London, England

July 7 - July 11, 2010


The UK road-trip came to a close with a final stop along the route home to Rosslyn Chapel, just outside of Edinburgh, after a last overnight stay scheduled in York was voted out. With 'Knights Templar' fame, Rosslyn Chapel was featured in Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code, as well as in scenes of the novel's movie, filmed in 2005 with Tom Hanks.

So a few days back in the area were necessary as I had Street dance practices to attend, leading up to the Summer showcase in late July. The dance school runs showcases semiannually, in Summer and Winter, however, I was definitely not going to miss this upcoming performance as it would be my very last with Street Vibes Dance School in London. And if you didn't know already, as of four years old, dance has been my life.


In addition, I did not let the chance slip when it came to spending some final time with the couple friends who were still in town (the disadvantage of attending an international school: you never want to be home over holidays as it becomes a ghost town; everyone travels, whether it be back home or to another holiday destination), one of which was moving abroad to Detroit a mere four days after we caught up over lunch in Windsor. We conversed for hours over a very last Nandos meal for both of us.
I miss that chica.

Gravesite of Earl and Countess of Rosslyn at Rosslyn Chapel

Edinburgh, Scotland

July 3 - July 7, 2010

Through the overcast skies and rainy days, there is something exciting about Edinburgh. Unable to diagnose whether it may be due to the history towering over the city, such as Edinburgh Castle, the history layered underneath the city, such as Mary King's Close, or the intricacy of Medieval and Georgian architecture alike composing the city, I know I definitely could have spent more than just three full days wandering this Scottish gem.

Having spent the past two weeks dominantly out on desolate countryside may definitely have been a fueling factor to the excitement Edinburgh portrayed too. The noise pollution of traffic, the crowds moving at a consistent rate along this street and that...there is no doubt that I am a city girl. Then again, Edinburgh is also home to a multitude of universities which bring masses of young adults. I'll say no more. 

The two distinct areas, the Old Town and the New Town, create Edinburgh as it is seen today. From what I experienced, pick anything to do in this city and it will impress in some way or another.

When finding a bite to eat, we were never let down. From cafes to pubs to restaurants, deciding which to grab a meal at in the first place was the most difficult challenge to overcome. I must inform you, however, of two fantastic restaurants; 'The Glasshouse Off the Mile' on St. Giles Street is composed with a modern atmosphere featuring delicious, light lunch eats. 'Cucina' at Hotel Missoni is strikingly chic with a menu inspired with Italian cuisine. Champagne bottles popped and three-course black truffle summer menus were served all around; I ate incredibly well on my sixteenth birthday.

Princes Street in New Town has plenty to offer when it comes to shopping, situated central in the city next to Edinburgh Castle. So does 'The Centre' at Livingston; half an hour west of Edinburgh, in addition to the mall itself, is also a designer outlet mall (with fantastic bargains if I may say so myself) and movie cinemas.

If you happen to be visiting the area with younger kids, apart from the carousel in the Princes Street Gardens, make a visit to Camera Obscura. Alongside the obscura is a museum full of fun illusions to twist your mind around, while at the same time being very family-friendly.

Historically, Edinburgh has so much more to offer than I initially expected when first arriving in the area. Stroll down the Royal Mile in the Old Town and you're spanning the eminent mile of street between two of Edinburgh's spotlighted historical structures, Holyrood Abbey and Edinburgh Castle. Climb the Castle Rock, once volcanically created, up to Edinburgh Castle and discover its origins, back to when David I ruled in the 12th century. Return to earth and watch as tartan weaving mills, in working condition, create the kilts that only bagpipers can pull off. Move underground and you're in for an incredible surprise - that, the reason, of Edinburgh's haunted reputation. 

From Mary King's Close, a tour through the now underground, Plague-stricken, narrow streets of what used to be Edinburgh in the 15th century, to Ghost Tours under South Bridge, bringing you to the exact locations of where plague victims were locked up to rot and die, then exposing you to the paranormal activity which is said to still remain, never a moment will pass where you won't let down your guard.

Princes Street Gardens looking up to Edinburgh Castle

Tartan Weaving Mill

St. Giles' Cathedral on Royal Mile

Bank of Scotland Head Office off of Royal Mile

Hotel Missoni

Lake District, England

June 26 - July 3, 2010

Not a hint of noise pollution to be heard for miles, we had come upon the Lake District of Great Britain. For a week we were greeted with chirping birds, buzzing bees and cows and sheep in paddocks. For a week we were also greeted with limited internet access, for half a week, no running water, and for a day, no power...due to woodpeckers. Nonetheless, Summerhill Cottage at Cartmel Fell was very cozy, and the Masons' Arms pub had lovely food to offer just a short walk down the hill, as did The Swan pub at Newby Bridge, too.

Like Snowdonia, the Lake District has rolling countryside and greener than green views across the landscapes. In addition, as its name states, it also features over eighty lakes nestled among mountains, or fells. These lakes made perfect walks and picnic spots as did Fell Foot Park in Staveley-in-Cartmel. Those visited included Coniston Water, Rydal Water, Ullswater (where we spent Mum's birthday dinner at the Sharrow Bay Hotel with a gorgeous six-course taster meal) as well as Derwent Water, the location in which the quality art utensils originate (only those interested in visual art, like myself, would currently understand what I'm babbling on about). Furthermore, we also spent time in Bowness-on-Windermere on Lake Windermere. If you ever happen to be in the area and believe that it is a spectacular idea to rent out a little wooden motorboat, well...it isn't. Especially when you're speeding at a max of 5mph and you're stuck out in the middle of the lake with a bloodsucking tick attached to your arm (personal experience and incredibly unenjoyable).

Spending one lunch at Grasmere, the burial site to William Wordsworth, the famous English Romantic poet, we also explored other villages such as Hawes, Keswick and Buttermere. Penrith also made a place on our itinerary one day, however, quite unpleasantly, much of this particular village had boarded up storefronts as well as rubbish littering the streets. If you happen to come across Sizergh, don't miss a visit to Sizergh Castle which has been home to the Strickland family for more than 750 years, and still is. The original structure of this medieval castle dates back to the 14th century and has been extended since, in the Elizabethan era, with features such as detailed interior oak-panelling.  

As for scenic drives, the Yorkshire Dales are astounding in natural landscape, while Wrynose and Hardknott Passes provide some incredible photo-worthy locations. Definitely worth a hit!

Train track through Yorkshire Dales

Sizergh Castle

Rydal Water

The Swan (pub) at Newby Bridge