Thursday
Jun242010
SCOTLAND.
Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 2:30PM 
What a beautiful country. Edinburgh was mesmerizing with its old cathedrals, a castle built atop an old volcano, tiered parks with people reading and eating, peeking down secret alleys and staircases that you only find in Europe. We took the train to a few other places as well, enjoying the view you'd likely overlook while traveling by car. The wedding we were there for was set on a stunning property, and the ambiance was so casual and friendly. Men wore kilts as I was hoping they would, as I needed something to fulfill my stereotype. This time of year, the sun sets around midnight and rises again around 4am, so its tough to adjust your body clock. We watched a lot of the World Cup, which I didn't mind as the energy towards the sport over there makes it fun. Time goes by more slowly when you are away from home. It was refreshing to be away from the phone and constant internet access. I loved having Hugh to myself, and not feeling like there is something else I should be doing. We need travel breaks, a new space, whether they are one hour or fifteen hours away.
This trip was not about food. A menu is typically a lot of starch and hearty meats, so we made a lot of picnics from the market. I have no complaint about this, I love picnics. We both enjoy sitting somewhere new and reading, people watching, and sharing Kinder Buenos. If you have traveled overseas, this chocolate candy is all over the place. It's far from healthy, but I am a sucker for the chocolate and hazelnut combo.
I am excited to be back here; anxious to get in the kitchen and make up for the vegetables I've been lacking in the past two weeks. Thanks for being patient, recipes coming soon!
Reader Comments (43)
ahh yes vacations are so nice. looks like you had a wonderful time! welcome back!
Beautiful pics. Edinburgh is a wonderfully mystic place.
These pictures are stunning! I particularly like the orange lighting on the cathedral.
Wow, beautiful pictures! Did you take those?
Beautiful photos! Scotland is still on my wish-to-go list. I can't believe I haven't been there yet when I live in London! :)
Incredible! I can't believe how gorgeous it is.
did you take these with a tilt shift lens? they are stunning!
I was wondering why you were absent for so long! Well, what a nice way to start your summer, and I just love Scotland! Can't wait for more recipes Sara!
--
I'm glad you enjoyed your time in Scotland! The pictures are beautiful...
I am absolutely jealous. The pictures are stunning. I am wondering if you got a chance to sample some haggis though?
I hope the wedding was a smash, and I look forward to more. You just can't beat that countryside for inspiration.
Such beautiful pictures, I need to go to Scotland! Good to hear your taking a vacation and having such a great time... I have a weakness for those kinder bars too!
Love these!
I Studied Abroad in Oxford in college and I got to go to Edinburgh and visit that lovely castle on the volcano and I believe I gained about 5 lbs eating Kinder chocolate and smuggled a good pound home on my carry on. The Kinder eggs are even better!
Glad you had a great trip!
Oh no, I hope you didn't miss out on David Bann! It's a fabulous, modern vegetarian restaurant in Edinburgh.
I adored Scotland...and Buenos candy. Lovely photos.
So glad you had such a wonderful time! My brother was transfered to England few a few months and took the train up to Scotland and just raved about Edinburgh. I hope I will be able to visit! I always enjoy seeing travel photos- just gorgeous!
Fun times. And Hugh's photographs are stunning, as I knew they would be. Glad you're back, though. Isn't it funny how we need veggies after traveling certain places? I felt that way after Italy, too.
Isn't Edinburgh a fascinating city? Did you see the Elephant Cafe where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter...the view from there is amazing and would certainly inspire some of those tales. Also was totally mesmerized by all the Deacon Brodie stories.
It is nice to get away with the one you love and no phones or internet...give us a bit of real rest.
wow. i've been wanting to go to edinburgh, and this photos are tipping me over the edge.
Sounds restorative. Happy for Hugh and yourself.
Scotland. I'm jealous :). Maybe you could create some healthy chocolate-hazelnut-scottish-inspired concoction for Sprouted Kitchen...
what gorgeous photographs!
YAY! so glad you had a wonderful time but Im even more glad you are home so we can see more beautiful posts! Oh I love the kinder chocolates. When my parents traveled to Austria growing up they always came back with a suitcase full of Kinder and Mozart balls :)
Edinburgh is one of my favourite places and I am lucky to be just over an hour away by car. Still don't go there often enough. There are some brilliant veggie restaurants in Edinburgh, hope you mangaged to visit one or two. The architecture, is just lovely isn't it?
I miss my home country. Lovely photos as always!
Stunning photos! Scotland is beautiful, I cant wait to visit it again.
Oh, what lovely photos! I've never been to Scotland...you make it sound and look so magical. Sounds like you had a wonderful trip and I look forward to your next kitchen creation :)
Lovely pictures, as everyone has commented. Are you using a filter?
Ah Edinburgh, My home town :) Glad you had a nice time! Gorgeous pictures!
welcome back from what looks like a glorious visit. i agree -- picnics are the way to eat in starchy/meaty places.
take care,
Leela
I love the shot of the building in fog. Fantastic.
WOW! Hugh's pictures are BEAUTIFUL! Can't wait to see more. I am so happy you had to eat MEAT, my favorite. Love you guys!
Whoa, that's incredibly beautiful! Great to see your photos of none food things! Not that I'm not constantly amazed by your food photos but I can see your talent extends far beyond that.
I see you've fallen in love with Edinburgh just as I have! I'm a Canadian living here for the month of July, you do it great justice with these photos.
P.s. The Chocolate Tree is worth visiting-vegan chocolate shop, yum! Home Street.. there are plenty of cute shops in this area as well.
wonderful pictures in wonderful scotland :) it's such a beautiful part of the world...
Gah!! Jaw-dropping, every last one. If your trip was half as smashing as the pics, you must have had a magnificent time, hooray!
Lovely photos! I haven't been there for about 10 years, but I loved every minute of it!
If you are ever in Scotland again please make the most of the beautiful local cooking rather than feel you are limited to picnics (however nice they are). I heartily recommend www.list.co.uk, which gives you information about the top-rated restaurants, cafes, bars etc in both the capital and elsewhere, including cheap eats ("Hitlisted" establishments are the best of the lot). It's updated regularly and is a bible for me when eating out in Scotland.
I look at your lovely site all the time - imagine my surprise to see these amazing photos of Edinburgh (where I live) posted here. Nice to get a different perspective on the place where you call home!
In Scotland's culinary defence - it is a veritable larder of the most fantastic seafood, beef & venison. We may lack the climate for a fabulous veg market, but when it's good, it's great - and there is nothing to touch it!!
Kinder Bueno --I read that and stopped. my home country is Canada and we have those there and they are awesome! ;) I have never forgotten them, delicious!! xx
Glad you enjoyed Edinburgh. Don't know where you were eating but our beautiful country is full of fresh, exciting and healthy produce. Vegetables and vegetarian menus, as well as beautiful seafood abound. Come back and let us feed you.
Maggie
splendid.
My husband and I went to grad school in Edingburgh...so. magical.
@graylinsample
yepindeed