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Camino 2023
  • Linda Marieskind

Camino 2023

I committed to doing a second Camino as soon as I came to the end of my journey six years ago. At that time I was still working, my time was limited so I only completed about 300 ks. This time I'm walking the whole Camino, 780 kms. Leggi altro
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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore

    Chesters Roman Fort from the Sill

    23 luglio 2023, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    Today, again, the weather was inclement, rain and some humidity. I was in two minds about going out after my big walk yesterday, but realizing I only had this day left, Chesters Roman Fort called out to me.

    I set off alone in the bus to take me to Chesters about forty minutes by bus, not many people out today. Decided to have a cup of tea before going further and enjoyed this with a vegan bakewell tart!! (you don't find many of those, a lot of sugar tho')...but as I was walking I felt ok about it.

    This fort was excavated by    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore

    The Sill to Edinburgh

    24 luglio 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Just about missed the bus from the Sill and had been getting ready for a good couple of hours packing, having breakfast, talking to Ryland from Ratahi!! How amazing was that and here he was within Cooee of Scotland but would rather go to Europe for his next big trip...Scotland too xpensive??

    Again it was a rainy day as we left Hadrian's wall country making our way toward Hexham where I caught the train to Newcastle then a change to get to Edinburgh. But first off the bus in Hexham I met a fellow traveller who had visited Hadrian's wall as one of her childhood dreams as well. She needed to see the Abbey here and as I knew the way, and was off to the library nearby, off we went together.

    This is quite a steep climb up to the town from the bus stop so she offered to drag my small suitcase. Lent by oor Megs. I felt very grateful for that, then when she had to stop half way up the hill to catch her breath I felt bad... but she insisted all was fine!! I was visiting the library one more time to post onto "Find Penguins" and wrote quite the stories. Suddenly I looked at the time and needed to "high tail" it to the station which was a good twenty minutes stride down the wind.

    I made it ok with what I thought was my train waiting in the yard, but no, mine was running late, however just two minutes later here it was. I had booked online on my "train line" app making the cost so so much less expensive. Wi oor Meggies help I had also bought a rail card which automatically gives a third off the price.

    Onward to Newcastle we sped, watching the beautiful Northumberland country speed by, I felt a longing to go back again one day. Once there, with three quarters of an hour to wait for my next train, I shopped for coffee and a vegan sandwich to sustain me til we got to Waverley station in Edinburgh.

    I was helped onto the train by a young man standing in the vestibule waiting for an empty seat to come along as he hadn't reserved. He took me down through two carriages to my seat and put my case up on the rack asking if he could do more for me?! I thanked him profusely as he walked all the way back to his friends, and settled into my window seat next to a young Chinese student. He kept his ear plugs firmly in place so I took his cue and turned myself to looking out of the window.

    Again as we sped toward the border I kept looking for a sign that we were in Scotland. Here came Berwick so I knew we were close and I couldn't help but feel this letting down of an unconscious guard I keep up as a foreigner in different lands. It is hard to explain but it always happens the letting go of breath, shoulders relaxing down, a few quiet unexpected tears drop from my eyes and I know I'm home! The landscape began to change slightly as the coastline became prominent for a while. Such a stunning horizon to look out on...,a castle comes to view in the distance.

    Very soon we were in Edinburgh to wait with about fifty others, all sizes of suitcases in tow, trying to cram into the heaving lift taking everyone up from the platform. The lift says for "disabled and prams", but the queue didn't care about that pushing in front of even a wheelchair!

    Sad...a lot of people don't take any notice of these signs. Eventually I found my way out and up toward castle Rock hostel. Google maps says
    It's only half a mile, so off I went, but the climb!! Oh the climb...but I was better off than a poor woman who came to a standstill half way up this first street (market street?) Then it's double back up on oneself to another climb up to the Royal Mile...I think I may have gone the wrong way?!

