Paris Part Three- Au' Revoir

I sprung out of bed on Sunday morning, ready to enjoy any last little bits of life in Paris before I head back to Edinburgh. On a calm restful Sunday morning, Julie and I walked to her local farmer's market. Fresh fruits and vegetables lay perfectly plump alongside blooming flours. Next door an antique market was underway and full of novelty explorers. After perusing through the market, we headed towards the macaroon shop Pierre Herme to pick up my last batch of these sweet delights. They were the perfect Parisian treat to bring back to my friends in Edinburgh and a special little goodbye delight for me! It was wonderful to spend a quite fall morning walking through the streets of Paris and enjoying those sweet sights and smells I had first soaked in on Friday afternoon. On our way back to Julie's we stopped at yet another farmer's market. White tents anchored the street's center way. The smells of garden fresh produce, baked breads and daily caught fish morphed together into the smells of a morning market. Alongside these smells, are artisans selling tablecloths, bags and books!  I seem to love farmer’s markets so much because of this ambiance of local flavors breathing through the community. In this market, I can experience what is native to the region and enjoy local delights!

Fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market!
They smelled as if they were freshly picked!

Blooms of flowers sprung along the shops. Their
colors and fragrances compliment the fresh produce.

Happily enjoy our fresh baguettes My
multigrain bread tasted of earthy toasted flavors!

As we wandered our way through Julies' neighborhood, we stopped at a boulangerie to purchase our morning baguette. I was once again greeted by the earthy smells of baked bread aligned along the shopkeepers' wooden walls. Seeds scattered the parchment paper and toasted the tops of my multigrain baguette. We collected our fresh breads and walked back to Julie's apartment to bid adieu to our bright weekend. I thanked Julie for a wonderful time exploring all the gems of Paris. From visiting sites that have been ever on my bucket list and savoring sweet Parisian delights, it will certainly be a trip I hold close to my heart. What made this trip that much more special was having those I enjoy spending time with experience these adventures with me. Every trip is enriched by my friends who bring plenty of laughs and joy. I am left with so many memories to think back on until the next time Julie and I reunite in Dublin. The coming trips, I know will bring just as much adventure as the last. On this Sunday morning, I swung my bag pack around my shoulders and placed my baguette in my purse and headed towards the airport.

The farmer's market grew into a rainbow of colors. I especially loved the plump blueberries!

Enjoying seasonal and exotic produce at the
farmer's market! I was curious about the range
of textures and colors.

My weekend in Paris is one for the storybooks. It truly was a fairly tale brought to my abroad life Paris harbored so many wonders of the world to which I was excited to experience, but the trip itself proved to be so much more valuable than I could have ever expected. I spent a weekend exploring a place I have only dreamt of visiting and sharing that experience with friends I had missed so much. In my Parisian fairytale, this fable too followed the course of magic and memories accompanied by some ending moral. This lesson, though, is one that extends beyond my trip in Paris and even beyond my time in Europe. All the new sites, smells and flavors awoke new curiosities within my own endeavors. I have studied about these historical places and baked my very own French croissants. To experience these wonders in their natural form is a lesson in adventure all onto its own. It is when these architectural marvel peer back at you or sweet smells invite you in that each experience is unfold onto new depths and aspirations. To realize ones dreams of walking through the Tuileries as I gaze at the Louvre, biting into the dark crust of French baguettes is a very special gift. In this raw experience all these sights and flavors somehow meld together. In that moment of gaze, I am suddenly struck by the complexities of these places, but somehow warmed by how pure and simply wonderful they really are. I expect to feel awestruck at Notre Dame and delight in a French Macaroon, but there is an entirely new level of amazement that reveals itself in that first site or in some cases bite. This surprise is one I certainly welcome. It is this anticipation to experience the sensations surprisingly new that I think drives my adventures abroad. I am allured, to be graced by creativity and a chance to bequeath these experience in my own passions.

Thank you to my amazing parents for the trip of a lifetime! On top of the Eiffel Tower but feeling on top of the world!

This constant effort to expand beyond my current toolbox, is one I could not have pursued without the generosity of my parents. It is to them I owe a huge thank you for all the fortunes that have brought me so much happiness in my life and time abroad. For without my parents, I would not have stood tall atop the Eiffel Tower. A trip to Paris is a gift I hoped to use to its fullest potential. I have learned the value of exploration and all the wonders harbored in this world. To read, learn and understand these sites and then to experience them adds so much importance to what I have come to know. I have learned the value in understanding the world and the power it had on my own life. In these trips, lies the exploration of so many curiosities and their transformation to inspire my own life.  Each endeavor tells its very own fable and that together represent the fairytale of my time abroad. The desire for exploration is the will for inspiration. I celebrate this chance and plan to expand it to its fullest potential both here and at home. I invite in the world, hoping that one day it may pebble my own path.

