A Scottish Delight: Stirling Castle

 While in Scotland, we went on a fun day trip that included a visit to the beautiful and historic Stirling Castle, which I absolutely loved (even more than Edinburgh Castle!). It's perched way up high on a volcanic cliff and is a beauty to behold. I enjoyed learning about its history, walking around its grounds, and going inside it. So many important things took place there over the centuries. Among other things, it was the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Major battles happened on the land all around it. So much history to behold! If only we could see it happen before our eyes as it was then, and actually behold it! I have hope that this will be a possibility in the next life, that we'll be able to see (or remember seeing from our premortal perch in the heavens) the events of history as well as what daily life was like in all time periods, eras, and places in the earth's history. But, I digress. On to the castle!

Castle turrets are actually a thing and not just the stuff of fairy tales! 😮😆 

You can see the holes in this one from being shot at.

There's Nate!

In the courtyard, waiting for the tour to begin. Don't I look like I belong here? 😄

The views were amazing! 

This hall was so cool. This is where literal kings and queens held banquets and celebrations.

This was the castle's chapel.

The view from the other side of the castle. 😍

It was an excellent fortress!

Inside, there were artisans and craftsmen doing their work.

Throne room

Bedroom

Musician

P.S. TMI: I was having terrible stomach cramps at this point, but I kept calm and carried on. I think I had eaten something earlier that definitely didn't agree with me. I'm happy to report that after a few trips to the bathroom that morning, I was back to normal and on my merry way. 💩😂

Stirling Castle was my favorite castle/palace we visited, and I want to go back and spend more time exploring it and its surroundings in greater depth. Second for me was Falkland Palace, third was Edinburgh Castle, and fourth was St. Andrews Castle. That's how they ranked for me, but they were all amazing and totally worth seeing. Seeing these special places was one of my most favorite things we did in Scotland!

Off to Glasgow!

 The second half of our week in Scotland was spent in Glasgow. We took the train there from Edinburgh. I liked Glasgow, though not as much as Edinburgh—it was more industrial and less charming and historic-feeling, but it was a cool city to see and stay in, with nice places that were definitely worth seeing. We also visited some beautiful locations in other parts of Scotland during our stay in Glasgow. 

I saw this in a shop and wondered if David would like it if I called him "My wee honey bee"? 😆

We spent some time in Waterstones, which I think is the English equivalent of Barnes & Noble. It was a great bookstore; I loved it!

Yes to both of these! (If only I had the luggage space!)

Apparently, it's called "Cluedo" in the U.K. This is one of my family's favorite games to play. 

Agatha Christie puzzles

More cool puzzles...

A table of "Scottish Crime" books

This is one of my favorite mystery books by one of my favorite modern mystery authors (who I've also met twice!). I'd never seen it with this cover before.

The U.K. loves their Agatha Christie! As they should.

My hotel room was nice, although my view was mostly of some exciting construction scaffolding. 

Bee things remind me of David. I snap shots and send them to him.

Check out this amazing painting on the side of this building!

We did a fun ghost tour with a great guide that I highly recommend. I liked it and the guide better than the one in Edinburgh.

We met and started outside of Glasgow Cathedral. (I'll do a separate post about that amazing edifice soon!)

Pictures I took on the ghost tour...

That's Nate and Kat in the center there as we walked to a massive graveyard.

Glasgow Cathedral is getting its spire worked on. This building is so beautiful, inside and out.

This is a famous sight in Glasgow. I don't really get the meaning behind it, but it's amusing.

Europe is so neat!

Next up: an awesome day trip to my favorite royal location of the whole trip!

My First Royal Palace

 My first-ever visit to a royal palace was the beautiful and elegant Falkland Palace, located in the lovely countryside of Scotland. The royal family can still use this palace, although I don't think they really do anymore. This palace has been well-maintained (built in the 1500s!) and was a true pleasure to visit.

A cozy window seat

Family pictures. Royal family, that is.

Stained glass, of course.

Getting in touch with my inner princess 👸

I love a good twisty staircase, especially when it's in a historic palace that I happen to be visiting!

Out on the "back deck"

Mary, Queen of Scots spent a lot of time here. She loved this palace and its surroundings.

Here was a fun find in the gift shop. Hi there! 😄

Out in the "backyard" again, this time with an owl statue. My owl luck was in full force on this trip!

Palace selfies with Mom

Another princess (or rather, queen?) moment 👸

The palace grounds were so peaceful.

The little village up the street was really cute. 

I'm so glad we stopped at Falkland Palace. It was one of my favorite places on the whole trip.  
On the drive back into Edinburgh, we stopped near the bridges to take in the views and take some pictures.

Two different types of bridges. You're welcome for that astute observation.

It was such a fun day exploring the fishing village of Anstruther, St. Andrews, and Falkland Palace. I truly love traveling and being a tourist of the world!