Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Castle and More Castles

Scotland

Well what can I say about Scotland.  It's a magical mystical country with lots and lots and lots of Castles.  You may also remember William Wallace. If you don't remember him then you remember Mel Gibson playing the part of William Wallace.  He fought for Scotland's Freedom.  William Wallace is also guarding the entrance to Edinburgh Castle.  


Something I never knew before my little adventure to Edinburgh Castle is that Castles are more than just a fortress, they are little towns inside a city. They are huge!  If I went back today I still wouldn't have seen it all.    As you can see in some of my shots you can understand why they choose this area for a castle. It overlooks the sea so no one can attack from there without being seen and also you overlook the land to protect yourself from land invaders.

Once you have toured Edinburg Castle you can take a leisurely stroll down the Royal Mile...where you pass buildings that are so old you can hardly believe it, with 15th and 16th century with doors and windows to match that are still being used.  Why would you even think about strolling down the Royal Mile....Well to get to the next Castle, Holyrood.  Holyrood Castle is a little more modern and this is where the Royals Summer.  Why they would spend summer only a mile from the major castle still has me perplexed, but hey, it's their place and they can do with it as they wish.  

Now don't think when you go to Edinburgh everything is old...they have been able to blend the history with the modern.  It truly is a wonderful place to walk around.  And for those who wish to shop...plenty of that too.  Perhaps you can get a Kilt in your family tartan.

My advice to you, however, is that you do need to walk it to enjoy it.  But do wear comfy shoes as some of the streets are cobblestone and you are walking upstairs and down and more.  You may walk downhill for the Royal Mile but you have to walk back up it.  I have to say that at the end of my adventure in Edinburgh I was a little pooped...I took a cab back to the ship.

Orkney Islands

Growing up I had learned of Scotland.  I knew that it was where the game of Golf originated.  I knew that Scotch Whiskey came from here. However, there were some amazing things I never knew about Scotland.  For example...The Orkney Islands.  When I arrived there I was amazed how clear and fresh the air was.  Coming from the big cities...my nose can tell the difference.  I also found out that during WWII there were a few ships that were scuttled and you can still see some of the hulls there.  Apparently it was a great hiding place.  I also learned about an Italian Prison of War camp that was on the Island.  And, of course, a distillery.

Let me first talk about the distillery.  I am not a Scotch drinker and unfortunately for me I could not really enjoy the difference in my taste testing experience.  But I did learn all about how the Scotch was made which was very interesting. For instance...did you know that when the vapors of the scotch escapes the kettles into the air...this has a name.  It's called "The Angels Share"...These whiskeys differ from those in the States as it is a single malt.  They also use the peat to heat it up and the peat gives it a distinguished taste as well as the age and the barrels.  The tours are fun and educational whether you drink or not and look at these buildings...Still standing after all those years!!

This is Me...Zee.  It was July and I am in a Black Leather Coat...did I tell you how far North you are....Brrrrr...

This is where the Angel Share comes out of....Enjoy! 

Now...I am no historian...and frankly it was my worst subject in school, but I was truly amazed at the Italian POW camp. The Italians, being Devout Catholics wanted a place to worship.  However, there were no building materials available to build a church.  The Italian POW's were very ingenious and talented. They converted one of the Quonset Huts into a Church.  They used scrap metal, and tin cans and glass bottles and paint and created the most unbelievable church.  You can not tell what was tin cans what was glass bottles or scrap metal...here let me show you some pictures.

Unbelievable, Right....?!

If you would like to listen to my podcasts about these wonderful places...I have a new one every Thursday on BuzzSprout.com  

South Dakota

Hi,

Zee Michaelson here...We are going to mix things up a bit today and talk about the Great States of the United States...I know Summer just kicked off and you are busy planning your vacations.  

Well the United States has many things to offer with a wide variety of city scapes and country side back roads.  We even have different climates based on where you are going.  Traveling throughout the United States holds many interesting and fun surprises...So I will start with one particular state.  I little well kept secret.

South Dakota.  Yupp South Dakota.  It is a very diverse countryside from the Farmlands to the Badlands to the Black Hills.  You should take the time to drive across the State and discover each and every unbelievable spot.  South Dakota is home to the Corn Palace. Where many a Country Artist has played.  Why is it called the Corn Palace well the exterior is designed with Corn.  Here let me show you.

The Badlands is where all those bad cowboy outlaws hid....and again the terrain is unbelievable.  It is gorgeous.  I am afraid my picture doesn't do it justice.   But you can definitely see why they hid there. Hmmm...I wonder if there are still some old time outlaws still lost in there?????

The farming community is still alive and going strong in South Dakota.  Most family farms are still going and have been in the family for many generations.  It is a way of life that sometimes is not easy.  Next time you are eating farm fresh you know who to thank.....Look at the date on that barn.

You know I do go "Off The Beaten Path"  How much so let me show you.

Believe it or not this is a road and yes those are Wild Turkeys.  

South Dakota has many areas of interest with places to stay hotels, motels, cabins in the mountains...Find a place along the journey and explore!  Oh I almost forget... for you that love to jump on your motorcycle...Sturgis is one of the largest Bikefests in the country.

So take the Path less traveled and Head to South Dakota and take Zmax Radio with you...no matter where you go.  

Holyhead Wales...


Some of the friendliest people I have met in my travels were from Wales.  

My husband and I took a vacation cruise on the Princess Lines around the British Isles.  It was very fun and exciting and sometimes a little tiring from all that running around and site seeing.  

So we decided at the next port we were going to sit back walk around and soak up the local color and enjoy the people we met.  It was one of the best thing we ever did.  We wandered into a local pub and decided to grab a pint.  We went local all the way.  Let me tell you Cheers has nothing on this place. It was a small community and word got our some people from the United States were there.  Before long we were chatting with so many new friends and acquaintances. We had so much fun and made so many great memories of our time in Holyhead, Wales.

So think about it. When you are traveling, take some time out of your site seeing...meet the locals and enjoy.  Because you don't want to miss out on an experience that will last you life time.  

Want to take a trip to the British Isles contact me 
Zee Michaelson Travel
Hear more about my travels on Zmax Radio.  
You can also follow me on twitter @zeemichaelson