Miss Macy

I realized that is has been way too long since I Macy has been mentioned.  Macy is quite the leisurely dog.  She spends a majority of her day following me around, playing with her toys and napping.  Her walks have not improved much.  She still goes for regular walks, but she remains a bit skittish.

A Russian family watched Macy during our last trip.  It seems like the family had a lot of fun and took very good care of her, but Ryan was hoping exposure to a non-Chevron family would help Macy with her fears.  Nope, she is still the same lovable, scaredy cat she was prior to her stay.

It doesn't matter, she is still the best dog and the cutest thing. :)

London

We spent the last four days of our R&R in London.  We both greatly enjoyed the city and all the events included.  It was nice to begin our R&R with a relaxing time in Scotland and finish up with a faster paced, city life.  Ryan and I enjoyed both aspects and feel we would want to include this mixture of relaxation and recreation into future R&R trips.  Hence the name R&R, rest and recreation, or is it relaxation and recreation. :)

Our first full day in London was spent with the morning at British Museum.  We thought it appropriate to visit one museum and what better time, since it was raining Thursday morning.  Highlight of the museum was the Rosetta Stone and all the various Greek sculptures.  After the rain cleared, we ventured to the other side of the city with help from the awesome buses, to visit London Tower and Tower Bridge.  We chose to take the Tower Bridge experience and go inside, learn how the bridge was built and is operated today.  I am always impressed to learn how structures were built so long ago and how they are still working today.

After Tower Bridge, we meandered over to the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.  All were very impressive.  I have seen so many pictures of Big Ben, and it was impressive to walk across Westminster Bridge and see Big Ben on the other side.  Westminster Abbey, sight of the Royal Wedding was extraordinary with all the fine details.  At dinner we found a pamphlet for Stonehenge, which led to our events Friday.

Friday morning we went to see the Changing of the Guards.  It was nice to see, but a bit overwhelming with all the people.  We saw the guards approaching and entering the gates, but it was hard to see the actual "changing."  The afternoon was spent riding a bus to Stonehenge.  Stonehenge has always been something I have wanted to see, and I am glad I saw it.  To put it simply, it's stones.  But it is incredible to see how they are situated and stacked.  All the myths and legends behind Stonehenge is fascinating.  Our drive back to London took much longer than expected, which was all the more reason to go out for drinks with new friends.

Saturday, our last full day, was spent touring the theaters of London and a bit of shopping.  I made a nice addition to my shoe collection and thanks to Ryan's help, I found a couple dresses.  Our theatre tour began in the afternoon with The Lion King!!  I was so excited.  The show was as fantastic as the reviews claim.  We enjoyed Lion King so much, Ryan decided we should look for another show.  We decided on Stomp!  Stomp is not just about music, it also includes a large assortment of dance and comedy.  The performers do not speak during the show, but that does not stop the humor.  It was amazing to see what they used for instruments and their ability to sync the sounds.  Much too difficult for me, but impressive to watch.

Oh, I forgot to mention.  The London Underground system is phenomenal and incredibly fun.  For some reason, my bird skills were in tip top shape and I correctly navigated ourselves through the Underground and bus system.

London was a great ending to a great R&R.  It was very difficult to return to Novorossiysk.  I look forward to our next R&R, location yet to be decided.  Any suggestions?  Ryan is thinking somewhere that includes snowboarding and cozy cabins (for me).

Enjoy the pictures!  I decided to do 3 separate albums.  It is difficult to upload pictures with are slow internet, so smaller albums with fewer pictures is easiest.

Scotland: Aberdeen, Inverness, Drive to Stirling


Scotland: Stirling, Edinburgh, Train to London


London

Posting on the train

Ryan and I are currently riding on the British Rail!  We left Waverly Station in Edinburgh about an hour ago and are making our way to Kings Cross Station in London.  I am very happy we chose to take the train rather than fly.  It is very nice to see more of Scotland's beautiful scenery, plus it is a nice change from all the flying.

On a completey separate note, I wanted to document this day on our blog.  Today is the 100th day since our arrival in Russia.  We landed in Moscow March 7th.  Ironically, we are not in Russia for our 100th day, but I believe our current location is much more pleasant. 

Much shorter post than the previous two.  :)

Scotland continued....and it keeps getting better

My last post found us having just arrived in Inverness.  I spoke of Scotland's beauty previously and the beauty and history of Scotland continues to impress.  We were warned about Scotland's weather, but we have experienced mostly sunny, mild, beautiful weather.  Our only encounters with rain have been during early evening and nighttime. 

