"no food on wednesdays"

So I'm pretty tired after an eventful day with my dad today, but let me give you a few highlights (numbers instead of bullets since I get more page views when I have numbers...and you all like them better):
yesterday:

1. took dad to elephant house...magical (obviously)
2. explored the graveyard that supposedly has Tom Riddle's gravestone...didn't find it but found:  



McGonagall's gravestone!

3. We went into Edinburgh Castle on a beautiful, sunny day, and watched the clouds roll in; when we left it was raining. However, we saw a rainbow (and a FULL rainbow this morning)
4. We had the best Indian food last night at the Indian Cavalry Club. If you ever go to Edinburgh, you must dine here.

Today:

1. Woke up at the crack of dawn to rent a car. Not only did Dad have to drive on the wrong side of the road, but also drive stick!
2. We went to Stirling Castle, and even though it was raining we got a good feel of it. They are currently in the process of restoring it. In my opinion, the restoration is questionable since it is more of a recreation than a restoration, but a very noble and ambitious project (why do I talk like a grandma now?! no offense if grandmothers see this). I thought the completed projects looked bad, but it's still impressive. They are also recreating 'Hunt of the Unicorn' tapestries to hang in the Great Hall, which we saw them making. I approve of this since they look pretty good and are making them to last.



Billiam protecting the castle








3. After the castle we tried to find a place to eat. One of the pubs we stopped into told us that they don't serve food on Wednesdays....so we found another place and had a delicious Scottish meal of meat pies, chips, and mash (with peas and carrots, of course).
4. We drove through the Highlands, which I thought was the highlight. we saw lots of sheep and even some Highland Cows!



Highland Cow...what a cutie!

5. We went to Loch Lomond. It was pretty:

     

      6. Before dinner tonight, my dad and I went to Deacon Brodie's Tavern. TRIVIA QUESTION (surprise me with comments): what book did the real Deacon Brodie inspire?? hint: it's by a Scottish author that was born in Edinburgh. Prize: I will be seriously impressed that you a) know it, and b) comment on my blog 

the moment you've all been waiting for: a picture with me in it!

if the formatting is weird, it's because I wanted the pictures to correspond to my writing and I apologize but I thought I could pull it off. It also rained all day today...a lot...unusual....bleak....supposedly normal Scotland....will keep you updated with actual Scottish weather