OUR TRIP TO LONDON/SCOTLAND

Our trip began in London where we stayed in EASY HOTEL near Victoria Station in downtown London. This hotel was so small we had to move Bob's suitcase to open the door to get out every morning. It was no-frills but it was very comfortable and the price was right! We highly recommend this hotel chain. (Thanks, Greg, for your recommendation! Actually, Greg gave us so many tips for London and really helped us have a great visit there.)

If you want to see more pictures from our travels from our 25th anniversary trip, then please scroll down to start at LONDON # 1 then you will come back up to the this entry again.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

GLASGOW #8

Bob's father was born in Paisley, outside of Glasgow, and we wanted to visit the area he called home until he was around 10 years old when the family moved to the states. (We did not make it to Paisley but may get there another visit.)








Glasgow was the largest city we visited in Scotland and you could feel the difference in it.












The buildings and grounds for Glasgow University were beautiful!









Our last meal in Glasgow was at this pub. They even gave directions for how to get your food. the cook reminded us of Bob's brother, Tom.











Ready to board our train back to London after a very wonderful trip!

ISLE OF IONA #7

Isle of Iona (behind us is the Abbey) is known as the place where Christianity began in England through St. Columba. The Iona Abbey, where Bob is standing, replaced Columba's monastery that was founded in 563.

Next to the Abbey is a burial place for Scottish kings. MacBeth is buried here. Over the years the graves were robbed and markers ruined so no one knows the exact location of individuals kings.

There are ruins standing of the Iona Nunnery. Our time on this island was the rainiest day we had on our trip but it was still beautiful.

















Scotland is known for heather on the hills (which we saw quite often and it was beautiful) and sheep. While in the town of Fionphort on Isle of Mull, we waited to catch the ferry to the Isle of Iona, the sheep wandered down the streets.

FAMILY HISTORY ON ISLE OF MULL #6

Our purpose for going to the Isle of Mull was to find Bob's Grandmother's grave. She was born and buried on this Isle. We were able to hire a private tour guide, Finlay, and he knew everything about the island. He knew the location of the cemetery and gave us a lot of historical information as we traveled together. It was fantastic! As we entered the small cemetery and began our search for the grave, we found it in the back corner and the last stone we looked at. It was an exciting moment!





Bob is standing in front of the Corrie family grave. This is his Grandmother Mary Ann's side of the family.

At the bottom of the stone it says, "Mary Ann Beloved Wife of Robert MacIsaac" - which is Bob's Grandfather and whom he was named after.








In front of this church, where possibly the family worshiped since it was near the cemetery, there was a war memorial that listed the three Corrie sons that died in action during WWI. These were Bob's Great-Uncles and the tour guide remembered reading the Corrie name somewhere and took us to this too.

























Duart Castle is still lived in today by the head of the McLean clan. Bob's family is connected with this clan. (So, this could be where we could live some day!)

ON TO ISLE OF MULL #5

We traveled by train from Edinburgh to Glasgow and another train to Oban. The scenery was beautiful everywhere you looked. It was so relaxing to travel by train.

Our ferry left from Oban, Scotland for the next few days on the Isle of Mull. Oban is a beautiful port city.






Beautiful scenery on the 45-minute ferry ride to Craignure, Isle of Mull.













View from our window at Craignure Inn on the Isle of Mull. This was a three-room Inn with a pub on the first level. It was the only place for miles to eat at and, thankfully, had great food!

EDINBURGH #4

We traveled by train from London to Edinburgh and stayed at the Abbot's House Bed and Breakfast.





Edinburgh Castle in the heart of the city is situated on the top of cliffs. This fortress was never taken by the enemy. It had one entrance and they never got past the gate.









View from one of the cannons on the castle wall.






A Bagpiper was playing on the wall of the Edinburgh Castle.

EDINBURGH #3

August is the time for street festivals in Edinburgh. There were musicians and actors everywhere on the Royal Mile street. It was fun to just watch the different performers as they entertained and invited you to their shows in the city.





Situated on the Royal Mile (the street that leads from the Edinburgh Castle to the Queen's summer residency) was the former home of John Knox, founder of the Presbyterian church.




Shepherd's Pie is a traditional Scottish dish served in a crockery dish. We found a Pub near our B & B and enjoyed this meal twice. It was great

LONDON #2

Sherlock Holmes' books were a favorite "read" in our home by Bob and Matt. Bob got to visit the museum that was set up with items from all the books and mysteries. It was definitely a fun time for Bob. (Bette Sue sat in the gift shop and watched the people to stay out of the rain.)






A good friend (Greg) suggested we buy a book called, "Through The British Museum with the Bible" and see the remarkable exhibits that show items relating to the Bible. This stone talks about Noah and the flood. There were items from Esther's time, the Babylonians, Jericho and much, much more! (Bob was super thrilled to be in this museum. Bette Sue tagged along and learned from him!)











It was exciting to visit Westminster Abbey and find the burial place for William Wilberforce from the "Amazing Grace" movie. This is also referred to "the house of kings" since many kings and queens are buried here. They say it is a "live church" since church services are held in the building. There were so many famous people buried there, including Darwin! It was a very impressive building. (no pictures allowed inside so we bought a book)

LONDON #1

Our 25th anniversary celebration began in London. We were so thankful to go to this historic city. It was Bob's first visit there and Bette Sue had been there in 1978. We enjoyed seeing history all around us.

We enjoyed the sites while riding around the city on Big Bus tour.

Big Ben was waiting for us!













We made it to one of the last spots at the fence to see the changing of the guard and were definitely squeezed in with the crowd against us.

We even discovered a CHIPOTLE Mexican restaurant and felt like we were home! Of course, we tried the famous FISH and CHIPS from London. Bob is not a big fish eater so we shared a large portion. (One was enough!)

Lietuva took Bronze!

Yesterday the World Cup Basketball tournament ended. Lithuania surprised everyone by coming to play hard and win. They came in third place and won the Bronze! People are celebrating today!

USA team won the Gold! We are excited about both of our teams!

Bible Way Marriage Seminar

We were privileged once again to speak at a marriage seminar. While at the Bible Way church in Vilnius, many commented afterward how helpful the information was. This showed us that the need is here to teach about marriage.

We are thankful to be able to go to many churches and help strengthen the marriage relationships.

The church was still decorated from a wedding ceremony the week before. It was beautiful!