Our final full day in Scotland landed on a Sunday. Perfect. We woke up and my daughter-in-law served up her daily cup of coffee and we prepared for the day.
This day was packed with sites and emotions. I hate saying goodbye to my kids. I was relieved and thankful to have been a part of their daily life in a foreign land. I knew they were safe and extremely happy. But I was holding back tears all day. I miss them. And I fell in love with Scotland, as I knew I would.
This morning we attended a traditional Anglican Church. I admit that it has been a while since I worshipped in this way. A flood of memories of my very young Catholic days came back to me. I confess that I looked around several times for nuns. I had a fear of them as a child. Go ahead and laugh at me, I’m laughing. It was totally irrational. I almost decided not to partake of communion due to my irrational fears from childhood. Silly. I went forward and followed my son and daughter as what to do. Again, I confess that the moment I should have been reflecting on Jesus and what He did for me on the cross, I was focused on the “bread” and how it wasn’t the kind that instantly melted in your mouth but rather the kind from my childhood that sticks to the roof of your mouth and the tiny bit of wine the priest offered me didn’t help to unstick it. I had thoughts of grabbing his arm and taking a larger chug. Once back in my seat I was able to be thankful and hold back the laughter of how silly I was. I did enjoy the service.
From there we sent our daughter on ahead to purchase pasties for lunch. We met up with her on The Royal Mile and sat on a bench and partook of their deliciousness.
Onward we trudged to the Edinburgh Castle. I was so excited to go there because the real Stone of Destiny was on display there.
This castle is intact and functioning. Soldiers live there and it is like a village within the walls. The view is spectacular and overlooks the city and the Firth of Forth. Enjoy these pics…
Queen Margaret, of Scotland, later St. Margaret, was a woman of prayer and benevolence. Her son built her a chapel within the castle walls…….
We finally did see The Stone of Destiny. It was in a room, guarded, enclosed within glass and no pictures could be taken. But I saw it and it was wonderful!
Time for TEA!
And on our way….
My advice to all…. visit Scotland or whatever land you dream about. It is worth the money and the emotion and it is pure joy.
Enjoy!
Cate B
Let's Have Another Piece of Pie 
Lovely!!
Thank you Paul.
Nice photos, and a lovely reflection, Cate! I had a soft chuckle reading your experience and internal musings when you attended the Catholic service. I could only imagine how the priest would’ve reacted if you had really grabbed his arm for another chug at that wine, haha!
I guess even when you leave, you’ll still be carrying a piece of Scotland in your heart. 🙂
Hahaha. I also imagined a sit-com scene of grabbing the priests arm for a chug. Lol. Thanks for reading 😘
My pleasure! 🙂