    Then all the way up Royal mile to Johnson Street and Castle Rock hostel. By the time I got booked in, got my bunk swapped to a lower bunk, chatted with the (Aussie) manager about a deposit I made during COVID to help keep their hostel afloat which I was now claiming for my nights bed, I was pretty tired. The manager offered to lift my bag up the two flights of stairs to my room ....why do they always put the females at the top??(safety?)... I settled myself on the bed and that was me. Made lots of chatting with the young women I was sharing with spending a lovely couple of hours talking about their trips and careers ahead of them. So excited for their futures which is lovely!

    Tomorrow is another change of venue up to Mayfield gardens, nearer Liberton for my house sit on Wednesday.    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore
    4

    Castle Rock hostel to Mayfield gdns

    25 luglio 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    After a "continental breakfast" at the hostel it was time to make my way to the b and b my host family had booked for me. My hosts had gotten the date of their holiday wrong, adding another day until I housesit for them.

     I had taken a night time photo out of my hostel window (uploaded yesterday) and a few on the way down the Royal mile.. looking forward to coming back into the city after settling into my house sit..

    Taking the bus from the high street, I arrived too early to check in to the accommodation, so walked down to a church just across the road. There was a beautifully kept garden and seat just waiting for me. No sooner sitting than a white haired woman wearing blue jeans and tops, handbag and shopping bags on arms came through the gates making her way across the grass to say a curious "hello" head on one side looking down at me. Her smile made me promptly respond with an "hello" right back to her.

    She portrayed a sense of purpose about coming into the church grounds and soon let me know she was there to prepare a food for a weekly service and lunch group. I responded to her by telling her about my travels.

    An invitation to join her inside the church to help with making sandwiches and joining the group for the service and lunch ensued. I gladly accepted. I met Flora, Julia, Susan, Christine and Ian the minister along with various other members of the congregation.

    The service was just great, the hymns old favourites, so a lovely meditative time in the presence of people who have known each other for a long time. Exchanging phone numbers, a few photos taken after lunch, invitations to call if I need anything, and I was off to check into my accommodation for the night.

    Another two floors with a circling staircase to navigate, I finally made it to my room. Again tired but happy to be resting for the afternoon now, quietly warmed by the new friends I had made.

    I noticed out of my window the stunning outline of Arthur's seat and took a few photos as the sun began to lower in the sky. It's not so visible here but the colours changing was amazing to see on that craggy big rock. Emails and maps seen to for tomorrow to navigate where I'm going I.e.. Liberton, south east Edinburgh, I fell asleep, knowing that's tomorrow's journey.    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore
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    Edinburgh museum

    29 luglio 2023, Scozia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    After morning clean up and preparing veg for dinner, off I went to catch the bus into the botanical gardens. Unfortunately I asked the driver for the museum stop?? It must've been in my unconscious that I wanted to come here?

    I thought about it as I sat on the bus and thought och well I don't have to get off at that stop ..South Bridge...anyway as I sat, a lovely elderly woman, anxious on my behalf, caught my attention and said "you'll have tar get aff at this stop for the museum, ye'll have tar hurry," then the driver called me out as well...so off the bus I reluctantly got to find my way to the museum..

    It is a stunning underground cave like place and I stopped for a cuppa before further exploration....just taking in the ambiance ... I'm looking forward to exploring the history of Scotland section.

    I came across sections of the museum where James, Macayla and I had spent quite a few hours exploring, playing and having sandwiches...that I did that makes me laugh now, the children didn't complain, but it was easy to tell they wanted chips, pies, sweets from the cafe!!

    That was a few years ago now maybe 2010? The room decorated as in the 1800s, the area where people sit and try to pull their own body weight up, the rally on r racing car the children sat in... Just the size of the place is incredible and I almost couldn't believe that the skeleton of a deer, more than twice the height of an average human, was real. Apparently the skeleton was found on the Isle of Wight in the 1800s!

    It was amazing to see artefacts left of Charles Stuart the young pretender and to take in some of the history behind the "union" of England and Scotland, bought by bribes and gifts of titles and lands to a few people.

