Edinburgh Castle

My mom and I took one day to explore Edinburgh castle. The castle itself was built during the 12th century on an extinct volcano that dominates the centre of the city. Its really a beautiful site, one that I can highly recommend for any europe traveller.

Unfortunately, the day was pretty miserable (as is usual for Edinburgh), so being outside walking around the castle wasn't as fun as it could have been, but we made up for it by enjoying some delicious scones and rich hot chocolate at the Queen's Cafe in the caste....mmmm....

Upon my arrival in Edinburgh, after almost 7 hours of train (1:45 from Lille to London through the chunnel, 4.5hrs from London to Edinburgh), I checked into my hostel and decided to go out for a little stroll.

As is usual for me, my stoll turned into a hike to the top of a mountain called "Arthur's Seat".

It was quite a mission to the top, but at least there were stairs for part of it (even if they looked like they were about to crumble down at any moment. I reached the top, and was treated to wonderful views of the city all around....an amazing start to the trip

Excitment builds....

Hey there loyal readers :)

Well, honestly, there hasn't been that much interesting stuff to write about for the last little while. I think that one thinks that while abroad that there will be tonnes of stuff to write about, that one's life will be super exciting, but this isn't always the case.
After awhile, I think I've sort of settled into a routine here, that while taking place in a different country, isn't really that different from what I'd be doing at home. I get up, eat breakfast, do some shopping, go to work, etc, etc, etc....But it is true that being in a different milieu makes for some interesting differences and learning experiences (can't quote any here...)

Anyhow, I will be leaving for Edinburgh tommorow morning for four days spent with my mom. Its been more than 4 months since I've seen her (or any other people from Canada close to me, all of you that is), the longest stretch in my life. Needless to say, I'm really excited. It will be her first time outside of North America, so she is definitely pretty excited about it too. Another reason to be excited, SHE'S BRINGING ME PEANUT BUTTER!!!! WOOHOO...lol....

For the rest of the month I will be finishing up my job teaching english, saving some money for the rest of the summer. As I believe i've mentioned before, the month of June will consist of a backpacking trip throughout parts of Europe. The exact itinerary is yet to be confirmed, but will be soon....

So, please send me some updates of life on the other side, i love hearing from you!!!!

IARI

I went to Brugges, Belgium the other day. If you haven't had the chance to go there and find yourself in Northern Europe, check it out! It is a wonderfully preserved Mideval City. It is known as the "Venice of the North" and earns this name from the canals that cross through the city centre.

The whole collection of my photos are posted online at: http://picasaweb.google.com/iantrice/BruggesMay2nd

I hope you enjoy!
IR

May day (May 1st) is a big holiday in France, so everything was closed. I, having not much to do, and seeing the wonderful weather outside, I decided to get my butt outside.

(It has been at least 20 degrees without rain for the past month, a serious drought across Northern Europe that is very troubling, see article: http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/30/news/0430weather.php

The great thing about Lille in the summer is that there is always something happening. I found the "Festivale International de la Soupe" ....thats right, the 7th Annual International Soup festival....with my bowl in hand, I set out to see what this was all about. Unfortunately, I seemed to arrive a little late for the Soup, only managing to try 5 or 6 types (they were great nonetheless). I did not miss however the festivities that surround this Festival of Soup. There were all sorts of interesting performers and other strange things like this mobile Hand washer that you see in the first and third picture. Where do people get these ideas from??? Its amazing!!! :)

There was wonderful music. I heard a few bands, one whose name I can't remember that played a mix of funk and soul and another named "MAP" Ministre d'Affaires Populaires. A really great hip-hop group with an arabic influence..

Overall, a great day!!!

btw, I've started a picture website where you can find all of my pics, check it out: http://picasaweb.google.com/iantrice