a take away cup. We didn’t know it at the time, but in Europe, it’s not a common thing to have coffee to go.