    The time was drawing close to the predicted rain so, all too soon, my legs were heading for my digs and a good horizontal stretch before a downpour. Another day tomorrow to be out and about exploring.    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore

    National Galleries

    30 luglio 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Rain, thunderstorms promised for tomorrow and Tuesday, today I'm heading for the National gallery, a walk down Leith water to Stockbridge market.

    Awoke this morning to a right downpour! We'll see , bus to Drumheugh shall see me at the market...to start with...

    As is said, "the best laid plans".... once I got to the market and everyone i asked said it was a flat walk, even google maps calls the walk flat. My knees know the difference and flat it was not, its all downhill and quite steep at times.

    The market was smaller than advertised, with not so many stalls. I'd gone to see if I could find some souvenirs to take home, but very little of such crats available. Just like markets of old in the rain, there was much mud, feet sinking in a times, others dancing around trying to avoid the mud with their white runners and long skirts. I spoke to a couple of lovely stall holders, one wanting to come to live in NZ and the other quite settled and a glass conservator. I bought some lovely vegan deserts for the week. Indulgent!!

    The market done, I made my way up to the Scottish National gallery on Princes Street. I am in awe of the older paintings, the masters, landscapes portraits of older times. So amazing in their execution and size!
    Thankful for my time in Edinburgh, glad to be heading to Glasgow soon, I made my way back again in the rain soaking in the atmosphere of a city waiting for its festival    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore

    National galleries

    30 luglio 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Rain, thunderstorms promised for tomorrow and Tuesday, today I'm heading for the National gallery, a walk down Leith water to Stockbridge market.

    Awoke this morning to a right downpour!! Gone are thoughts of the gardens?? We'll see, bus to drumheugh place to take in Stockbridge market and the water o Leith walk..

    Well, as they say, the best laid plans...I took the bus to Drumheugh place to walk the kilometre down to Stockbridge market. Everyone said it was a flat walk, even google maps calls it flat. My knees know the difference and flat it was not, it's all down hill and quite steep at times.

    The market was smaller than advertised, with not so many stalls. I'd gone to see if I could find some souvenirs to take home, but very little of such crafts available. Just like markets of old in the rain, mucky! I did get very muddy feet, while others danced about trying to avoid the mud with their white runners and long skirts. I spoke to a couple of lovely stall holders, one wanting to come to live in NZ and another a glass conservator. I bought some lovely vegan deserts for the week.

    The market done, I made my way "up" to the Scottish National gallery on princes street. I find the ,"art world" very pretentious and nothing more so than the selling of ultra over produced expensive merchandise based on the current artist they are promoting. So, a little disappointed in the offering of the day/week/month. I am in awe of the older paintings, landscapes, portraits of older artists and times.

    I walked the length of princes street to get a bus back to Liberton before the rain. Soaking in the atmosphere of a city readying for the festival, I was glad to be going to Glasgow on Saturday.    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore
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    Royal botanical gardens

    31 luglio 2023, Scozia ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Pouring of rain this morning, so hummed and haaa'd about going out, but, in the end got my trusty poncho on and off I went. No bus to take me all the way, so getting off at princes st I walked the rest of the way enjoying the landscape still. I'd had to stop at the mobile shop which just happened to be right next door to St Mary's Catholic church...which I remember was where the school had their services? Macayla and James will remember.

    I loved the gardens so beautifully kept and superb for a big gulp of fresh air. Rhodies aren't out just yet but the Wildflowers were wonderful. A stop at the cafe for a cuppa and I was off home again.    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore
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    Preston Pans

    1 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    The Lothian Bus goes into Princes St all the way to the city before changing buses to get to Prestonpans. Little did I know the bus also went to Port Seton where, once upon a long time ago, we were to have a short holiday.

    I decided to stay on the bus to the end of the road at Port Seton just to see if there were any changes. Two hours later, I set foot at "Seton Sands" a "Butlins" like holiday camp.

