Great Britain Round Trip!

I know it's been a while since I have posted, but after you read this post you will surely know why!  It has been a whirlwind of activity these past couple of weeks.  First my parents came to visit me.  They arrived in Edinburgh on April 12th.  First I got them settled in their hotel, then took them to the Royal Mile for the tourist scene.  We went up and saw the Edinburgh castle.  After that we went to a the Scottish Weaving Co. where they had their first chance at seeing how the lambs wool products were made.  Then we went to a Scotch Whiskey tasting, followed by some dinner, and a drink at a local pub.

On Friday, April 13th we hopped on a train and headed down to Salisbury.  While in Salisbury, England, we visited Stonehenge and the surrounding area.  We stayed at a wonderful Bed & Breakfast called the Wheatsheaf in Wilton.  Here I learned that Wilton was the old capitol during the time Stonehenge was in use.  This was pretty neat!

Stonehenge

It was a beautiful day on April 14th and we spend the day in London.  I showed them Big Ben, Parliament, and every bridge.  We saw every single bridge because we walked the entire river walk of the River Thames.  It was a day well spend in London.  That night we headed to our hotel in Leicester (pronounces LESTER).

Tower Bridge, London

April 15th we spend the day in Leicester with Gary and Joyce, friends whom Mom and Kurt had met on their Alaska trip.  This was really nice, and relaxing. That afternoon we took a train back to Edinburgh. However the hotel didn't have a good breakfast, and since we were visiting Gary and Joyce, we didn't have time to eat.  This was HORRIBLE! We didn't end up eating until around 11pm that night, we were all hungry and a bit grumpy from that.

Leicester Squre

April 16th and 17th was relaxing.  We spent time on the Royal Mile.  We went shopping and I gave them a tour of Edinburgh and the surrounding area.  We visited the beautiful and magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens.  These were exquisite and highly enjoyable, that is if you don't get too lost!

Royal Botanic Gardens

April 18th was an eventful day! First, Kurt learned to drive on the wrong side of the road.  This was a little crazy and slightly terrifying, but by the end of his trip he was doing quite well!  We drove to the Isle of Skye.  This was beautiful, it is by far my favorite place in the world.  It has incredibly beautiful mountains, volcanoes, trees, wildlife, and sea water.  We took a glass bottom boat tour, which was well worth it.  I had the opportunity to see seals and all sorts of underwater creatures!

Lighthouse at Isle of Skye

Newest Mountains, Isle of Skye

On April 19th we visited Ferry Glen in Uig, on the Isle of Skye and saw most of the Island.  Then we went to the opposite side of the Scotland Highlands, and visited Dunrobin Castle (the Castle of Clan Sutherland).  We also took a tour of an organic micro brewery called "Black Isle Organic Brewery."  This was pretty neat and interesting.

Dunrobin Castle 

Sutherland County Sign 

Ferry Pool, Isle of Skye

April 20th we headed back to Edinburgh and spent time there before Mom and Kurt left the next morning at 5:30am.