Travel Outside of Scotland Archives

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Special Spot Shots

January 5, 2020March 11, 2020Wendy

Hi, everyone,

For the first photo challenge of 2020, Leya has asked us to share a special spot shot; that is, a place that we, individually, regard as special. I could argue that my entire blog fits that category, haha! Scotland is, after all, my heart and soul. I decided today, though, to step out of the Scottish box and share with you another place that is really meaningful to me. It’s a place that I wish I could visit much more often, but when I do have the chance, I never feel more relaxed or in awe of God’s majesty.

I am speaking of the Florida Panhandle. Specifically, the area dubbed the Emerald Coast, a one-hundred mile stretch of pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Renowned for its emerald green waters and white-as-snow beaches, I think it is one of the prettiest places on earth.

Sometimes You Win. Sometimes You Lose.

April 14, 2019March 10, 2020Wendy

“If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.”

∼Henry David Thoreau

Hi friends! Today’s post is a departure from my usual focus on Scotland. Instead, I want to write about my trip to Florida with my sister this past week. So with that said…

Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. For me and my dear, long-distance sister S, this past week was a bit of a loss.

S and I started going on “adventures” several years ago. They are not really adventures in the truest sense of the word, they’re really just sister get-a-ways. But that’s what we call them. Our adventures have taken us to the coast of South Carolina, the mountains of Tennessee, to destinations in the Great Appalachian Valley, and this past week, to the Gulf Coast of Florida.

For months we had anticipated our beautiful Emerald Coast vacation. The area is a favorite spot for me and Mr. C and I was so excited to share it with my sister who had never been to Florida. I purchased our flights, reserved our rental car, and booked a stay in a cute townhome that Mr. C and I had rented in the past. Everything was all set. We were excited and anxious for our week of sisterly seaside bliss.

My Plaid Heart In England-A Visit to Lindisfarne Castle

March 20, 2019March 10, 2020Wendy

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday to you. And happy first day of spring!

Today’s trip is going to take us through beautiful southeast Scotland and across the border into neighboring England. We won’t be going too far away from Scotland mind you, only about seventeen miles. We will be leaving the mainland, however. Don’t worry, you won’t need a lifejacket. A long causeway will lead us to our destination.

Intrigued? Grab your things because today we are headed to Holy Island of Lindisfarne (or simply Holy Island) to see Lindisfarne Castle.

A blue car on the causeway. — **It is essential to check the tide schedule before you visit Holy Island. Twice daily, the North Sea tide comes in, making the causeway to the island inaccessible.**

Lindisfarne Castle perched atop Beblowe Crag.

My Plaid Heart In the West Indies-El Morro

December 11, 2018February 24, 2020Wendy

Greetings! How is everyone? My goodness, can you all believe there are only 14 days until Christmas? How the days do fly by.

Friends, today I would like to share something a little different with you. The day after Thanksgiving, Mr. C and I along with his parents, took a Holland America cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. It was a new experience for me on two counts. First, because I had never been on a cruise. Second, because I had never traveled farther south than Houston, Texas or the Florida Panhandle.

Our journey began in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where we embarked on our seven-day sea adventure. We sailed first to Turks & Caicos, then to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and finally, to the Bahamas where we spent a day on the cruise line’s gorgeous private island, Half Moon Cay. Then it was back to port in Florida, another great vacation in the books.

fullsizeoutput_3e1 — Docked for the day at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

One of the greatest highlights from our trip was our stop in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. I had done a little research beforehand and knew that if I only had time to see one thing while I was there that it would be the 16th century fort, Castillo de San Felipe del Morro (or simply, El Morro). After all, you guys know I’d never let a good castle go to waste!

Afternoon Tea at the O’Henry Hotel in Greensboro, NC

October 17, 2018March 8, 2020Wendy

I had the most delightful experience last week. My dad and his lovely wife were in town for a visit, so I took them to afternoon tea at the O’Henry Hotel in Greensboro, NC.

I first fell in love with the ritual of afternoon tea in Scotland. To clarify, when I say ‘tea’ I’m not just talking about the beverage and a cookie. Oh, no no no. A proper full/afternoon tea should include a bottomless pot of hot tea, finger sandwiches, and other small savory bites, a variety of little sweet treats, and of course, savory and/or plain scones with clotted cream and jam or curd. In the U.K., afternoon tea is enjoyed post-lunch but pre-dinner. Personally, I prefer just to make it my lunch.

Ever since that first Scottish tea, I have been on the lookout for a similar experience here at home. To be honest, I haven’t really found it. Until the O’Henry. Wow! Everything about it hit the mark, from the beautiful and sophisticated setting to the gorgeous mix-and-match china, to the delicious and thoughtfully prepared tiered tray of food. I felt as if I were at Greywalls Hotel or Prestonfield House or any other fine establishment in Scotland.

See for yourself!

Whisk(e)y…With an ‘E’

September 23, 2018March 8, 2020Wendy

Hi, friends. I’m giddy you stopped by! I hope everyone is enjoying a lovely weekend.

As promised a couple of weeks ago, I have a special guest blogger here today. Technically this was supposed to happen last weekend, but unfortunately, my guest was in a car accident that totaled his beautiful convertible. Ugh! No worries, though, because aside from a few cuts and a little soreness, he’s feeling A-OK. And that’s a very good thing because I happen to be in love with this guy!

Readers, today I’m turning things over to my sweet husband, Mr. C, who is going to share with you a little bit about the whisk(e)y education we received on our recent anniversary getaway. Enjoy.

Kentucky or Scotland?-Striking Similarities

September 7, 2018March 8, 2020Wendy

Mr. C and I just spent a really fun week vacationing in Lexington, Kentucky, in celebration of our 24th wedding anniversary. Bourbon (whiskey with an ‘e’) is what took us to the area. Lexington – if you are not aware – is known as the horse capital of the world, and Kentucky is where bourbon began.

Over the week, we took in-depth tours of three of the most famous distilleries in the country (Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve). We ate some delicious meals, drank (and purchased) ~~a little~~ a lot of phenomenal bourbon, and put a WHOLE lot of miles on the convertible driving down some of the prettiest country roads in America.

I knew Kentucky was going to be pretty, but I think what took me most by surprise was the way that central Kentucky reminded me so much of Scotland! The beautiful, rolling green hills called to mind scenic drives we took through East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.