Paris Part Two- Illuminate Your Mind

            How do you begin a Saturday morning in Paris, but with a fresh baked croissant! Julie finished pulling herself together and I went out in pursuit of the perfect pastry. My nose led me into a sweet smelling brasserie right down the street from Julie. This place was filled with people buying their local breads and baked goods. The deserts appeared as if they had been painted and decorated hours on end, while their fresh smells proved their cookery earlier this morning. I purchased our croissants and headed back to Julie’s apartment to bite into the sweet soft crisp of the croissant and prepare for yet another full day exploring Paris.

The right way to start a Saturday morning in Paris! These croissants tasted as if they had just come out of the oven!

No wonder the sweet smells
lead me into this bakery. The deserts
looked just as fresh as the baked breads!

A local gem, this bakery crafted confectionary
masterpieces. From chocolate ganache to sweet
creams each treat was handmade that morning!

            We headed out to meet our other friends in Paris for the weekend and enjoy a bit of site seeing. Our first stop was Sacre Coeur, a famous church in Paris. The Church stood prominently perched along the hilltop gazing out onto the city of Paris. We climbed a steep staircase aligned with stucca houses and iron gates on one side and fresh gardens on the other. The cobblestone streets only added to the ambiance of this quaint neighborhood sharing with us one of the wondrous churches in Paris. Upon entering the church I was mesmerized by an elongated isle streaming towards an alter harboring so much beauty. Stain glassed windows and voluminous sculptures cascaded along the various walkways and decorative finishes covered the contours of the ceilings and walls. As we stepped outside the church, I was once again struck by such profound views where the church’s eyes gaze out onto a sunny view of Paris. 

The view of Sacre Coeur as we climbed
the stairs. The Church gracefully beamed
over the neighborhood.

After viewing magnificent artwork inside
the Church, you step out and art greeted
by the most breathtaking views of Paris.  

Bagpipes playing in the
Farmer's Market!

One of the wonderful side streets by
Sacre Coeur and the Farmer's Market.
I loved how this neighborhood had its own
 little Saturday festival while looking
out onto the city of Paris.
                                   

            Below the Sacre Coeur is a farmers market filled with foods, festive goods and artisans. We followed the market down the winding cobblestone streets and quarters. In this burrow, bakers and artists shared their creations with people passing by. Jolly tunes played as we passed by. I even heard the bagpipes, who knew I would find my Scottish studies nestled in the Parisian courtyard. What I really enjoyed was how local and tucked away this neighborhood was. It was the gem, I find myself always in pursuit of, sharing its own livelihood with those willing to experience it. 

Walking down the streets we came across this cafe with a Windmill in it! So many of the cafes were built in pearl white stucco sided with iron gates and vines. The pops of royal blue, reds and greens painted these cafes with personality.

Moulin Rouge was painted in pops of red and white! I loved
 learning about a place I've only really seen in movies

            We followed the escalating market downward and headed towards the Moulin Rouge Theatre. The hall was punctuated with powerful reds and whites. I moved beyond what I had known about Moulin Rouge and into its actual presence at the theatre. In this journey we were en route to Notre Dame. As we walked closer towards the Church I found myself in awe of such prominent architecture where stone pillars extended towards the sky and handcrafted sculptures decorated the entryways. The inside was just as outstanding. Painted ceilings and stained glass walls beamed in brilliant colors and long isles met a brilliant alter. I loved seeing yet another church whose historical and artistic value outlooks onto the city. Its beauty beams beyond the history books and I find myself savoring yet another opportunity to visit a place I have learned about in university. In many churches that I visit, there is a common practice to light a candle in memory or prayer for a loved one. It is a moment where I can unite my memories and family from home with my experiences abroad. I have seen this at Christ Church at Oxford University, Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame in Paris. This tradition is one that I uphold when I have the chance to visit one of these artful places. In this moment of recognition I light my candle and am on my way.      

Notre Dame stood prominently in the city of Paris. I marveled at the detailing of the gothic architecture standingthe artwork inside.

