More Visitors

My co-worker and good friend Gail showed up on the steps of the palace on Monday. Her daughter and son-in-law, Brianna and Chris, joined her and they are all enjoying 10 days in the UK. We spent some time on the mile seeing the castle, St. Giles, the palace and parliament, but we did a few different things that I haven’t yet experienced, which makes for some fun for all of us. One evening, the four of us decided to do a literary pub tour. It highlighted several pubs—and favourite watering holes—for Scotland’s greatest writers of and since the enlightenment. The two actors were a delight to listen too—our small group was escorted from The Grassmarket pub, the Beehive down the mound the Newtown pubs of Milnes and Abbotsford. The history and acting were great. The next evening, we drove to Peaston, south of Dalkeith a few miles, and visited Glenkinchie whisky distillery. The exhibit and tour were educational—the trick to how different types of whisky acquire their taste was what I was seeking. I now realize why I like the lowland brands a wee bit more—less smoky and fired with coal not peat.
My good friends were away this morning. They will make their way through Glasgow, the Lake District and finally Wales before they get back to London for their flight.

Because I was a little tired from staying up a wee bit too late at Sam’s with Cath and some other regulars, I took the better part of the afternoon to watch Bread and Roses. Of course after watching a movie where a downtrodden group of people organizes and gains their rights, I feel like I am not doing enough for any number of causes that I could be doing more. So, the guilt sets in, and I off to educate myself and continue the book on International Relations, and maybe, some day, I’ll change the world too.

Tonight: Dinner at Neil and Stuarts at their new apartment.