[valdeztke]

As the time to take my trip grows closer I'd like to propose an idea to any locals in the area.

My fiancé and I are awfully interested in taking in the local atmosphere and seeing the culture first hand.

We of course want to experience the great history of Scotland touring the castles and trails. During the fireworks celebration we will be staying somewhere in the city for a day or two, but would like to spend the rest of our time on the out skirting areas taking in the local cuisine, customs, and ethnicity.

From my understanding we will arrive in London the 28th of December at 0900 in the morning from there we will travel to Edinburgh via rail. We plan to stay in Scotland until the 5th of Jan.

My fiancé works an international visitor program at the US State Department. She is using her resources to try and find us a family to stay with in the surrounding areas around the lowlands.

Would anyone here be willing to let her and I bunk at your place for a few days? This would be greatly appreaciated being that we are on a tight budget and I plan to make it out to Munich next spring to pick up another BMW


Any other recommendations would be obliged.

[KL2DC]

I just came back from London (frequent visitor) and Edinburgh (first time visit).

I travelled by rail to Edinburgh Waverly from London King's Cross. It was a very pleasant travelling experience. You can buy your tickets online or at the station. The rates fluctuate depending on travel times so shop around for the best deals. I planned to take a Virgin Rail service to Waverly and went to the Virgin office in Euston Rail station but they issued me National Express Rail tickets based on my price/departure time preference. I decided to splurge and opted for First Class (tickets cost me about 200 pounds each, return), but standard service (from my observation) was a far better deal. There wasn't much difference between the two. A pointer is to go standard class and make your way to the First Class dining room for a nice slow lunch . Food on the train is ok but on the expensive side. A hot main entree costs about 13-18 pounds. Coffee and Tea service is included in the First Class cabin. The entire trip takes about 4.5 hours from King's Cross.

I spent 2 nights in Scotland. Beautiful country up there. Edinburgh is a gorgeous city. I would have a vacation home up there when my powerball numbers get called up

In Edinburgh, I stayed in the Sheraton Grand close to the city center (about 100-120 quid). You can walk up Princes street from Waverly, lots of shopping and restaurants. I recently discovered that Edinburgh is a very hip and trendy city indeed. The mix of old and new is interesting. Check out the new Parliament building. I arrived at the city in the evening. With the winter hours, daylight is short. I paid 16 pounds for a taxi to take me for a quick spin around the city. The folks in Edinburgh are passionate about their city so almost everyone will make a great guide. A lot of them are quite knowledgeable.

I took a day trip to view the surrounding highlands. Saw Glencoe, Ben Nevis, the different Lochs (including Loch Ness), Inverness etc. Granted it was a touristy thing to do and that we practically breezed through Scotland's finest without taking the time to appreciate, but I enjoyed that outing very much. There are several tours that can be arranged by the concierge of your hotel. The one I went to cost me 30 quid.

Oh I ate deep fried haggis and chips smothered in gravy

Overall, definitely a lot to take in. I do regret not spending time to immerse myself in the Scottish experience. But I counted that trip as a feeler trip for future trips.

When I finally do my euro delivery one day, I intend to drive up to Scotland with a London drop off point.

[Dave_3]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

When I finally do my euro delivery one day, I intend to drive up to Scotland with a London drop off point.

I drive back from Switzerland to Scotland a few times a year.

Check out these guys. You can go straight to Edinburgh then drive back down to London.

http://www.superfast.com/scotland/english/index.aspx

Nice civilised "Grand Tour" way of travelling, hop on the ferry in the evening, enjoy a meal and a few drinks as the sun sets at sea, wake up as you come into Scotland.

D.

[valdeztke]

Thanks for the great tips my fellow DC'er

[Serjames]

makesure you get a cocktail in the DOME !

fantastic place, just opposite the big ferris wheel and down a little.

SJ

[valdeztke]

Originally Posted by Serjames

makesure you get a cocktail in the DOME !

fantastic place, just opposite the big ferris wheel and down a little.

SJ

Will make note of that

[Steve A]

Originally Posted by valdeztke

As the time to take my trip grows closer I'd like to propose an idea to any locals in the area.

My fiancé and I are awfully interested in taking in the local atmosphere and seeing the culture first hand.

We of course want to experience the great history of Scotland touring the castles and trails. During the fireworks celebration we will be staying somewhere in the city for a day or two, but would like to spend the rest of our time on the out skirting areas taking in the local cuisine, customs, and ethnicity.

From my understanding we will arrive in London the 28th of December at 0900 in the morning from there we will travel to Edinburgh via rail. We plan to stay in Scotland until the 5th of Jan.

My fiancé works an international visitor program at the US State Department. She is using her resources to try and find us a family to stay with in the surrounding areas around the lowlands.

Would anyone here be willing to let her and I bunk at your place for a few days? This would be greatly appreaciated being that we are on a tight budget and I plan to make it out to Munich next spring to pick up another BMW


Any other recommendations would be obliged.

Sounds like this might end in a bit of swinging

[peterg1965]

And it is very cold here at the moment!

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by Steve A

Sounds like this might end in a bit of swinging

Glad to see you're back & fully on form, Steve!

Viv

[NFS]

Originally Posted by Steve A

Sounds like this might end in a bit of swinging

[Z4 Beemer]

Originally Posted by peterg1965

And it is very cold here at the moment!

Indeed!

[valdeztke]

So where is a cheap place to stay? There wont be any "swinging"

[valdeztke]

Originally Posted by valdeztke

So where is a cheap place to stay? There wont be any "swinging"

no one?

[NFS]

Originally Posted by valdeztke

no one?

http://www.travelodge.co.uk/index.ph...FQiVMAod11trOQ