    When we holidayed here, there was just lots of grass and a few caravans that I recall, but lots of grass. This is a very different place indeed. My word, it is unrecognisable!

    Full of cabins to buy, to rent, to rent to own provided with all the indoor facilities, swimming pools (heated), video games, pop machines., This to keep children occupied on rainy days, and let's face it there aren't many non rainy days here in Edinburgh, well at least this year. Huge restaurant, fish and chip shop, plenty of child friendly spaces, a long way from the caravan park of the 1950s!

    Overheard on the bus " I think oor summer was back in June eh?" I had to laugh. A heat wave was predicted and now it looks like that's gone by the by and it's looking like rain for the foreseeable future!    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore
    2131

    The dome, a storm and Detelina

    2 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today the sky is ominous, it could be a bit darker but not much and Detelina and I made a date to meet at the Dome restaurant at 12 noon. Later I got a message to say she was running late but I should order some tea and enjoy the ambiance of the place.

    I wasn't prepared for such a beautiful beautiful environment I believe Georgian all wood panelling, Gold and chandeliers, soft jazz music, waiters and waitresses in black waistcoats, trousers and white shirts and ties, white table cloths on tables, elegant, oh so elegant. Everything thought of here.

    A lovely woman took my soaking wet poncho and jacket while another led me through to our table. My what opulence! It certainly was a beautiful space to sit and reflect, catch up on myself after battling a severe gale force wind and rain to get here! Honestly people were being blown around the streets, taking cover under what arches they could find while I battled on determined to get to the restaurant.

    I was totally impressed when Detelina finally arrived how she commanded attention immediately. Dressed in a cream lace high necked, waisted dress with lace sleeves, and cream classic high heels she was a vision to behold. We were immediately stormed by waiters and she played the part like a queen. I had taken some flowers for her which she absolutely loved and got the attention of one of the waitresses to "please put my flowers in water for me until I go". I think the waitress was a bit taken back, but, after a slight pause said "ofcourse and would you like to order now?" to which Detelina replied, looking at myself " No, I think we'd like to catch up for a little while, thank you". "I'll come back in ten minutes, will that be OK" said the nonplussed waitress.

    I could only gawp at the absolute sense of entitlement Detelina portrayed. I would never have asked a wait staff to look after my flowers. I may have asked for more time to look at a menu, but Detelina gave the overall impression that she was in charge!! A very commanding young woman.

    The same thing happened after each course as well. After our soup course a waiter approached us again looking beseechingly at Detelina and giving her great eye contact, asking if we wanted coffee! Detelina looked at me quizzically then turning back to him replied "we'll wait until after dessert, thank you". He thought we were finished! Indeed one waiter took our cutlery away after the soup course, which took us an hour to complete!! When a waiter brought our main out he was puzzled as to where our cutlery was. Another hour went by as we ate our delicious roasted stuffed aubergine, chatting excitedly and trying to cover every single aspect of life since we last met four years ago.

    Eventually main course finished, the waitress asked if we would like coffee when Detelina enquired as to a dessert menu. Dessert ordered along with coffees, Detelina asked for a delay again as we sipped our water and chatted incessently over the next fifteen minutes. Our delicious vegan dessert and coffee over, we were beginning to slow down our conversation and contemplate the journey home. Detelina insisted on walking me to my bus and we hovered under her umbrella arm in arm to Princes St and my bus.

    We had forgotten the flowers! Later Detelina messaged to say she had remembered when she was half way home on the bus, got off the bus and went back to the restaurant in that storming Edinburgh day to fetch them. She attracted far too much attention on her way with an armful of flowers, but had enjoyed our day very much, as did I. A great memory.    Leggi altro

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore

    Scottish Picture Gallery

    3 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    The sky seemed to promise a better day today, although promising to dissolve again into rain later in the day. Taking no chances I made my way to the Scottish Picture Gallery today.

    After enjoying a cup of Earl Grey at the cafe in the gallery, so luxurious, I made my way around some of the rooms. Just amazed with the quality of paintings seen, I left thinking I would try to get back into drawing and painting seriously.

