Meeting up with my grandfather is always a joy! We met in a town between both of our places
We chose a Mexican Food Restaurant Called “El Paso” on the main plaza–the service was great, food delicious and the company was superb–despite the generational difference, we had a blast together.
Papa had the classic burrito and taco combo. I enjoyed the sizzling hot shrimp fajitas with salad and a dash of habenero salsa. Sweetness had Caldo de Pollo and the California burrito–loaded with goodness-Yummy!
My favorite part was telling of old stories and sharing a flan together–a bit of a sweet treat for sweet stories.
Papa and IMe and my SweetnessThe last glimpse of the flan
It’s that time of year and the Siler City food bank/pantry is running low and needs assistance filling their shelves to feed others! A wish list is available on Amazon (click link) Many items under $3–easy to give with free Prime Shipping directly to the food bank- https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1UJX66V7NGWFI
American Latino Bail Bonds is an open choice for everyone in the emergency of getting loved ones out of jail. Hablamos Espanol.We are always open and ready to assist.
Treats, Goodies, little gifts, Souvenirs–whatever you like to call them-trinkets you get for yourself or loved ones–can be a little tough to choose and/or get home-to the person–here are a few tricks I have learned a long the way–
Know your person–while there are a select few whom really love those Snow Globes-choose something they will really enjoy, like or use. I’d a grandmother whom wanted odd-ball location magnets–sometimes the simple little things mean the most to the recipient.
Find the unique item on street bizarre or jumble sales–it will be always a fun memory–I bought a bone china vintage tea cup and saucer on Portabello Row in London for pence on the pound and I used it for years (until an ill fated moment and a visitor broke it!) My friend’s mom loves puzzles–he was always on the hunt for local puzzles while we were recently in Scotland.
3. Postcards and T-Shirts/Hoodies– are your best friend. They are everywhere and relatively inexpensive–if you are sending more than one or two from a foreign country you “might” want to wait to send them from home as the postage can get excessive–me? I am a postcard junkie-just ask my family. I do send out some postcards but for me, I chose postcards for myself to add to my cork board (sometimes I even send myself one so I get the foreign stamp and postmark!) I am an average photographer but postcards nail it every time! Plus, postcards are super easy to pack!
4. Local goodies–things you can’t find at home–for example, my Sweetness loves soup so I brought him a regional T-Shirt, which I wrapped around a larger can of Scotch Broth Soup–I know I can’t make it as well from scratch as the Scottish do but from the can will be a close second. He loved getting to sample the local fare.
5. Keep a travel journal/diary. I like doing it with paper and pen but my friend does his digitally on his phone and attaches photos–I also put postcards and other tidbits in my travel journal.
6. Little things can be a souvenir, too. I picked up a fun scarf one day for less than $3 as I had left my scarf back at the guest house and I was chilled–a simple but pretty scarf not only kept me warm but it was fun to wear abroad and now at home, with smiles of all the places I have worn it.
7. Have any tidbits that help? Please leave the info in the comment section below!
Postcards are easy to find and easy to packCaptures those hard to get momentsFind locally made items–A wool sweater from Scotland for my DadKeep a travel journal/diary (snacks are handy!)Drink coffee or beverage while journaling–mark what you did that day and what you sawtake lots of photos–make a travel blog or create a “shared album” or profile to share with family and friends all at once Write your postcards for yourself or others on location (even if you mail later) as it helps to capture the “essence”Use something while traveling? Include it in your travel journal, like a bus pass or theatre ticketStubs and postcards, bits of brush or anythign can go as a souvenirPostcards, need I say more?Mailing yourself or other postcards–sending a bit of love when your feet can’t go the distance yet–everyone needs a bit of loveI chose a 2nd hand apple bearing tea pot (jumble sale) and a chubby mug and some local fare for myself, which i wrapped up in my cardigan and clothes to get home–the soil samples were a request and the Christmas ornaments were for my mom–Non traditional souvenirs but was thinking of the people I love
I recently quit smoking and thus my handknitted scarf collection has greatly increased–all handmade and hand knitted by myself, each are for sale–with free shipping to the USA! A percentage of each sale goes directly to the Wildlife Sanctuary in Keensburg, Colorado, which hosts rescued and adopted carnivores of all sorts!
