we heart scotland

Goodbye Amsterdam and a big hello to Edinburgh, Scotland.. We arrived at 5:55 pm so we had actually lost a measly 10 minutes traveling by plane. Sweet! I knew right away that Scotland was a place my heart would feel happy. I knew this because I didn’t have to pay to use the WC- relieving myself for free always makes me happy. I bought a cup of coffee and relaxed while Allison and Pam asked all the right questions to get us headed in the proper direction of our Hostel . We were told it would be a quick walk from the bus stop to the Hostel on a hill. Turns out quick walks are made a bit longer when one is carrying an extra 15 kilos on their back; regardless, we made it to the castle and we knew that our hostel wasn’t far. We continued up the hill and saw our temporary home. We zipped in and checked in while simultaneously being checked out by the guy behind the counter. Who was able to give us great tips on where to get fish and chips…. He suggested “anywhere” yea, thanks buddy. Throwing off our packs allowed us to venture out and find our fist Scottish beer and meal. We were happy with the first place we found but things got a little rocky once we sat down. Beer in the form of cider was placed on our table, Guinness was handed out with smiles to those around us but strangely was not available when ordered from our table. We took it all in stride, barely flinching, and ordered our food. Allison and Pam ordered the much anticipated fish and chips while I went for the curry vegetables (a daring choice once I remembered I was in a pub). Fortunately, I didn’t have to live with the consequences of eating curry from a beer joint, because we were soon informed that they were fresh out of fish and chips. We guzzled our beers and cider as quickly as possible and moved on since we had been informed that food stopped being served after 9ish. We moved down a few bars and found a place that not only had a flowing spout of Guinness but a large supply of fish and chips ready for the taking. I learned from the last scary decision and went with the vegetarian haggis after being told it tasted just like the real thing. I was sure if that was a good or bad thing since I had never had sheep brain before but was feeling brave after the last beer . Food came and it was enjoyed by all, turns out sheep brains taste a lot like mushroom and pine nut pilaf. Good food and good beer/scotch/whiskey led to a good nights sleep in our hostel by the castle.