Well, sadly my Scottish adventure is coming quickly to a close as I sit waiting for my flight to board - Edinburgh through Chicago then onto Calgary.
I spent the past day and a half resting up here in Edinburgh, from a busy, whirlwind Orkney quest and managed to see some more sights. Such a busy city, especially with a marathon yesterday. Plenty of people around me who are preparing to board and have been commenting how sore they are. An 8 hour flight should do wonders for their aching muscles! Yikes!
I visited Edinburgh Castle, along with everyone else it seemed. I have to admit that coming back from a remote location to being around crowds just about did me in. It was a bit of a shock to my system!
The castle itself was incredibly amazing! Besides the impressive and prestigious architecture which continues to thrive and stand overlooking this magnificent city as the years go by, there is so much history associated with this place. At times it was overwhelming trying to keep the dates and monarchs straight from centuries past. I love to visit these ancient places and take it all in, but where does one start?
It leaves me in awe and astounded at the beauty, the history, the significance of events. And, great to know how much I want to know more about. I'll certainly be doing a lot of reading when I return, which I'm really looking forward to.
According to the official website of Edinburgh Castle, throughout history the castle was recognized as an ancient fortress, a royal residence, a royal treasury, a military garrison, and a prison. Over the course of history, royalty, knights, soldiers and even pirates (among others) walked through its gates. Of course, some of these individuals never walked out again which lends itself to numerous ghost stories and significant historical events.
It has since been declared a World Heritage Site as part of the Old and New Town of Edinburgh.
The most poignant part of the castle for me was seeing the Dog Cemetery, which is lovingly cared for, complete with headstones for each fur-baby. It has seen numerous faithful companions of royalty and soldiers laid to rest since the reign of Queen Victoria.
Learn even more on the following website: www.edinburghcastle.scot/the-castle/history
I also did an overground tour of the Real Mary King's Close which was fascinating to see where history took place during the 1300's and onwards. I have never been so grateful to live now in this day and age - living conditions must have been fairly horrendous here for a lot of people in the past.
Wandering around this city made me realize how little I have seen of it and I cannot wait to return to do a really thorough tour of Edinburgh and of Scotland. I feel so connected to this country and culture.
While visiting the Orkney Islands, I was asked a few times where I was from in Scotland. In response I mentioned that I was from Canada and those asking were insistent that I must be Scottish because I have “the country hair”. My hair is reddish, long and curly and with my green eyes, I guess I fit in quite well!
Here’s a really cool revelation I had from this journey! Based on the history of the Vikings, they came from Norway, established themselves on the Orkney Islands and moved south into Scotland. Eventually there was a migration west, heading to Iceland where the oral traditions were written down. (This is the Cole’s notes version, of course!!!)
When I was younger, there were only vague stories of my Norwegian ancestors, and some stories about my Icelandic ancestors. I know that my Great Grandma (my Mom’s Dad’s Mom!!!) came from Iceland to Canada at 10 years of age with her family, eventually settling in central Alberta. Yet there seemed to always be a missing piece of the puzzle for me.
Here in Scotland, I finally found the connection. This is where my Norwegian ancestors settled for a time before some of their descendants eventually moved west to Iceland. Even if it is only a whisper of one at this time, I definitely plan to explore it more going forward.
From the start in planning for this trip, all the pieces fell into place so easily. I just knew there was a reason I felt such a strong “calling” to be here! And to find out that this was the reason - to find out more about my family - leaves me elated beyond words!
And now as this adventure ends, I wonder how these experiences and events will emerge and influence my life. Looking forward to seeing it all unfold.
Now though, I have to keep this short as my flight is boarding. So thrilled and grateful for the connections I discovered, the people I met, the sights I saw, the experiences I had. I feel like I am leaving home for home at this time. I will remember this trip forever!
Thank you again for sharing in my quest which was so much more than I could have ever imagined. This is the life I get when I trust and follow my heart, and am bold enough to listen and be spontaneous. Awesome!
Be well and take care. A bittersweet but heartfelt “good-bye” from Scotland to you all!
Cheers, Jae
Comments