After our time in Ireland, David and I parted ways, he started the long journey to Malaysia  for work and I was making a quick hop accross the Irish sea to Manchester.  
The original plan had been to pick up a car and go and see my cousin  in Yorkshire and spend a couple of days with him.  More of his family were in Liverpool ( including my aunt and uncle), but after the whirlwind in Ireland I just did not think I would have time to see them.  One of my other cousins got wind of my plans and was not going to let the opportunity to meet up pass us by, so instead of heading East to Yorkshire, I found myself heading East towards Liverpool for a full English fry ( which has to be said is remarkably similar to an Irish fry?)

My cousins daughters were all at his home ready to greet me, and what a welcome it was. Here were three adults who I had only ever briefly met once before, as well as seen on Facebook.  It was so cool meeting them, talking to them and getting a brief glimpse into their lives.  I had made the mistake of forming impressions of them based on their facebook posts, it’s fair to say that was not an accurate reflection of the dynamic, hard working women, full of potential who sat before me as we enquired about each others lives. How could I have missed this opportunity??   It was a real privilige and I hope that I get to see them again. 

So off I went to my cousins place, someone who I met almost 40 years ago, and with whom I have had a connection ever since.  The distance between us  melted away, and you are left wondering where did those almost 40 years go?  Once again, so great to be in the presence of family.

Unfortunatley part of the day had to be spent sorting out some issues with my bank in Hong Kong, my accounts have been accessed and I have to provide 11 pages of details to the bank, which I understand needs to be done, but they required it by fax!!!  Who uses faxes these days?  Calls to the local school, post office and eventually a local real estate office lead us to the only fax machine within 20 miles!!  Job done, we coudl get on with our day.  That’s a Hong Kong story if I ever heard one!

After a couple of days and a look around parts of Yorkshire, I headed north to Edinburgh.  It was such a gorgeous drive.  The car I had hired had particularly big windows and I felt like I was in a glass cockpit as I zoomed through the stunning scenery and highways with BBC Classical radio blaring.  I had sunshine, rain, rainbows and as I crossed into the Scottish borders hail.  It was one of those sweet moments of utter contentment and wonderment.

I was visiting a friend who emigrated to Scotland a couple of years ago, a brave and courgeous move.  Great to see where she is living and to catch up in the local pub and yak for hours on end.  

We went into Edinburgh for the first time and the temperature gauge nudged up into the teens, and the sun came out and we got to enjoy Haggis pizza in the sun.  We explored the city for the day and I picked up a bottle of Edinburgh gin to bring home to David.  One of the highlights was coming accross the statue of a famous faithful dog, Greyfairs,  who when his owner died, would sleep every night on his grave for the next 12 years.  He was eventually given a key( or collar) to the city so he would not be picked up as a stray.  I think all of us who own dogs would like to think this would happen…

Spring was still in full force in Edinburgh, the last of the daffodils were still flowering and the tulips were at their best.  I could not get over the long days, the suun setting close to 10:00pm…and seemingly rising again very early….It must mean that they have very short days in winter…..

While it’s great seeing so many people and going to so many places I am beginning to get a bit weary…

Next stop Prague!