York and on to Edinburgh, Scotland

Yesterday marked our first month traveling!! Yay! One down… 7 more to go (maybe?)! Let’s talk about yesterday then we can move on to today! So yesterday, we walked another half of the city walls of York and spent the rest of the afternoon in the only brewery in York, the York Brewery! We arrived right after a tour had started, but not to fear, we were given some tasty cask ale beer while we waited for the next tour to begin! We spent the first hour talking to a nice couple from a town about an hour away who come to York every year on holiday because they love it so much. We have to agree with them, York was pretty spectacular. At 3:30, we went on the tour of their brewing facilities. They are a 20 barrel brew plant housed in an old flour mill. We got to see the brewing process and then enjoy more beer tasting after. Ryder even poured his own hand pumped cask ale.

We met another couple who were also visiting York and had a really great time talking with them until well past dinner time. We finally said goodbye to the brewery, grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed back for a relaxing night.

Today we got up early, had a great breakfast at the B&B, and caught the train from York to Edinburgh. The ride took about 2 and a half hours, but we passed the time talking with a nice gentleman from northern Scotland. He gave us some great recommendations on places to stay and things to see while we are here. We got off the train and caught a taxi to our new place in Edinburgh. Once we settled in, we headed out to the main center of town (about 15 minutes walk) for lunch. The world famous Fringe Festival is going on in Edinburgh this month. There are performances, art installations, venders, and all sorts of entertainment going on all over the city!! We walked down along the river and spent some time at a few booths where I purchased a necklace and Ryder a hat! It started to pour down rain and of course we left our rain jackets back at the flat, so we hoofed it back, getting soaking wet in the process.

We just finished a homemade pasta meal and are settling in for a nice first night in Scotland!