We passed another wonderful Church on our way to the Luxembourg Gardens. I love how so many historical monuments are tucked along the city of Paris.

We stopped to explore the Church and enjoy the courtyard it stood proudly in. In the center a stone fountain flowed and diners enjoyed lunch in the surrounding cafes.

We entered the Luxembourgh Gardens greeted by the sights
 and smells of fall. I loved how the trees patterned the paths
 in hues of burnt orange and mossy green

            We continued walking along, enjoying various churches and monuments that pocket the streets along the way. At one point, we stopped at another church set along a little courtyard and center fountain. We were captivated by another sight of beauty and the local shops that surrounded it. Onwards we went with our journey heading to a place I found to be one of my favorite stops in Paris.  I entered the Luxembourg Gardens and am greeted by the hues of fall and magnificent castles. Paths were adorned with burnt leaves fallen from patterned trees. In the garden center, fields of green grass and bushels of purple and pink flowers extend towards the center pond and aligned a masterful castle. We sat along the stone pillared stairways and enjoyed the vibrancy and sunshine. I felt warmed by the feelings of fall.

Perched along the stone entryway, I gazed out on some of the most amazing views I have laid eyes on. Fresh flowers and greenery grew alongside a wondrous castle.

My friends and I enjoyed walking around these gardens and enjoying all the fresh smells and bright colors

In the center, there was a large pound to which drew in all these magnificent elements of the Luxembourg Gardens. The paths, castle and gardens joined each other at this pond offering visitors so many routes in which to explore.

My friends and I sat and enjoyed the views in Luxembourg Gardens. We were surrounded by the beauties of mother nature and renowned architecture.

We walked to the Tuileries for another stroll through the park. In the distance you can see the Eiffel Tower!

I could feel fall in the air as
we walked through the Tuileries.
The paths are decorated in
falling leaves and broad trees

           Paris is a city blooming with beautiful gardens. Our next excursion brought us to The Tuileries, another garden situated next to Louvre. Passing by the Louvre, I was captivated by its size and the artisans it held within its stonewalls. We made our way into the Tuilieries enjoying a park of endless paths and recreation from sunbathing, tennis players and café diners. We seemed to all be graced with the same fatigue visited after a long day of walking and site seeing. Our remedy to enjoy the gardens with each other’s company and reflects on the day’s travels. What a way to spend an afternoon, let alone an afternoon in Paris, sunbathing with other garden dwellers alongside the  beautiful pond and archways. The garden paved paths to all sorts of central points in Paris from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower. I peered out towards all of these famous monuments feeling evermore energized to explore them. I felt myself dreaming towards all I could see in the distance.

We walked towards the Eiffel Tower and excited to take the elevator ride up it!

This was quite an interesting view of both the Eiffel Tower and the city of Paris. I love how you can gaze off onto another open greenery as you stand below the Eiffel Tower.

Halfway up the Eiffel Tower, we stepped out and enjoyed the
views as we awaited for the elevator to the top. As you look
you see quite a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower!

            As the afternoon faded into evening, we headed towards a very anticipated Parisian endeavor. The Eiffel Tower is born with so many enticements and avenues of exploration. At the top, I hoped these sights would come true. We entered the line to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower and proceeded to pass the time the best way we knew how. Together we shared a baguette melted with three cheeses, and just like that we were at the front of the line. Parisian food might very well be magic! We entered the elevator and began to climb the first stop on our journey up to the top. Halfway up, the views painted beautiful views of the night sky and city line. At this stopping point, you could stair up towards a towering Eiffel whose golden bronze bones pierced the night sky. This vertical view was one of the few moments I felt my stomach turn. I realized the distance left to go up on this vertical and increasingly narrow structure.

My friends and I halfway up the Eiffel Tower. Halfway up, it was pretty windy, beating the chill by enjoying the views of the River Seine and Paris in the background!

We finally made it atop the Eiffel Tower! The streets of Paris light up along the night sky!

On top of the Eiffel Tower I was overwhelmed by sparking lights and magnificent views of the city!

On top of the Eiffel Tower I was

overwhelmed by sparking lights and

magnificent views of the city!

