Harry Potter!

Sunday...Harry Potter!

After another lovely English breakfast we boarded the tour bus. We were greeted by our lovely throaty tour guide and we were off to ALNWICK CASTLE. The castle is the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and was photographed as the setting for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter films. Some of us compared notes sharing that we absolutely must bring home mementos of Harry Potter. A fairly small display of souvenirs featuring Harry Potter were displayed. After perusing and purchasing playing cards, magnets, etc. we contiued on to the castle. The Duke and Duchess are fairly young with children. Very privileged indeed. With opulent surroundings and views one could only imagine what it is like living in such splendor. After having a lovely lunch, we headed back to the bus where we drove to the Scottish boarder and on to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. Another lovely room awaited us. That evening we were taken to a Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. A great time was had by everyone. A sample of the Haggis was served with turnips, and potatoes. MMM. YUM. Recipes for the Haggis may be found on the internet. I intend to pursue these recipes and maybe try to figure out what all the fuss is about. I personally did not have any trouble consuming the Haggis but then I had been initiated by the Black pudding.

Off to our rooms once more, buoyed by the earlier festivities. A local pub was located below our room so shouting and good times were upheld until the pub closed.