Wandering around the [UK]: Trains & Castles

Dear pipsqueaks,

Today was my birthday, and really, I had no plans in particular to celebrate this day that marked the milestone of 25 years. But then again, this whole trip was in highlight of that already, so there was no reason to over-do it all. Then, what did we do this day?

The thought of taking it slowly and just enjoy the day was quickly waved off by le sister entering the dorm room, hurrying us along. Suppose we had to leave right away in order to make it on time to something. “If you don’t wanna know, then don’t ask. Just hurry up.” In no time, we were speed-walking from the hostel to our car- which Ivy decided to care less and parked in the opposite direction of the street.

With the best formation possible- Ivy on wheels and me on map- we were zooming smoothly to our destination. Except this time, I couldn’t even guess what we were actually doing until we neared a train. Why were we at a train station anyway? Yes, we arrived at Fort William, where every Harry Potter fan would know, is the platform to board The Jacobite should one wish to see the famous HP Viaduct. Remember that iconic scene of the Hogwarts Express making its way to Hogwarts? That’s the one. So you can imagine how excited the whole train was when we were first informed of us nearing the viaduct. In sheer panic to grab my camera and phone, I didn’t have one decent picture to my name. But, the best part about traveling in a group? Someone’s bound to have succeeded in taking a picture worth sharing. A 2-hour train ride for a 2-minute photo session, which by the way would only have been worth it if you brought a multi-capture camera, was seriously too hot to bear. At a short stop, Ivy geniusly bought some ice-cream, which was EXACTLY what we needed. Yum, I could still taste that rich chocolatiness. 

(waiting for the 2-minute window for pictures!!)

(the best invention ever: ice-cream) 

  

(ta-da~ THE PICTURE!)

 (choo-choo! kuchi-kuchi-kuchi~)

The final stop was at a little town called Mallaig, and when I say little, I mean little. Nonetheless, it was the perfect place to escape the anxiousness of the city. You could actually hear the birds chirping away and feel the breeze from the water-side. Definitely a place for some seafood! Despite having a group of 3, no one wanted to decide where to eat, so I just picked a random family-owned seafood restaurant called The Cornerstone. That was probably one of the better seafood restaurants I’ve had since leaving Vancouver. Fresh flavors and ingredients, even the fish & chips successfully tempted me to have some. With a front view of the ocean and two of my favourite people with me, the birthday dinner began and ended with a smile. 

(appetizer: can't remember the name but oh so good!)

(Bun's order: Fish & Chips)

(Ivy's dinner: Breaded Haddock)

(Mine: can't remember the name, but what a lightly seasoned fresh fish to have for dinner)

(in good company...)

Just when I thought the day was out of surprises, Ivy pulled yet another one out of my wish list: staying overnight in a castle. Though it was nothing like Alnwick or any of those iconic castles, Glengarry Castle certainly had the view. It was unfortunate that we didn’t reach there until late and had to leave super early, so we didn’t get to enjoy much of the surrounding scenery. Nonetheless, a short walk around the castle and a game of chess called the night. Still, I had expected a different kind of castle. A more aged one with stone fireplaces and chilly hallways lined with doors to secrets of the original family. But meh, I can enjoy what I have too. Glengarry was rather homey, with a couple of shared rooms and a small dining room on the ground floor, and several rooms on the floors above. Our room was rather odd in that the sink was right inside the bedroom, but the rest of the washroom was outside, with the toilet in the room right opposite of ours and the shower in the room slightly further down the hallway. How did they come up with this logic? Then again, it makes sense not to have the shower taken up by someone who was using the toilet, or not being able to brush up because someone was showering. True that.

(kinda creepy now that I think back, it's just a castle. But no biggie!)

(he's smiling- even though he lost to his wonderful GF :P) 

(Ivy in her little corner writing her postcards)

Preparing for bed, le BF amazed me by taking out another piece of chocolate brownie cake from his backpack (I’m starting to wonder if he had a kitchen in there because he kept popping out cakes!). This time, he handmade a 2D birthday card and readied a beautiful ruby-jeweled pinky ring. Even though the pinky ring was too big for my finger, it was the thought that counted. (It was in replacement of the ring that I had lost in the Vaux-le-Vicomte garden in France earlier this year). I guess my friend Jan was right, maybe in losing a ring in France, I shall receive one in return- but I think she was referring to another ring, but meh, close enough. Then, to my surprise, le sister also revealed two gifts from the family! I couldn’t be more spoiled! As much as I’m not a materialistic girl, I still feel seriously blessed to receive all this love. How I wished this day would never end, the day must pave way for the night. Soon enough, we were all showered and in bed within the hour. A new number, a whole set of responsibilities. Let’s hope I can live up to it.

I am a lucky girl, and I know it. 

Good night, World. Happy 25, me.