Scotland

Yikes. Once again, time has gotten away from me.
WAYYYY back in April, I once again traveled to a generally cold, rainy, gray place for spring break. I do like the rain. Thankfully, there wasn't much of it in Scotland the week we went! It was a preview of summer and that was okay by us.

I traveled with Rorey (grade 5), Shaun (IT guy), and Cal (PYP Principal) to the Cairngorms National Park in the middle of Scotland. We stayed in a old hotel in Braemar and spent the better percentage of the trip outside.

On our first evening, we ate a full Scottish dinner! Then climbed the big hill behind the hotel. Rorey and I should have known then what we were in for! Day 1 featured a hike. And by hike I mean we walked, then hitchhiked to the trail head, then walked, and walked, and walked. The boys had in mind they would climb a mountain. Rorey and I thought a nap at the base of a mountain sounded equally interesting. Sadly, neither happened because the mountain was farther away than anticipated. We did still nap though :D Followed by more and more and more walking. Close to 20km total. My legs were tired.

Day 2, we thought we would give our legs a break by renting bikes. Better, but not much of a break when the journey is mostly hills! However, the beauty of Scotland does make it easy to the burn and screams coming from one's legs. We biked to the Queen's place where we were treated to a lovely lunch (at the tourist cafe). Then ventured to Royal Distillery for a bit of whiskey tasting. When in Scotland ;) The bike back was somehow more uphill than the trip there. Not kidding.

Day 3, Rorey and I were serious about that rest. We sent the boys to a mountain while we perused through a bookshop (or three!) before resting at a cafe to read! We had also found a favorite lodge in town --one of three places to select from-- tough choices ;p So we played cards and truly let our legs rest.

Day 4, we headed back to Aberdeen. Checked out a castle. Ate some Thai food, watched a terrible British movie, and went to bed early!

Day 5, Mexican food! And then back to home sweet Riga.