    Only two more days here and hoping still to climb Arthur's seat, the Salisbury Crags and Calton hill.    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore
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    Off to Glasgow today

    5 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Today I was up at 3 a.m. to finalise the tidying of the house for my hosts coming home. They arrive at the airport at this time and I expect them within the hour.

    Family arrived home around 3.40 a.m. and after a brief catch up and hand over, I could see they were all a bit shell shocked and tired so I took myself off to catch a bus into town. Unfortunately it was a night bus, so only took me so far. Another walk into the city in the early morning, an unreal experience after the busy ness of the day. I came upon the church that Macayla and James were attached to while at St.Mary's school in Edinburgh so went inside and lit a few candles, said some prayers for my family and friends who are ill and or struggling at the moment and for our general well being.

    on my way to Calton hill, I came across the statues of these massive giraffes! They seem so real. I walked to the hotel near the place where I was meeting Mary, Mary-Ellen and Philips friend in Edinburgh to have breakfast

    I finally climbed Calton Hill and managed to get a photo when gentleman from Canada asked if he could take my picture and in return I was to take a few of him. That accomplished, I made my way back down the steep decline.

    I managed to find my way back to the hotel where I'd stored my suitcase then off to the picture gallery to meet Mary. We had a lovely catch up then Mary walked me back to the bus station where we said goodbye. It was so lovely to share with her for just over an hour. The drive to Glasgow was very quickly over and I was alighting at Buchanan Street station to find my way toward the hostel in Park Terrace, a fabulous youth hostel.    Leggi altro

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore

    Off to wish Aunt Margaret happy 99th

    6 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Today I am excited to surprise visit Aunt Margaret who turns 99!! I arrived at last to East Kilbride after walking the length of Sauchiehall street to get to the station.. I think I may have taken two buses as well. I called her when I was at the bottom of her stairs around 9.40 a.m. No reply. waited ten minutes called again.. no reply.. a gentleman came along who let me into the building so I could knock on her door, meanwhile I had texted Cindy (A.Mgts daughter in law) to ask if A. Mrgt had changed her phone number. She had not.

    I knocked on her door and heard a wee voice say "I'm in the bathroom" oh o.k. I thought I'd give her another 10 or 15 minutes as I know how long it takes her to get ready and this was her big day. So 10 minutes later I knocked on the door again, "I'm in the bathroom" plaintively. Hmmm!! I began to recall her telling me once upon a time that she might say this to put people off whom she didn't want to answer the door to, so put my thinking cap on and ten minutes later knocked on the door and opened the letter box and called out "Hello Aunt Margaret, its Linda", the wee voice came back, "Linda Mackie, I'm in the bathroom"..... it sounded as though she might be annoyed with me, so I backed away and went downstairs again putting a wedge in the bottom door to keep it open.

    My phone rang and then stopped. I looked at who had rung and it was Cindy again, so I called her back " Oh i rang the wrong number Linda, I also tried Aunt Margaret's phone a few times and there was no reply, so I've sent Ronnie round to see what's happened I'll let you know!" I still hadn't said that I was outside Aunt Margaret's door.

    I saw the back end of a taxi leaving the drive way and immediately knew my cousin Ronnie had arrived so I went up the back stairs and knocked on the door. Ronnie was quite surprised to see me, phone to his ear calling 111 as, sure enough Aunt Margaret had passed out on the bathroom floor.

     So ensued a day of waiting for the paramedics to come, I helped Aunt Margaret get changed and sat up in the sitting room for a while, feeding her toast and tea. It became clear to me that she had suffered a wee TIA as her hands weren't working properly and standing on her own impossible.

