Last weekend was a very exciting weekend. My parents came to visit! It was really special to have my parents see what I have been doing and where I have been living for the past month and a half. They came to Duns for tea (dinner) and then we headed to Edinburgh. When we left the house it was dark (as the sun sets at 4:00) here. As we drove towards the city it began to rain. The rain slowly turned to sleet and then finally to snow. We were about to get onto the main road when we pulled over for some reason or another (I don't remember why) outside a small lodge. All of a sudden a women came and knocked on our car window to tell us that because of the storm they had closed the roads and we would not be able to make it to Edinburgh. We quickly parked the car and went into the lodge to see if we could book a room. Eventually we were able to get a small family room for the night. When we settled in my dad went down to the lobby to get some soup. On his way he heard that a police officer had just been in to say that the roads were now open. We quickly packed our things and headed to Edinburgh. We eventually made it safe and sound to our hotel and settled in for the evening. A crazy first night with my parents.
The next morning we decided to set out to see the Falkirk Wheel. It is a massive wheel that connects two canals. As my dad works on the river he was very intrigued by the engineering and it was rather interesting to watch. On our way to and from the wheel we got to see the Kelpies (two large metal sculptures of horse heads).
The weather was very windy and wet so we decided to spend the rest of our time in the city of Edinburgh. We went and toured the castle. It was strange to be back but I got to see some things that I did not see the last time I was there. We saw the crown jewels, the prisoner of war exhibit and even spotted our hotel from the castle. It was an unbelievable experience to share with my mom and dad. Mom and I did some shopping along the Royal Mile and walked back to our hotel along Princes Street. Currently the Christmas market is set up so we got to see all of the stalls full of Christmas goods. We then met back up with dad at the hotel and enjoyed a delicious evening meal. My weekend in Edinburgh was amazing and one that I will never forget.
Having my parents in country was incredible and reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family. I have such a strong support system back home and without them a trip like this would not have been possible. I am forever changed from the things that I have seen and experienced here. My family back home has helped me get here and my host family has helped me while I am here. I am so very fortunate to have the host family that I do. They have welcomed me into their home since the first emails we exchanged. I will always remember these people and I feel honored that I have met them. I cannot believe that there is only a week left of my experience here. I am so full of gratitude this week, from the love I have received back home, to the welcoming and open arms here in Scotland. I'm ready to take on this final week and embrace the time that I have left in this beautiful place.
The next morning we decided to set out to see the Falkirk Wheel. It is a massive wheel that connects two canals. As my dad works on the river he was very intrigued by the engineering and it was rather interesting to watch. On our way to and from the wheel we got to see the Kelpies (two large metal sculptures of horse heads).
The weather was very windy and wet so we decided to spend the rest of our time in the city of Edinburgh. We went and toured the castle. It was strange to be back but I got to see some things that I did not see the last time I was there. We saw the crown jewels, the prisoner of war exhibit and even spotted our hotel from the castle. It was an unbelievable experience to share with my mom and dad. Mom and I did some shopping along the Royal Mile and walked back to our hotel along Princes Street. Currently the Christmas market is set up so we got to see all of the stalls full of Christmas goods. We then met back up with dad at the hotel and enjoyed a delicious evening meal. My weekend in Edinburgh was amazing and one that I will never forget.
Having my parents in country was incredible and reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family. I have such a strong support system back home and without them a trip like this would not have been possible. I am forever changed from the things that I have seen and experienced here. My family back home has helped me get here and my host family has helped me while I am here. I am so very fortunate to have the host family that I do. They have welcomed me into their home since the first emails we exchanged. I will always remember these people and I feel honored that I have met them. I cannot believe that there is only a week left of my experience here. I am so full of gratitude this week, from the love I have received back home, to the welcoming and open arms here in Scotland. I'm ready to take on this final week and embrace the time that I have left in this beautiful place.