Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and a Friday night

Well, almost two weeks have passed and things are still going well. My parents, who arrived the day after us, enjoyed their stay and have now returned home. They came to bring more clothes for us. With only two bags apiece, we could not bring much. So my parents agreed to help us out by coming on vacation (or holiday as they say here) for a week. The time was good, and we were able to see much of the south part of the city with them. Erin and my parents visited the beach, which of course was to cold to enter. The waves, though, made a visit to the beach worth it. We also had lunch at Duthie Park and visited the Winter Gardens. The Winter Gardens is famous for producing award winning flowers. It was quite neat since flowers, trees, etc. from all over the world are found there. On Monday we visited Cathedral Church at St. Machar, which is located just north of the University. The present building was built between 1300 and 1500, and there has possibly been a church on this site since 580. The inside was beautiful and, from a theological perspective, one could tell many differences between the traditions practiced there and those of the Southern Baptists.


Erin and my parents also traveled to Edinburgh, where they walked the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile has a large castle at one end and the queen's palace at the other end. They enjoyed the climb up Scott Monument with its 287 steps. It is a tower built in honour (British spelling) of Sir Walter Scott. The view is incredible, as one can see the entire city, the harbor, and the castle.


On a final note, Erin and I decided to enjoy our first Friday night alone in Aberdeen. We set out looking for someplace quiet and relaxing, particulary with some coffee. Well, that proved to be a difficult task. Everything in Aberdeen shuts down about 700 except the pubs, whose patrons poured out into the streets with their beers and cigarettes. Fortunately, we found one place open--the very cafe we have been using for internet access. The funny thing is they just got their alcohol license. The place was moderately quiet, though, and we were able to enjoy some coffee. For now, though, we are left wondering what people who do not want to get drunk do on a Friday night for fun. Perhaps next time we will have an answer.