A Year in Review

2013 was an incredible year, there is no other way to describe it.  Martin and I were married twice over the course of the 12 months with celebrations on two different continents.  And while it is improving, I still don’t speak German.

I added two new countries to the travel list including Singapore and Scotland and Martin and I checked off of a few local destinations from the local’s list including St. Helena, Humboldt, and Mendocino.

Martin and I learned how to pair Beers with Cheeses at the SF Cheese School, we saw a drag queen play Carrie in episodes of Sex and the City and sang along to the Little Mermaid and Sound of Music at the Castro Theatre.    I shucked oysters at Hog Island, went on a boondoggle, I mean training, in Vegas and got to meet the newest addition to our crew Connor, in New York...And even better, I found time to get a promotion at work!

Yes, I would say 2013 was a good one.  Here’s is to 2014!

London, Germany and Scotland!

Our stories are finally posted from Martin and my trip to Europe for Christmas.  As always, read from the bottom up starting with "A German, An American and a North Irishman Walk Into a Bar" posted on December 22nd. 

Enjoy! 

More Indian Food, Less Flights

It took 24 hours into the new year for me to make my new years resolution…but that is getting ahead of the story.

We woke up on January 1 in Inverness and started the New Year off right with a healthy breakfast (half of a grapefruit and poached eggs) and a walk along the river to warm up the body.    We said goodbye to our hosts at the Moyness House (a perfect B&B with delicious breakfasts, sought after sitting room with fireplace and ideal location) and made our way to the bus stop for our 5 hour trip to Aberdeen.  Our stay in Aberdeen was solely due to our 6 am flight out the next morning. 

We arrived in Aberdeen around 5pm and were met by a dark, empty rain soaked town.  The rain was so bad that Martin agreed to take a taxi to the hotel rather than make the 10 minute walk.   We checked in to our room and were in town long enough for a delicious Indian dinner and a 5 hour “nap” before heading to the airport for our long trek home.  That trek began at 4am Scotland time and ended at 2am California time the following day thanks to three flights and a four hour delay.

So my official new years resolutions this year are as follows:  eat more Indian food (it is just too yummy not to) and no more three legged flights.   

Bagpipes and Whiskey

We arrived in Inverness, after our train ride through the highlands and snow covered mountains to find the quaint costal town bathed in sun.  The weather was definitely on our side. 

We had been directed to Inverness by a Scottish co-worker and had only one thing planned…Hogmanay Dinner on New Years Eve.  But with a full day to explore, Martin and I took the opportunity to see what the area had to offer.  

Our first night in town, Martin finally satisfied his desire to try Haggis and much to my surprise, his haggis, with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) and whiskey cream sauce was absolutely delicious.   And while I stole bites of his haggis, Martin surprisingly stole bites of my fish and chips…it wouldn’t be the last time he willingly ate fish in Scotland.   It was over dinner that Martin and I realized that this trip was the longest we had spent with just each other in awhile!  Thankfully come to find out, we still really like each other and have a good time regardless of where we are or the weather. 

In fact, even the hurricane strength winds and torrential downpour the following day while touring the empty Urquhart Castle couldn’t damper our good times.    The castle, located on the banks of Loch Ness, home of Nessie the Loch Ness Monster, has been in ruin since the 1500 when the last occupants blew up the bridge tower to avoid being captured.    While wandering the empty grounds and learning about its history, I couldn’t help but smile when Martin commented about the violent history of England and Scotland… yeah, I will let that one sink in. 

We wrapped up the castle when the first tour bus arrived and headed back into town to get ready for our big New Years celebration…or Hogmanay as the locals call it!

While the town hosted a free outdoor party, complete with food stalls and live bands, we were unwilling to chance the weather and booked a nice dinner at a local hotel.  We arrived looking our best and were escorted to the “den” for champagne and canapés.  Walking into the room confirmed our decision.  We were greeted by champagne, an old hunting lodge ambiance, and a regal affair.  Men in kilts were standing around and catching up while keeping a hand or eye on their women that sat nearby on the plaid sofas.  Deer heads hung on the wall, the fire place was aflame and I was in heaven. 

We were seated for dinner after a glass or two of champagne and the evening only got better.  Dinner was a delicious four course event, complete with party crowns and party poppers on the tables.  And Martin once again surprised me by eating his salmon appetizer.    Dinner wrapped up around 10pm and the party continued in the hotel bar where a live band encouraged all participants to join in the traditional Scottish dances.  It took a few sips of liquid courage, but pretty soon Martin and I were joining in the fun of Stripping the Willow, the Sergeants Dance (where Martin got the pleasure of dancing with two ladies) and a normal waltz.  And if the moment could not become anymore surreal, shortly before midnight a bagpipe led the entire party out through the hotel to the river banks where we watched the city fireworks and toasted the new year with more champagne and whiskey. 

Between the kilts, bagpipes, whiskey, Scottish dancing and fireworks…the moment was unreal.