We were greeted by a beautiful day today. Checked out a top coffee spot before walking up to the Edinburgh Castle. A wonderful place with such a history. The tour to see the jewels is very well done. After the one o'clock gun we had fish and chips with mushy peas before heading to Arthur's Seat - a very long up hill walk was regarded by 360 degrees views and a fresh highland breeze. On the afternoon tea with Queen and a look through the Holyrood Palace

Just before you arrive in Scotland by train you go through a tunnel. The first think you see is the old town and a small castle like structure. So beautiful. We have a 48 hour bus ticket here and were very glad to be on the bus as the rain had begun and we were too early for our room. The water from the rain was coming down the stairs of the bus like a waterfall at times. We toured The Royal Yacht Britannia then dropped off out backpacks before meeting Chris Bu...

Off - to the Tower of London today! We are almost pros on the train systems now - we don't look like deer in headlights every time we get to a train station. We headed straight for the Crown Jewels (I missed out on this section last time and knew the line would be long). when we arrived - dazzling! The Tower of London is an experience that should not be missed. I am so glad that I went again. We checked out the "Eye" and decided to leave that for next time! T...

With the big party on today it was all hands on deck. Scott and I took the boys to the park - Jack on his bike and Tom on Jack's scooter. Then we headed down to the shops to find some gluten free crackers (there is very little GF available here). The first guest arrived at 12:30pm which began a wonderful afternoon of meeting and catching up with many members of my Dad's extended Quinn family. Good food, good wine and great company. It was supposed to rain all d...

The British Museum combined new with old architecture beautifully. This place is huge. You could spend days here if you had time and I think that would be the best way to see it - bit by bit otherwise information overload takes over. The Pompeii and Herculaneum Exhibition was extremely well done and has made going to these places even more of a must.