            The moment we arrived at the top and stepped outside a feeling of pure artful magnificence grazed me. I was overwhelmed with a sea patterned lights and a navy blue sky illuminating the city of Paris from the views above. We. I could gaze out onto the Louvre in one direction, Sacre Creur in another and the Seine River in yet another. We climbed the tower with a little bit of luck on our side and just as we walked outside, the Eiffel Tower started to sparkle. I felt alive, beaming with excitement to visualize Paris in such streaming views. This view, which I saw from afar the night before, I now stood part of. In this sparkle, my friends and I rejoiced in the pleasures of Paris and the fortunes of life abroad. We smiled as bright as the twinkling lights and laughed along the beat of its illumination in the sky. We were not the only ones sharing the joy of such a magical night. The entire crowd joined in on our happiness and one couple actually got engaged amid the sparkles to which my friend was asked to film the proposal. The evening had to have been the most physically and figuratively dazzling night I have yet to experience. I was part of this spotlight and it too found a place within me. I felt the dazzling night invoke a sense of passion for these adventures up the Eiffel Tower and around the world. I was born into a haven of bright happiness. When it was time to leave, we followed the elevator half down and walked the rest back to ground. Bedazzled in beauty we made our way to dinner.

This special trip left me glowing as bright as the
 golden hues of the Eiffel Tower. In this moment,
I was so thankful for the experiences I have had
and the friends there alongside me.

A delicious dinner in a wonderful restaurant was the perfect way to end our bright night! We enjoyed a wonderful day as friends experiencing the city of Paris together.

            Since our lunch spot was such a big hit the day before, we decided to head back to the restaurant by Julie for dinner. We were greeted by live music and a friendly waiter ushering us all in and commenting on our big bright jolly faces. We enjoyed a delightful dinner in the company of great friends. I happily ate one of my favorite, open-faced baguette with brie and ham. Of course, our friends had to test out the Chocolate Pecan delight Julie and I enjoyed the day before. With six spoons, this oozy desert was gone in seconds. After a night of wondrous views and food, we headed back to relax at Julies’. As couple of tired explorers, we reminisced on joyful day of adventures and shared stories from home. We sent the other girls on the way back to their hostel stopping for a sweet crepe along the way. On Sunday we would all head back home and used the end of the night to say our goodbyes and wish each other safe travels. We knew however, it would not be long until our abroad journeys would cross again and experiences as wonderful as the ones in Paris would soon unfold. Exploring all my curiosities in Paris was made that much more satisfying in the company of good friends. I was full of the sweet delights of life.

My Paris Tales: Part One- Gardens and Goodies

            Bonjour! My weekend in Paris was filled with so many wonderful memories that I decided to break this post up by day. On Friday all the way through Sunday, I explored new and inviting parts of Paris that joined together for an unforgettable trip. On my first afternoon in Paris, I enjoyed so many new sights, smells and flavors beaming from every street corner. From sweet smelling brasseries, architecture marvels and plush gardens, I was in the presence of Parisian beauty. In this weekend, I welcomed in the exploration of a city known to many, and explored by the lucky visitors.

Hello Paris! We walked around the city, stopping in the Tuileries Garden to enjoy the views.

            After arriving at the airport, I headed directly to Julies’ apartment to begin our weekend in Paris! Located in the eleventh quarter, her place sits among a side street populated by local shops and residents. One of my especially favorite parts of Paris are the entryways. The architecture marvels in tall twin doors and ornament finishes. The doors pattern the streets in a regal rainbow. Above Julies’ pearly red door hung the address in brass numbers. With a sort of fantastical whim I turned the big knob centered in the door and walked into the entryway. Black and white patterned tiles met an inner iron gate and wooden spiral staircase. All of these classical elements met in this room and sparked the traditional design that I really enjoy. I spanned the spiral staircase and greeted Julie at the door. It had been two fast weeks since we had last seen each other upon her visit to me in Edinburgh. Friends in a fabulous city, I was eager to explore the marvels of Paris.

My first parisian meal! After this savory cheese ravioli was happy to explore the wonders of Paris!

            I was hungry from a morning of travel, so Julie and I headed to one of her favorite local spots for my first Parisian meal. As a food connoisseur, I savor these particularly tasty moment. Each endeavor is a chance to explore a new culture in the best way I know how- to eat! In trying new foods and flavors, I hope to expand my palate and invoke creativity in my own culinary pleasures. We walked through the waterproof overhang that protects the outdoor café’s seating in cold weather and into the main dining area. Our waitress greeted us and took us to a table that looked out onto the streets of Paris. I loved the wooden floors and table and brass iron bits cascading the walls. A spiral staircase hid in the corner with posters of artists and movies stickered the wall. As I was swayed with the music, I was encapsulated by the aromatic smells rushing on their way to other diners.

