Two weeks ago it was spring break for schools in Romania. I took the opportunity to visit my dear friends Sarah, Dan, and their daughter Hazel in Glasgow. It was an amazing and refreshing trip! The weather was beautiful and for the first time this year it felt like spring. All week long local kept telling me that all the sunshine they were having was highly unusual. Only when on the day I leaving did it turn to more typical Scottish spring weather and rain.
Sarah is a wonderful hostess and before I even arrived asked me what food I was missing so that she could make some of my favorites. I was totally pampered all week long! Sarah whipped up Mexican food, Thai curry, and beef stroganoff. We also went out for fish and chips, tapas, and Indian!
The first day, which I sadly don't have pictures of Sarah and I had a day out in Edinburgh. We took the train from Glasgow in the morning. I had been to Edinburgh before so we just looked at the castle from afar and skipped the tour, instead we hit the shops, dined in a pub, walked through the parks, poked around back alleys and had an amazing sunset dinner and wine.
Sunday the weather was still gorgeous so we went to a park at Loch Lomond. The park has what I would call a mini castle, but is just referred to as a manor. Hazel explored the playground and I soaked up the sunshine.
Dan with the giant rhododendrons at Loch Lomond
mini castle
entrance to the loch
After the park we got some fish and chips for lunch before taking the train back to Sarah and Dan's flat so that Hazel could have her afternoon nap before the evening church service.
A park near Sarah and Dan's flat full of gorgeous cherry blossoms.
Dan stayed home while Hazel took her nap so that Sarah could show me a little of their neighborhood. We met up again with Dan and Hazel at church. Sarah's brother is the pastor of Re: Hope and it was great to see him preach. The service was very moving and the music was great. Dan then went out with a few friends from church and Sarah and I walked home with Hazel. After Hazel went to bed Sarah produced and amazing platter of local cheeses and
crackers for me to try. It was heavenly! I am still dreaming of the wensleydale with cranberries. Another perfect end to the day.
Uni
Museum
The museum is free and fantastic for both children and adults. Hazel did great playing with all the interactive features while Sarah and I got to enjoy looking at Scottish history, nature and design, plus art from around the world.
the museum organ
museum interior
Sarah and Hazel soaking up sunshine on the walk home
The next day we went downtown so I could do more shopping for things that are hard to find in Romania. Then Sarah and Hazel headed home for nap time and I stayed downtown to get my haircut. It was my first haircut in a year except my own occasional hacking at my bangs. Sarah had made an appointment for me with her awesome hairdresser, Mark, which was lovely!
Wednesday, I headed back to Edinburgh to meet up with my friend Emily. Emily went to grad school in Edinburgh and graduated last year and has stayed on to work in her field. Emily gave me a great insiders tour of the city.
apartments which combine old and new architecture
cherry blossoms in the Meadows
Nelson's monument and the observatory on Calton Hill
Castle!
Emily and I in Princes Street Gardens
After wandering all over town, Emily and I had drinks at the Last Drop in the Grassmarket.
We then met up with a couple of Emily's friends and had a chance to catch the sun set over the links public golf course at the end of The Meadows.
Thursday was an amazing day. The whole family surprised me for an early birthday celebration. I work up to find the lounge filled with balloons, bunting and a very excited Hazel who had learned to wish me (and everyone) a happy birthday.
Hazel Mae
"happy birthday!"
We went downtown for a little more shopping and I loaded up on my favorite shampoos and other goodies to bring back with me. It seemed like even the weather was cooperating on my birthday celebration day. Even the cherry tree outside my window was in bloom.
The view from the guest bedroom.
After Hazel's nap we headed out to go to the shop across the street so I could get some postcard stamps and to go to the neighborhood butcher.
Hazel helping me mail postcards
two stylish ladies!
With our newly purchased meat, Sarah made a gorgeous and delicious Mexican feast. Complete with party plates and napkins with my favorite, polka dots! I also was even more surprised with presents! Sarah and Dan knew the key to my heart with a giant bottle of Tabasco sauce and packets of couscous to take back to Romania.
the view from the dining room table
Hazel getting a little after dinner exercise
After Hazel went to bed, Sarah had one more topper for an already perfect day, we headed out for cake. The evening was gorgeous so we meandered through the neighborhood and then the University of Glasgow before heading to Kember and Jones for cake.
forget-me-not and daffodils
caution?
Uni
a view of Kelvingrove Museum
FRIENDS!
windy!
A sweet old professor took our picture at the oldest part of the uni
dessert at Kember and Jones
The next couple days flew by, but I was able to get one complete picture our group right before I left. It was a lovely vacation.
Sarah, Dan, and Hazel, I can't thank you enough! Love you guys! Marta
p.s. I can't wait for our next reunion
flying back to Romania - sigh!
