Turn left, stay left.
This is the American-Driver-in-England call of the wild.
The curb-check score was even today, but still keeps me over by one: Steven at 3, me at 4...although his was much more severe and I feel that should somehow be reflected in the tally.
We left the Annexe early, knowing we had a rather full day of driving ahead of us...destination: Edinburgh, Scotland.
The scenery continued to stun; I can’t say this enough. Stone walls, flocks of sheep dotting hillsides, dense patches of forest, crumbling castle remnants. Every glimpse is either a fleeting fairy tale or actual ancient history...even with that odd tractor parade on the road through Pocklington...
We paused for lunch in Heddon-on-the-Wall in a small pub called Three Tuns, established around 1825. There were four options: pork, chicken, beef, or lamb...we all chose the latter and wow, a meal with which Stanley Tucci would be pleased.
Speaking of The Tucc...every bald man we’ve seen, no matter his height, weight, or age, is a potential Stanley. We spot probably dozens of Tucc’s a day, just never the real one. Thought for sure we’d run into him in London, but maybe he has a taste for haggis in the Highlands? Will keep you posted...
The next stop was Melrose Abbey. A considerably ruined monastery founded in 1136. Robert the Bruce’s heart is buried on the grounds and there’s an eerie story that tells how the monks saved the town from a dark specter, The Vampire of Melrose, plaguing the townspeople.
A quick stop, but a good one and well worth the time.
We landed in Edinburgh early in the evening and zig-zagged our way to our flat in Old Town.
Martinis were had. Dinner was had.
This city is like nothing I have ever seen before. It’s primeval substratum artistry...with a Starbucks at the corner.
We all try our best to ignore the latter...maybe that’s why we tend to prefer the small towns to the destination cities.
Tomorrow we explore Edinburgh. Let’s see what we can dig up.
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