It’s harvest time in Colorado but the flowers are still blooming! My parents house is abundant with color and beauty–and their dog, Gluwhein, is pretty darn cute too!
An evening out before heading back to the United States tomorrow–an essential event for me. I knew of MacCallums from travels before and it’s a great local hot spot that isn’t touristy and a true gem tucked in downtown/old town Inverness.
The live music is always awesome–and the barkeeps are always on spot–I walked in and the barkeep noticed I was “frozen” and made me a cup of coffee so I could warm up.
One aspect I enjoy about MacCallums is that it’s not touristy and it’s cozy, if a pub can be described as cozy, hahahaha!
A nice gentlemen, Hugh Frasier, had the band perform Caledonia for me and it started off the night of dancing and fun for me, such a joy and treat! The band played 90 and early 2000s covers–which was a throw back to my younger days (and yes, I am dating myself!) Shaking one’s tail feathers on the last night of a dreamy vacation is always a good way to go.
After leaving the pub, I stopped by Max’s, an essential if you are going to Inverness–it’s a takeaway place that offers amazing food and they are open late. Tonight was the second time I ate there on this trip–first go around I had the Doner Plate and tonight, freshly done fish and chips with extra malted vinegar and salt.
Located within a walking distance from St. Giles square and shopping center, this historical delight is a true treasure to behold! Walking around the perimeter gives attest to its stunning beauty and size but walking within the ruins is breath taking! the stones and chiseling is indescribable–chiseling into one’s eye and mind the craftsmanship and intricacy.
There are effigagies, stone markers, a monk’s scribing area–and while I did my best to stay out of the way, there was also a wedding going on while I was there–and so many handsome men in kilts!
A long bus ride from Inverness bus station to Nairn but totally worth it. I packed my throw blanket and off I headed–the bus driver instructed to me which stop to take to easily access downtown Nairn–which was just a mere few blocks to access the Maggot and East Beach, via the walk way along the River Nairn.
I purchased a “picnic” lunch for myself, a sandwich with a pack of crisps and a beverage and off I went to the sea!
Along the walking path, I spotted a pair of adult swans, white ones, and a small flock of what I assume were the teenage brood of the adult pair in the river, amongst the reeds and rushes.
A very windy, chilly awe inspiring day! The skies were crystal clear today and bundled up with my wool blended cardigan and scarf, the best was had all the way around–and even Nairn by evening sunset is beautiful (the photo is a bit fuzzy as it was taken from the bus!)
History of the MaggotToo happy to contain it Fish boats docked for the evening The beach leading up to the oceanThe tall grasses along the seashore helped break the wind someLate blloms along he walkSignage is always helpful More history, one can never nerd enoughMeryton Bridge, Can you see the swans? Too GiddyI sat along the drift wood to eat my lunchThe waves lapped against the strandOne way to go!Despite the cold, a best of daysEverything is green in Scotland Birdy foot printsA view of Nairn from the oceanThe sun sets over nairnWalking back to the bus stop Wearing my souvenir scarf and cardigan to help kick the cold
A simple walk and I stumbled across a gated community Biblical Garden here in Elgin. It’s blooms, despite being mid-to-late fall are still abundant and fragrant, cascading over the walls and embankments of their containers and garden beds, yet leaving the pathways accessible.
There are stone placquards across the garden,interlaced with statues and carvings. Upon one statue, where the disciples hands are out-stretched, a person has left a blanket/throw for someone in need–an offering!
I am unsure if the gardens are open all year long but it was a wonderful place to reflect, enjoy my coffee, and commune.
My Travels 