Before I left for Africa, my aunt Angela and cousin Gemma decided to go up to Scotland where my other cousin Ruth and her family - husband Roland, and children Mabel, Barney, and Monty were going to be glamping for the week. They asked me if I'd like to join them...of course I would!!
The drive up from Liverpool through Carlisle to Edinburgh took about 5 hours....a long drive by British standards. We got to the town of North Berwick where we were met with great warmth by Ruth and her family. They are staying at a farm nearby and "glamping" in a tent/cabin on the farm. It's absolutely beautiful here! The farm is within walking distance to the North sea and it goes on for miles, so lots of great long walks.
It is so strange being in a country where everything is so green and there are more sheep than people! It is lambing season now and there are hundreds of adorable lambs gambolling in the fields and feeding off their mothers. I now understand the phrase "lamb of God", they are so innocent and vulnerable and devastatingly CUTE!
At the campsite the farmers have put pens which house lambs, goats, chickens, bunnies and geese. The children are having the best time taking care of the animals, feeding them and letting them out to play. I kept thinking of my kids and how much they would have loved this when they were little.
Long walks on the beach followed by great meals (why does everything taste better when you're camping?) and sitting around the fire. Lots of games of rummicub and arguing over the rules, a seemingly necessary aspect to family games nights! Roland and I and the children went on a bike ride - it was a gloriously sunny day and I so enjoyed the fresh air and exercise.
We had a wonderful Chinese meal in the town of North Berwick, compliments of my Auntie Angela. It's a cute little village and she and Gemma are staying in a fancy hotel by one of the many golf courses in the area. I sometimes wish I was a golfer, and I remember with great fondness the time when my dad and I went to Scotland and I was his caddy. Such great memories.
On our last evening, Roland treated us to a great pub meal and when i saw that there was sticky treacle pudding on the menu, i decided on a simple bowl of soup with my main course, dessert. Unimaginably delicious!
On the last day, Ruth, Mabel and I booked a hour of horseback riding with the farm down the road. I was really nervous but the woman, Carole, was great. Stern, but great. I told her the last time I rode something it was a camel in India, and it wasn't very comfortable! She looked at me with slight disdain and said horses are different. I knew then that I was dealing with a serious and devout Horse Lover and I needed to show respect. It was a magical experience and "Flame" and I got along quite well, although Ruth could tell you a different story....! Mabel has had some riding lessons so was a pro and had the distinct pleasure of being allowed to gallop on the beach which was very exciting for her...and her Mum. I was just happy that I got to a trot and didn't fall off the horse! It was a really fun experience and I loved it. The only down-side was that I forgot that i am very allergic to horse hair and neglected to take an antihistamine before getting on it. At the end of it, my eyes were swollen, itchy and red, I was sneezing and streaming, but it was still worth it!
I had such an amazing time with this lovely family and have fallen in love with the three children. I will see them again before I go home....but wonder how I will do without them when I am far away in Canada.
Back on the road to Liverpool to have a meal and visit with Sue and Terry before my flight to Madrid tomorrow.
More adventures to come!