    The paramedics arrived around 8.30 p.m. and recommended her staying home. She had missed her party, although all those invited had a good time talking about her and enjoying the food which had been prepared for days. the flags and balloons were up I noted when I arrived at the party at 3 pm in the afternoon. I was taken to the station by another cousin and back to the hostel around 10 pm. what a day!    Leggi altro

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore

    East Kilbride with family

    7 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Back to East Kilbride today to visit A. Mrgt and see if I can be of any help. Tucked up in bed, Cindy had stayed the night with her and had had quite a time of it helping A. Margaret who is fiercely independent. I offered to stay the night but Cindy also wanted to stay. Back at Ronnie and Cindy's home for dinner with Erika who is over from Germany for the occasion.Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore

    Oor Jane's 70th birthday in Fiji

    8 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today was my beautiful sister Jane's 70th birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEN!!
    Welcome to the 70s club!!

    I was waiting with my cousin at the hospital to see if they would admit Aunt Margaret. My phone needed charging and I was afraid to use it as I needed my map to get me home. Little did I know that I wouldn't be back at the hostel til nearly 12 pm. As they only admitted my aunt at 11.30 p/m!!Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore
    An installation depicting soft toy sheep, chickens, rabbits poking their heads out of truck going toA graffiti claw coming down on person sitting at bus stopOn the street where a favourite Aunty Jean livedNumber 9 aunt Jean would be sad to see her beautiful garden gone 🫤My first sight of BlantyreThe church replacing our home churchLooking down main street BlsntyreA tribute to the doctor who served Blantyre for nearly fifty yearsStation road on the way to grannies houseThe road to our old houseThe "new" phone box we always used to call aunt MargaretThe old laundry now disused, where grannie would boil the clothes in the copper and steam would rise4Stairs up to grannie Pearson's flat now not whitewashedBlantyre village pub4

    Friday 11th August

    11 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    This is me 😂 on my way back from the Banksy exhibition in Glasgow then to the library to update find penguins onto Hairmyers hospital where Aunt Margaret is being assessed for a home care package. So she'll be in hospital at least for the weekend. Then off to Blantyre via bus to Hamilton. The driver let me off to catch another bus but I decided to make that sentimental journey on foot.

    The Banksy exhibition was stunning. I think it was almost autobiographical without saying it. Isn't that just Banksy tho! We aren't allowed to take photos but people walked around taking instant ones...I felt so blessed!

    I walked from High Blantyre down through Burnbank to Blantyre. Walked down through our public park which is very changed. I reached the home where our grannie and grandpa lived at knights wood terrace it's still there. I climbed the stairs and knocked on the door hoping to chat to the new owners. No reply, so sadly walked back down to the wash room and back yard, remembering all the days the steam would be rising from those disused monuments to a time gone by.

    So many changes since we were last here. I walked across the road to the station and, now on a train back to Glasgow to then catch a sub back to Kelvin bridge. A wonderful day, inspired by Banksy's work and off to Dundee tomorrow to see my friends. 😊    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore
    2Message left on the bottom bunk for me!
    Entrance hallway of hostel1Entrance hall 8 Park terrace YHA8Glasgow YHA entrance hall1World Cycle championships through Kelvin Grove Park2Love the sculpture made of twigsLove the metal sculpture over this building1The GoMA purchased this painting1Just another stunning building in Glasgow I loved the childrenOh my word I'm in Stirling3I'm in Dundee

    Off to Dundee

    12 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY oor Megs hen, oor gorgeous baby sister, hope it's been a great day and wishing you so much fun, laughter, joy, peace and exotic adventures, with love always xxoo❤️💜💖

    Setting my sights on Dundee today I bought my all day ticket yesterday to avoid the queues! Glasgow was packed as I think this was the last day of the World Cycle championships in this great city. I said cheerio to the hostel a little nostalgic, and to "Paul", who sat under a huge statue at the top of the park, an alcoholic young man with whom I'd stop to talk to each day on my way either down from the hostel or on my way back up. He had a great boomy voice which scared people off, but a lovely soul, it made me sad to see him so "under the weather".