While the menu might have been in French, I knew that any dish was bound to wake my taste buds with fresh ingredients and flavor. We dined over savory cheese ravioli so fresh it practically tasted as if the cow had been milked that day and the dairy was churned behind the kitchen. I could hear the crackles of the fresh baguette and soaked it in the remainders of the cheese sauce. As any and every meal should end with desert, we ordered one of Julie’s favorites, Chocolate lava cake sided with pecan ice cream. My taste buds bloomed with endorphins. I had eaten my way into an entirely new palate of flavors and sensations I hoped would become inspiration for my own foodie endeavors. I could think of no better way to begin my weekend in Paris then with the delights of fresh Parisian food.

Raspberry and Rose
Macaroon!

 Large Creme Brûlée
Macaroon!

            Happily full of Parisian savories and sweets, we began to explore the streets of Paris. Julie showed me around her neighborhood and we walked by her school. How beautiful her university was set alongside the city and local shops. I loved how prominent the stone building was accompanied by yet more voluminous entryways and grazing courtyards. We stopped a macaroon shop for my Parisian delights. Pierre Herme home makes their own macaroons, chocolates and all other confectionaries. The macaroons cascade a rainbow of colors and range in flavors from raspberry and rose to vanilla and olive oil. I spotted the classic pistachio, which is one my favorites and for me is the traditional macaroon. My favorites were the shop’s signature large crème brulee and seasonal pumpkin. The dark chocolate filled with caramel delight was just a sweet and scrumptious. We headed to the Louvre to enjoy our box of macaroons and chocolate. When we arrived at the Lourve, I was amazed by how far this this monument extended. It seemingly held a never-ending circumference in which its interiors house artistic marvels. After walking around and into the entryway of this prominent museum we headed towards the Tuileries Garden. A spot tucked along the greenery bathed in the sun and seemed the perfect place to enjoy our macaroons in the garden.

The Louvre is magnificent standing so
proud in Paris. The architecture and
intricate designs match the art inside.

I was amazed by the size of the Louvre
and it seemed to extend into some far off distance. 

We walked through the Tuileries enjoying
a beautiful fall afternoon.

Enjoying our macaroons in the Tuileries Garden! We joined other loungers on a beautiful sunny afternoon in Paris.

One of the cobblestone streets by Julie. I love
how each path invites you in to explore the
local gems. 

            As the day passed on we walked through the surrounding areas. Each street and courtyard harbored its own special niche. This sense of personality reminded me of the locality and character born in the big city of Paris. Each street was decorated with family owned brasseries, boulangeries and boutiques. I could smell the sweet croissants brewing just outside the shopkeepers window, I could hear fresh baguettes crack out of the oven bread, and I stared into bright colors and patterns illuminating storefronts of the boutiques. I found myself pulling towards one street corner only to be enticed by yet another sensation next door. In one area, we explored the vintage shops known as kilo shops. At these stores you pay for you clothes by weight of an item. This is such an innovative idea and almost invokes a sense of creativity in the shopper. I love this mindset and think it would be a very practical way to market other items alike. I was running with hype from all the new sights, smells and foods from that sunny Friday afternoon. After a long day in Paris, we headed back to Julies’ to rest not only my feet but also my mind.

The Eiffel Tower! I was amazed by its golden brilliance shining brighting in the night sky.

Ending the nights with crepes! A necessary treat after a long day in Paris.

Julie and I enjoying a night with friends gazing out onto the Eiffel Tower. It was a beautiful sight and a great way to spend my first evening in Paris!

            Later in the evening we set out for a delightful and simply delicious dinner. We bought ourselves some fresh baguettes and cheese spread and walked to Julie’s friend’s apartment. We dipped baguette in savory cheeses, laughing and listening to music. It was yet another chance to share stories with other students abroad. I love these moments where I can learn from what others have explored in Europe and reflect also on my experiences abroad. Stuffed with baguette and cheese, we headed out into the city of Paris and towards the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower seemingly grew as walked from a nearby monument towards the greenery. We perched ourselves alongside a stone wall and stared in its magnificence. Right on the hour the Eiffel Tower started to sparkle and I felt like I was in the presence of shear brilliance. The sparkles light up the city and illuminate a new pocket of Paris with each twinkle. Gazing at its gold contours and geometric patterns, I found myself pondering not only its beauty, but also my own wonders of the world. This was my first real moment seeing the Eiffel Tower. I could feel the nature of this architectural masterpiece growing and invoking brightened world of inspiration within me. With such a bright night, we headed back to Julies stoping, of course, for the necessary late night crepe. My crepe was filled with thick and nutty Nutella, warmed bananas and the sweet crunch of coconut. Simply Parisian Yum. A happy belly and a twinkle in my eye, it would certainly be sweet dreams for me. The next day I knew would bring just as much bright and wondrous adventure as the first. 

