Me back...if anyone of you dares to retort..beware...I am Beethoven. Sheesh! My sense of humor....

Was holidaying in Scotland and London. A BIG thanks to all those who sent ideas and helped us plan this entire trip. We had an amazing time and I would really recommend a trip like this to everyone. I don't want this post to be the epic read of a lifetime, so I''ll treat you to some highlights and pictures. So here goes:

Scotland - Places we visited:

Lake District:

-->Quote William Wordsworth:

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er dales and hills
When all at once I saw a crowd
A host of daffodils.....

The Lake District has long been considered one of England's most picturesque areas. The drama and diversity of the Lakeland landscape is unmatched anywhere else in the country - a rich tapestry of jagged mountain ridges, steep -sided valleys, glassy lakes and undulating fells that has bewitched Roman soldiers, Romantic poets and Victorian holidaymakers alike. The Lake District remains one of the most inspiring (and exhilarating) destinations in Britain.

Sights:

The World of Beatrix Potter: It has lots of models reconstructing episodes from Potter's tales. A meandering path leads to the real focus - the shop - where you can potterise your life.

Blackwell Arts and Crafts House:is an impressive 19th-century mansion designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott. It remains one of the finest surviving examples of the Arts and Crafts movement, distinguished by its simple, elegant architecture and sense of space. Most impressive is the White Drawing Room, which looks out across the gleaming lake.

Windermere Lake:This lake has a mix of new and old cruises plying the Lake from Bowness Pier. Regular boats run to Ambleside, Lakeside and Ferry House from Hawkshead and Hill Top.

Edinburgh:

Scotland's capital has a magic that seldom fails to captivate visitors. Modern sophistication melds with staunch tradition from both ends of the social spectrum to create a unique whole, built in noble stone in the most spectacular of settings. It is no exaggeration to describe it as one of the most lovable, and livable, cities on the planet.

The joy of Edinburgh (pronounced ed-inbra) is its size. It posses all the facilities of a major metropolis, there's no hours spent crossing town to get to the latest nightlife hotspot, or wandering about with a street directory. Exploring the city on foot is a delightand is always punctuated by views: the majestic castle clinging to its volcanic crag, Arthur's seat like a chunk of the Highlands dropped into town, or the glimmering Firth of Forth.

Sights:

Edinburgh Castle: Perched high on an extint black volcano, this castle couldn't be more dominant; it towers over Scotland's capital and leaves an inedible impression at first sight. It is visible from every part of the city, and also because the One o'Clock Gun booms out from its battlements at lunch time. This castle is the reason that Edinburgh exists. It was captured by the English during the Wars of Independence, the castle was destroyed by the Scots and it has been rebuilt, strengthened and renovated in the 16th, 17th and the 18th centuries.

Inside the castle, the most interesting sights include: the Stone of Destiny, St Margaret's Chapel (he oldest building in Edinburgh), the Palace (including the Scottish crown jewels) and the National War Museum of Scotland.

Royal Mile: One of the world's most captivating streets, the Royal Mile follows a ridge that runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is riddled with closes (entrances) and wynds (lanes) on either side that make for an intriguing exploration.

At the top of the Mile, just below the castle, the Camera Obscura offers great views over the city from inside the Outlook Tower. Originally, a Victorian attraction, a mirror projects a colour image of the city on to a white table. On the way up the stairs, there's an intriguing display of holograms and optical illusions.

Further down the hill, there is Parliament Square, largely filled by St Giles Cathedral, is on High St, the middle segment of the Royal Mile. This was the heart of Edinburgh until the 18th century, and a cobblestoned Heart of Midlothian is set in the ground.

Then there is The Real Mary King's Close. It is the one way to penetrate the underground world beneath the Old Town. The spooky visit brings to life the sorts of people that may have dwelt there, both rich and poor, who tell stories of their lives. The grimmest is from a man whose job was burying plague victims.

Scottish Parliament: On October 9, 2004, the newest building in the Old Town was opened. The Scottish Parliament was meant to have been a triumphant symbol of devolution but turned into a sabby political scandal. However, now its finally open, it has won great praise for its architecture. Alas, we could not visit the interior cause it was closed due to the G-8 Summit.

Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat: Edinburgh is blessed with having a wilderness on its doorstep. Holyrood Park covers 260 hectares of varied landscape, including mountains, moorland, lochs and fields, and contains some rare plants and insects. The highest point is the 251m - high extint volcano - Arthur's Seat.

Our Dynamic Earth: Looking like a giant white crustacean from the outside, this modern interactive museum sits in the shadow of the broodsing Sailsbury Crags. The extravaganza of special effects, which recreate and explore the planet's history from the Big Bang to the present day is mind blowing.

Princess Street: This street is a spectacular retail thoroughfare with exquisite views across the gardens to the castle and the jumbles of striking facades that line the Old Town. About midway down Princess Street, the massive Gothic spire of the Scott Monument. Princess Street Gardens, home of a colourful Christmas market (the mulled wine is a godsend!) and ice rink in December, are cut by The Mound - a hugh pile of earth dumped during the construction of the New Town, which provides a road link between the Old and New Towns.

The Royal Yacht Britannia moored by the new Ocean Terminal shopping complex, was used for royl travels abroad from 1953 until its decommissioning in 1997. This monument to 1950s style and decor offers an intriguing insight into remarkably simple royal tastes. Thermometers maintaining bathroom temperatures and windbreaks designed to prevent sudden gust.

Oban

Oban is a peaceful waterfront town on a delightful bay with sweeping views.....out of season. In summer its hectic, reflecting the popularity of the nearby islands. The town itself, although mildly interesting, relies on its importance as a major connection point with the Inner and Outer Hebrides for its thriving trade. It's the biggest town in the area but it's easy to get around on foot. Atop the hill is McCaig's Folly, a curious Victorian recreation of the Colosseum!

Sights:

Isle of Mull: The darling of the Southern Hebrides, Mull pulsates with its annual tourist injection, which courses through the soggy island every summer. Mull is an environmental playground with jaw-dropping mountain scenery and a lush, sprawling interior. Offshore is the spiritual magnet that is the holy Isle of Iona, while the main town, Tobermory, has lately experienced a boom of its own; its the place where the hit show Balamory was filmed.

Isle of Staffa: This uninhabited island off Mull is truly a magnificient sight. It forms the eastern end of that geogogical phenomenon which begins in Northern Ireland where it's known as the Giant's Causeway. The Fingal's Cave pushes out of the sea like a grand pipe organ. You can walk into the case via a causeway if the sea is calm.

Inverness

The fast growing city of Inverness is the main settlement in the Highland region and both gateway and hub of the area. It is considered one of Britain's best cities for quality life.

Sights:

Fort Augustus: This was earlier the headquarters for General Wade's military road-building operations in the 18th Century. Life and activity hums around the Caledonian Canal.

Caledonian Canal: Three lochs, one of them famous, comprise two-thirds of the 60 mile Caledonian Canal. Loch Ness, Loch Oich, and Loch Lochy are some of Scotland’s finest engineering examples.

Ness Islands: As you stand along the edges of the Ness Islands, you will feel a part of nature. You can view the River Ness from many different vantage points. A Victorian footbridge connects each of the Ness Islands. As you meander down paths that take you through the wooded areas and along the banks, you will see many different types of wildlife.

Inverness Floral Hall and Gardens: Named “Beautiful in Bloom” by Britain in Bloom, Inverness is virtually bursting with pride and color. Everywhere you look in the city, you’ll see pots and baskets laden with colorful flowers. The apex of this horticulture honor can be found at the Floral Hall, located in Bught Park. The hall contains a tropical conservatory, a section housing many different types of cacti, and an informative visitor center.

Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre: Still surrounded by mysterious legend, the center explains the historic lore of one of the region's most renowned residents. Tales of the Loch Ness Monster are still popular, and the area continues to draw visitors curious about "Nessie." - the elusive Loch Ness monster.

Here are some pics:

Edinburgh - Camera Obscura


Scottish Parliament


The Royal Yacht - Britannia


The Real Mary King's Close


Edinburgh Castle