So, picking up where I left off.  The Inverness Bed & Breakfast was lovely.  We awoke in the morning and were greeted with breakfast in the dining room.  Terri, the B&B owner was extremely welcoming and very "motherly."  We talked a great deal during and after breakfast.  Mid morning, we left and began our drive to our next stopping point, Stirling.  Along the way we stopped at the Loch Ness Center and learned of all the tales and explorations of Loch Ness.  Nessie is a difficult lady to find, I looked, but she's good.  Sadly, I did not see her.  We were able to take many beautiful pictures along the way.  I will be sure to post all pictures upon my return to Novorossiysk.  We stopped for lunch in Fort Augustus (Terri's recommendation).  It is a small town with lochs for boats to pass through.  It was at this location that I learned (with the help of Google on Ryan's Blackberry) what Black Pudding actually is.  This, I found, to be the only negative comment I have towards Scotland.  First off all, it is completely deceiving to title something "pudding" that is nowhere near true "pudding."  Secondly, this is probably the most disturbing item of food I have ever eaten in my life.  Since Ryan and I have been travelling to so many areas of the world, I have made a conscious effort to try local food.  Black Pudding does not have a very distinct flavor, but I am sorry I tried it.  Upon learning the contents, I decided to pass on the rest of my lunch and even passed on ice cream (yeah, I felt that ill).  Anywho, moving on, look up Black Pudding.

Pass Fort Augustus, we entered into Glencoe area.  This drive was absolutely BEAUTIFUL, the most beautiful land I have ever seen.  It truly is remarkable that different areas of the world can be so drastically different.  A couple weeks ago, I was in the center of flatland and sand, this week I am surrounded by rolling hills (mountains) and so many varying shades of green, I can't even begin to put a number on.  The road we took wound through the area and when I thought I found the most beautiful area, we would drive a few more miles, and there was something even more spectacular.  Again, pictures will be shared in a future post.

We arrived at our lodging in Stirling.  Ryan wanted to stay in a castle and I was able to find Broomhall Castle.  In the morning, we set out for the William Wallace Monument.  We walked the winding path up to the monument and then climbed the 246 stairs to the top.  I decided I wanted to learn more about William Wallace and bought "A Wee Guide to William Wallace."  I can't lie, I chose this book based on the fact the word Wee is in the title. :)  We also visited Stirling Castle.  Very interesting and impressive history.  Charlie, our tour guide, was incredibly entertaining! 

Our next stopping location was Edinburgh, where I currently sit in our cute guest house and type this post.  In Edinburgh, we have visited the Edinburgh Castle.  Again, very interesting and impressive history.  We also did the Ultimate Whisky Experience.  It was a interactive "ride" describing how whiskey is made and it ended with a tasting.  I did not partake in any sampling, but Ryan tried a few, and found some favorites.  This morning, we visited the Royal Yacht Britannia.  This was the yacht the Royal Family used until decommissioned in 1997.  I almost forgot, we also went to see a movie.  Random, I know, we are in historical, beautiful Scotland, and we chose to spend a couple hours in a movie theater.  Considering we can't see movies in Russia, it was a real treat for us. :)

We leave on the train to London tomorrow, that is if I survive tonight's activity.  My crazy self, mentioned to Ryan, a Dead City Tour.  It has been featured in numerous travel shows and documents.  We are planning to take a tour of some of the most haunted areas of Edinburgh.  Oh goodness, what have I gotten myself into.  Any well wishes would be much appreciated.  :)

Beautiful Scotland...

I know I have talked about the beauty of all the places we've travelled, but I truly mean it about Scotland.  Scotland is an incredibly beautiful country.  The past 3 days were spent in Aberdeen and today Ryan and I picked up our rental car and began our journey around Scotland.

Before I get too far ahead.  Aberdeen was a lovely city, I must admit I did not do much historical sightseeing, but I did enjoy venturing into the city and walking around the shops.  Wednesday, I grabbed lunch at a super cute, small restaurant "Food Story" everything is locally grown and organic.  I ordered the herb roasted red pepper soup, yum yum, fantastic. 

