After two perfect flights, Ellie and I arrived in Aberdeen, Scotland at 9:30 am to a green and foggy land. We caught the first bus to the city without any problems and dropped off right in the middle of downtown. We stashed our bags at the lockers in the train station and set off looking for a place to sit and grab a bit of lunch, since our stomachs didn't quite know what time it was. A bit jet lagged and lacking a full nights sleep, we had the rest of the day to kill before our lovely couchsurfing friend (named Ellie as well) was getting home from work.  We meandered about the gray, granite streets to some historical sights, including a beautiful conservatory/garden Duthie Park. . . including some long rest stops on the benches throughout the park.  

When we arrived at our Couchsurfing host's she welcomed us graciously and showed us to our room which had not a mattress but a couch in it! Its been brilliantly lovely to stay with people from here, especially since they've been so gracious in telling us how to get around and answering all our questions about Scotland. I can't wait to meet our other hosts and get to know them as well. It is so wonderful to actually get to stay with individuals from the place rather than just seeing the tourist sights. 

On Wednesday I got to see my dear friend Bethany's Scottish home about 1 hour out from Aberdeen. We biked through the beautiful countryside to her old house and even got to see the inside! The best part of the afternoon was rope swinging into the river nearby with her family and Scottish family friends. At one point I just floated on my back through the tree branches to the clear blue sky- it felt so free! After drying off, we went to the Brodie's house for a bit of tea with quite a few people who were in town from other parts of Britain.  All the Scottish people that we have met so far have been absolutely giving and hospitable! 

Today we met the Dearborn's at Dunnotar Castle, which is an amazing ruin right on the water a bit south of Aberdeen. Even though I ended up resting on the grass for a bit while waiting for them, it was great to spend some more time with them and hear more details about the history since there wasn't much information on site at the castle. 

Tomorrow we're off to the West Coast for a few days and then to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival. Both Ellie and I are still a bit lagging, so hopefully the day in Kyle will be restful!