    An obstacle course on the way down through Kelvin Grove Park, as the roads were cut off for the race, made the going a bit tough, but, again, helpful people took my suitcase and grocery bag for me and helped me down the track! I think it's probably time I accept my limitations and make better arrangements like, get a taxi??

    The road was even more difficult as new tarmac had been layed to quite a depth at the side of the road which then dropped down into mud!! Eeeek!! Successfully down through the park, I was on my way to the subway and on into Glasgow. One last tourist thing to do was go back to the Glasgow gallery of modern art... And found a wonderful womens exhibition
    Just the thing! Then to Queen Street station to catch the train at 12.11 pm. After an hour and forty minutes, Ann, my dear friend, was there to meet me and take me home to her gorgeous home in Dundee.

    It is lovely to be so welcomed and rest in a home.    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore
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    New baby in Dundee

    13 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    What a beautiful baby boy in my arms today... Just out of the blue the baby's grandmother handed me her grandson. We had only just met so I was completely surprised.

    My heart melted immediately as that wee bundle just cooried doon ... What a gift to hold this new little life, Lachlan Alexander Dawn MacGregor, only days old, for a few precious moments.

    The Dundee station has had a huge revamp since I was here last. The view of Caird Hall bringing back memories of 33 years ago on my first visit, and the view of the "Discovery" also bringing back thoughts of our much younger selves. Luckily we again escaped the rain!    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore
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    Walk to Invergowrie and Kingoodie

    14 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Next on the walking trail, Ann accompanied me to Invergowrie through the "Nature Walk" from her house. We meandered through and then up through a field of wheat while the sun rained down on us.

    We were to go through a research area for agriculture and somehow ended up in a building site, the research station growing. .

    After a superb lunch at the "Post Office Cafe" in Invergowrie, we made our way walking to King Goodie another little village through a lovely meadow... Before making our way back to Perth Road.

    A wonderful day out with Ann enjoying the views of the Tay and Fife across the water add to the many wonderful memories I've made.    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore

    Mcmanus gallery and museum V and A, Bach

    15 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Oops I see I've uploaded another footprint for this day...I'll delete that ànd paste here.,..
    Today was a trip to the Mcmanus art gallery and museum and the V and A gallery here in Dundee.

    Ann and I began with lunch at the Bach, a kiwi inspired cafe/restaurant in Dundee. A relaxed lunch was not had however as a very large family of eight including four wee ones who had brilliant range of sound made sure we were unable to hear ourselves at times!!

    The Galleries were wonderful, displaying "Tartan" at the V & A, and the wonderful Gothic building of the McManus which covers history, environment, wonderful art works, could spend days here...    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore
    2

    Botanical gardens Dundee and the View

    16 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    A very lazy start to the day today, we are off to the "View" for dinner this evening so took the day a bit quieter walking down to the Botanical gardens in Dundee this afternoon. A leisurely stroll through beautifully set out gardens with amazing sculptures and magnificent plants on display.

    Ann had Pilates this afternoon so I took the opportunity to lie on my bed and write a bit.

    Our evening at the View was very pleasant as we watched the sun set over Dundee, the Tay and the railway bridge looking over to Fife. Only one more full day here in Dundee and I'm off to Crianlarich.    Leggi altro

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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Viaggiatore
    41

    Ann to St Andrews me to library

    17 agosto 2023, Scozia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Today my friend Ann was off to St Andrews with friends for a day out and I spent my day in Dundee City mostly at the library catching up with some emails and a bit of work, filling in my Find Penguins Before heading home for dinner and catch up with Ann and Colin.

    Colin had a wee accident in his racing car so is trying to get it repaired for the last race of the season, he has a friend coming from Poland to help him repair it. He was very frustrated as was I after working on a document for two hours to then lose the lot!! Grrr....give me walking any day! It helped to share our frustration.

    Ann bought me a gift on her day out to St Andrews thinking I'd be "mad enough" to use it....a handbag in the form O a kilt!! She had a good laugh about it with her friends ... Now it'll be an attention getter when I use it!! 😂    Leggi altro

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