The Scottish accent never seems to wear off.  I love listening to people talk!  For one, they are very pleasant people.  I took the city bus (still is an awesome experience that I greatly enjoy) and one day I met two very old women.  The one lady was sitting with her friend waiting to catch the bus.  We were both waiting for the same #16.  I saw the #16 coming down the road.  At the same time as I began to proceed to the bus, the two older ladies were laughing hysterically.  I couldn't help but giggle along with them.  They were laughing because they were struggling to see the bus number.  I confirmed it was the #16 and they were very thankful.  The one older lady said to me, "Oh honey, when you get to our age, you have to laugh at things, it's the only way to stay young.  Plus, I like to switch the numbers in my age, I am 85, but I like to think I am 58, it makes me feel so young."  I thought they were the greatest. :)

I also met some Chevron friends in Ryan's training class.  Paul is originally from Scotland (yes, he had an awesome accent) and Allard, he's Dutch (from the Netherlands, not Denmark).  We grabbed some traditional Scottish Fish and Chips, made with Haddock not Cod.  It was delicious, but not something I could eat everyday.  Oh, and I love all the ciders!  Ryan has been sampling plenty of Whiskey, and I have been downing my share of cider.

So, my quick update post has turned into a complete novel.  I have so much to say!  Well, getting back to the beginning of our roadtrip.  We picked up our rental car and Ryan thought he had ordered a Peugot.  If you don't know the brand Peugot, look it up, I love their little lion guy.  He's super cute, and I like to make a roaring noise when I see him.  Anywho, we get to Avis, and they did not have the Peugot, but rather a BMW.  Ryan was thrilled!  He really misses his BMW and so I was happy to see he was not only going to be able to drive, but drive a car he likes.  Oh well, Mr. Peugot, there's always another time. 

Speaking of driving, Ryan is doing very well with the manual.  He knows how to drive a manual, but it's been a long time.  The other super tricky part, the steering wheel is on the left side and you drive on the opposite side of the road.  No major driving problems to report.  We made it safely to Inverness!

On the way to Inverness, we stopped at Glenfiddich Distillery.  It is a popular whiskey distillery.  We took a nice tour of the facility and now I know how whiskey is made.  And I still know I do not like whiskey.  We had a sampling to finish our tour, I managed one sip and was done.  I believe it is false advertising to say that there are hints of apple or chocolate in a whiskey.  I am not a whiskey expert, but I did not taste anything near apple in the 12 year whiskey.  Either way, Ryan was able to try a few different kinds and he enjoyed it.

I type this blog in the cutest bed and breakfast.  I mentioned previously that we are staying at a couple different bed and breakfasts during our Scotland adventure.  I was very excited when we pulled up to a super cute house and was greeted by the lovely owner.  She gave us cupcakes upon arrival (I knew we were going to get along) and then led us to our room explaining all the places to see in Inverness.  I filled in our breakfast request and took it down to the kitchen.  It reminds me of home, not the ordering breakfast, (but that would be pretty cool Mom) :) but it's nice to be in a cozy house.

Well, it is late.  This post took much longer than anticipated, but once I start, I can't seem to stop.  I will try and post again.  Good night everyone!

For the Chevron people reading this blog, Ryan's computer has rated me at a work intensity of 8!!  Not too bad for a posting, though the workpace breaks tend to put a damper on my thought flow. :)

First R & R

Ryan and I will take our first R & R (rest and recreation) starting next week and continuing until June 19th.  Chevron provides the opportunity for expat families to spend time traveling away from their assignment location.  Ryan left yesterday for Scotland and I leave tomorrow.  He has training in Aberdeen until Thursday, June 9th.  After training we will begin our road trip of Scotland.  Destinations include (and not limited to) Inverness, Stirling, and Edinburgh.  On Wednesday, June 15th we will board the British Rail from Edinburgh to London and spend the remainder of our trip in London until we fly back to Russia, June 19th.

I am very excited for this trip.  A good amount of investigation effort went into locating boarding facilities. We decided to stay away from hotels during our Scotland road trip.  We chose bed and breakfasts for Inverness and Edinburgh.  Ryan wanted to stay in a castle, so I booked us a room at Broomhall Castle in Stirling (hope it's not haunted) :)

I will try to post during our trip, but based on previous trips, I do not seem to do so well.  I hope the new camera holds up and I collect many pictures to share with everyone.

Speaking of pictures, I took a few today.

I posted pictures many weeks ago of my freshly planted seeds, well, I have been successful and I do have plants.

I also experienced my first thunderstorm in Novorossiysk.  I love summer and with summer comes thunderstorms.  I enjoyed sitting on our patio, watching the storm move in.  It was not the most impressive and it left very quickly, but it was nice to watch and hear the rain and thunder.  Macy didn't seem to mind the thunder.

Chili pepper plant, salad mix, spinach, chili pepper plant.

Various flowers.  Extra chili pepper plants in the center.  Does anyone want chili pepper plants?

First flower!