Lucky Again

Written by Janna:
Guess what. We saw the Queen! (yippy) Again, we had no idea anything was going on - just followed the crowd. She walked out of the palace, crossed the street, and then sat on a platform (covered on three sides) to watch a rather interesting parade in her honor. Then she walked back. That was it. She's the little greenish blur in a red hat in the picture. I can't believe all the pomp that accompanies a little old lady crossing the road. I suppose I should perhaps be a bit more respectful of their monarch. We went to catch a glimpse too, so we're just as bad. Ryan and I had more fun checking out all the security, I think. There were beefeaters, city police, military police, you name it
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Sometimes You Just Get Lucky

The other day Janna needed a break from studying, so we took a walk up the royal mile to the castle. As luck would have it, we stumbled into a free ceremony to install a new Governor to Edinburgh castle.



As things do in this country the ceremony started out with a great bagpipe band.

But what was really neat to watch was the ceremonial part of the installation. It is all completely unnecessary, but the ritual tradition has been maintained. After the band played for awhile, a group of soldiers marched into the arena. The leader of the soldiers stood at the end of the line shouting orders while the troops shuffled back and forth to get properly aligned. Shortly after, the new governor came in and inspected the troops. When he was satisfied the installation began. He requested her Majesty’s officer read aloud the Queens commission appointing him governor of the castle. When read, the governor ordered the gates to be opened and the castle key to be brought to him. The castle garrison commander then shouted from the castle wall and demanded proof of the commission. At this point her Majesty’s officer took the commission to the castle gate and knocked three times. When the summons was verified the key was brought out. After a quick speech and some more music, everyone marched into the castle.

Fun With Friends

They have long since gone home but the memories will last. The middle of June was a fun time for us as some friends from Kalispell came to visit. We had a great time showing them around and they even talked us into taking a quick trip to Ireland. It didn't take much arm twisting as Dublin means Guinness brewery... mmm beer.


Much of their trip we took them to sights Janna and I have seen before. This actually worked out well as we would send them off the see the touristy bits whilst Janna and I explored the not-so-touristy bit around the touristy bits.
We also got to see lots of new sights like the magnificent (insert sarcasm) Antonine Wall. After a long hike through a field, across a trash dump, through some trees, under a train track, and across a cow field we finally found this amazing sight. Which turned out the be a ditch and some holes in the ground. But it was likely the oldest ditch we have ever seen. I know I am forever changed. ;)



One of days (they have all blurred together) we headed south and had abbey day. On this trip we saw Melrose Abbey, Dryburgh Abbey (Echo Echo Echo), Jedburgh Abbey, and Kelso Abbey.


Then off to Ireland. We saw a church (Christ Church Cathedral - Janna edit) and some other crap (Trinity College - Janna edit), but the only thing that really counts is the Guinness Storeroom. A tip for the guys... it is always a good idea to bring your non-beer liking wife as you then get two pints of that fresh godly nectar.


For dinner we had a traditional Irish meal that came with some music and dancing and more Guinness. While that was cool, I think the best part if the trip was the street performers competition (sorry Ryan). We had no idea such an event was taking place, but it turned out to be a very memorable occasion... especially when someone you know gets called onto the stage. Sorry Ryan but that was darn funny. (For those of you that are confused, our friend is also named Ryan).

Just like Janna's folks, we took them up to Arthur's Seat on the last day. Unfortunately the view wasn't quite as good. Nonetheless a we had a great time. Can't wait to get home and crack a beer back in Kalispell.