The Sheep Heid Inn- Ages of Edinburgh

            After much traveling and a busy school schedule my friends and I decided to meet up for a nice dinner on Wednesday. Where to go, but a place nestled along Arthur’s Seat and a local keepsake of Scottish tradition. The Sheep’s Heid Inn is the oldest pub, restaurant and inn in Edinburgh. It certainly lives up to its historical reputation. This inn is decorated with all sorts of medieval swords and daggers, wood carved clocks and royal portraits. Dark wood floors and tables compliment the soft green and blue hues of the plaid carpet and chairs. The soft patterns and shades warm the rooms. At this inn, I felt as though I was peaking into centuries of Scotland’s past preserved by the innkeepers and local patrons. The rooms held a certain festive ambiance and seasonal character. From the mirrors hung red, green and gold reefs in anticipation for the Christmas season while the menu reflected the tastes of fall. These seasonal smells and colors melted together to bear the image of a cozy cottage tucked just outside the hustle the city. In a warm wool sweater and a cup of cocoa, this is the place I would find myself and villagers from centuries past who come to think and ponder the wonders of Edinburgh.

The Sheep Heid Inn is a cozy white stucco and dark wooden cottage nestled on the corner of the road. I love the Sheep signage hanging over the title. It really adds a local and village feel to this tucked away secret place.

            Gathered around the dining table, we all ordered savory Scottish dishes and caught up on our recent adventures abroad. Later, we enjoyed a taster plate of Scottish deserts such as warm apple pie and Cherry Cheesecake. In this moment, I felt completely warmed and welcomes. This night was a bond between all of my favorite things in life- food, friends and stories. There is no better place to experience such wonders than a cozy night at a traditional Scottish pub.

Our delightful deserts! The taster platter came with so many favorites including Apple pie, Cherry Cheesecake, Creme Brulee, Brownie Pie and Pecan delight. It tasted like a sweet slice of fall!

            Later in the evening we entered into the pub quiz. We competed against all other diners ranging in age and knowledge. We did not fair so bad either, coming in third place with the temptation for winning a few pounds or a bottle of wine. Beyond the prize though, it was a way for us to extend our evening and enjoy each other’s company.

One of the wonderful clocks
decorating this inn.

Groups of clocks hang together as a
symbol of the passing of time born
in this cozy inn.

A barometer clock. These are
beautiful and historic telling
time and temperature.

            We finished the night off by strolling into the inn’s well-known bowling alley. This spot is an antique all on its own. Wooden floors strike the alleyway and cascade down the walls. Classic red and white striped ball pins are aligned at the end of the alley in a perfect handmade triangle. The bowling balls match the age of this alley as they resembled big and small rounded stones missing the finger holes found on the perceivably modern bowling balls. I really enjoyed the classical feel of this place- the fact that we manually set up the ball pins for each other and rolled the balls on their belt. The 1950’s music humming in the background delved this image of the 1950s retro bowling alley even deeper in time. After much playing around, we decided to head back through the dining room and call it a night.

A real antique bowling alley! The wooden alley way and sturdy bowling balls create an image of the old school bowling alley and place to enjoy the company of friends.

            This inn is one I hope to revisit again. My friend’s and I plan to make this place a tradition. The Sheep Heid Inn is also a spot I plan to take all of my other visitors to Edinburgh for the true Scottish experience. As a sweet humble abode tucked away from the city center and hidden beyond the mountain, it is the perfect place to escape into the wonders of Scotland. In this dwelling, we can rest from our busy lives abroad and simply appreciate the traditions of Scotland and the value our time spent here. As we headed home, we walked past Arthur’s Seat. On this stroll, I cherished the essence of this stoic cottage tucked by the mountainside. I found myself envisioning past visitors to this inn throughout the centuries. Each traveler set along a journey and bringing to this inn their own set of stories and wonders of the world. On my stay, I relive these and add a new chapter along this countryside tale. Edinburgh is a city born in history and these cottages inviting in the long traditions comfort me. I am welcomed in and feel right at home.