New Years Scotland - part 2

30 Dec 09 - Day 2

We got up early, ate breakfast in the hotel and were soon off on a tour to see Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, the Trossachs, a highland cow, and the Famous Grouse.

Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. It sits on top of a volcanic crag and it surround on three sides by steep cliffs. This is the castle where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. It dates back to the 12th century.

Here is Benjamin at the castle, with a great view in the background.

We didn't have to tie to walk all the way up to the monument, it was a long way up with its 246 steps. The tour guide we had didn't like the movie Braveheart. He was sure to tell us that! Here is a picture of the National Wallace Monument.

The Trossachs are were the Highlands and Lowlands meet. It was absolutely spectacular! Here is a panoramic shot of me with the Trossachs in the background.

The highland cow, Hamish, was 16 years old! He reminded me of a Star Wars character. Benjamin said the character I was thinking about was called Bantha. See the resemblance?

The Famous Grouse is Scotland's oldest whisky distillery, established in 1775. Unfortantly, this is what happens when you are on in a tour group. Sometimes you don't get to pick what you want to do! However, Benjamin did get to taste some different kinds of whiskys. Whisky means 'water of life'.

After we got refreshed back at the hotel, we joined the tour group for a traditional Scottish dinner. We got wine, soup (which was the best we've ever tasted!), haggis (made of sheep's pluck - more on this in a bit), tasty main meals (I got chicken and Ben got roast beef), and a yummy raspberry dessert. After wining and dining, they started playing traditional Scottish music with bagpipes and we got to see some Scottish dancing. After the professional dancers were finished, they asked if people in the crowd wanted to learn how to dance. Benjamin and I were reluncant to try out Scottish dancing, but after the first few dances, we decided (Benjamin made us) to give it a try. It was so much fun!! I couldn't stop laughing!! For us, that was definitely the highlight of the night!

Disclaimer: For those of you with weak stomachs, you might not want to read this part.
Haggis - is a traditional Scottish dish made out of sheep's pluck. There I said it, oh wait...you don't know what sheep's pluck is? Oh, it's heart, liver AND lungs...of a sheep...cooked in a sheep's stomach...for a meal. Here is the haggis with a side of potatoes:

Looks yummy, doesn't it?

Benjamin trying haggis...don't worry I tried it too!