Here are some pictures of my great neice.

Cute, no?

I brought back some Jaffa Cakes back from Scotland for a friend.

I took a look at the box before I sent it off and noticed something.

Is this an actual problem in the UK?

If so, we really need to start exporting more drugs over there.

Scotland - The final Chapter

Friday and Saturday

We returned to the old part of town on Friday to do more shopping, this time I remembered my camera. We walked up Victoria street and returned to Greyfriars Kirk, this time in the day light. We walked around and looked all the graves and found Voldemort's grave :) as well as the inspiration for Hogwarts school, well not in the graveyard but next to it, we saw a guy going a photo shoot, which just annoyed us since we was taking pictures in from of on of the most impressive graves so we couldn't get close to it. After this we just shopped and returned home to relax, which we had gotten very good at by this point.
Saturday we went back into town to go on an underground tour. The tour was called "The Real Mary King's Close" and consisted of three closes, or streets, that had been blocked off when the building on top of them were built. It was an interesting look into the lives of people in the 17th and 18th century in Edinburgh, even with some of cheesy effects and props that were used. There is one room the contains a room were a young girl is often seen. In the past she has been seen crying and asks people for a doll she has lost. So, now people bring in dolls and toys and leave them for her. Now people who see her say she looks happy when they see her. The company that runs the tours now collects the newer dolls and any money that is left and donates it to a local children hospital. We went home after the tour and repacked and spent our last night talking and watching TV.

The trip home was way too long and I got a little worried when the captain of the plane from London to San Francisco told us his name was captain Vader. Yikes! When I arrived in San Francisco I got a door-to-door van to take me home. He got lost in El Cerrito dropping some people off so it took an hour and half to finally get home. I was exhausted but managed to stay up until almost nine before finally falling into bed.

I loved Scotland and would love to return and see more of the country, maybe I wont get sick next time.

If you want to see the rest of my pictures go here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayitaazul/sets/72157594338388821/

Scotland - Rosslyn Chapel, ghost towns, whiskey and Jack Russels

Thursday

We arrived on the Royal Mile near the castle for our tour at 9:30. The bus was small and had really uncomfortable seats that were made for much smaller butts than mine. There were a mix of people on the bus, a couple from Ohio was sitting in front of me and another could from New Zealand was beside me. Behind was a young man and his parents from Scotland, they were showing his aunt from Canada around the country. The rest of the people were English and Scottish. Our bus driver Michael was a rotund, jovial Scot that talked incessantly about everything except the tour. By the time we were ten miles out on the road, half the bus was ready to revolt when he told his tenth story about the people he knew, the town he grew up in and his Jack Russel Megan.

We arrived at Rosslyn Chapel first and departed the bus to tour around. It was about 8 pounds to see the chapel. It had been free before all the De Vinci Code stuff had started all the hoopla about the chapel, but now with all the people wanting to see it they were charging. I really can't blame them, more people equals more damage, and why not charge if it means being able to restore the chapel? The chapel is beautiful. Very ornate and detailed. There is a window that supposedly shows corn about 100 years before it came to the old world...hmmm...Interesting...It did look like corn, but who knows. By the time we left the chapel it was pissing down rain outside. We decided to walk down the hill to try to get a glimpse of the castle that was supposed to be in the area, but no luck, we couldn't locate were it was.
After a short trip on the bus we arrived at the templar church. The church was a ruin in the middle of a graveyard. We were told that the ruin that was there really didn't have anything to do with the templars, but was built on the site of a templar church. Still very atmospheric, especially in the rain.
We then headed out to the town of Gifford for lunch, it was still raining and the town was almost completely deserted. Sharon said it reminded her of the town in the Stepford Wives. It just had a really weird vibe to it. After lunch we went over to the church and looked around, followed by a stroll around town looking at nothing really.
We then headed to Glenkinchie Distillery for a tour. It was interesting to see how whiskey was made, but it was really hot and I felt light headed for much of the tour. After the tour we got a taste of the whiskey and were set free in the gift shop. It was way too expensive so I skipped it and headed back to the bus. At this point we headed home. This tour was much more reasonable in regard to time then the Loch Ness on we had taken. It was from 9:45 to 5:30 so we didn't feel completely dead afterwards. I really liked this one and would love to explore this area of Scotland more with its farm lands and rolling hills.

Scotland - The Darkening

Tuesday night

We showed up for the City of the Dead tour at 7:45 for the 8:15 tour. We were the first ones there, I thought that it might be a small tour, but by 8 pm there were about 30 people including a group of rather rowdy teenagers. I was just hoping that I would be about to hear the tour guide. Our tour guide was Rosie, she was outgoing and seemed to really enjoy what she did. At 8:15 we started the tour. We went around the corner to parliament square and Rosie told us some of the history of Edinburgh. She described the with hunts and all matter of fun torture history. After this we made our way down the road to Greyfriars Kirk Graveyard. It was very creepy at night, but being that I love graveyards I was not afraid at all. We walked around the graveyard and heard tales of ghosts and and the people who had had experiences with them. I was used as an example twice once as a murder victim and again because I have had supernatural experiences I was sent onto an empty crypt to see if I could conduct some activity. I didn't in fact I felt the most calm I had felt on the whole tour. This took place in a part of the graveyard called the conventor's prison which is locked all the time except for when the tours go in. It is supposed to be too dangerous in there, Rosie says because of the ghost activity, but more likely to preserve the crypts. It was a little strange in there, but not enough to scare me at all. After this we headed back towards the front of the graveyard stopping at a large crypt the supposedly had a lot of ghost activity. I really enjoyed the tour and being able to go into a graveyard at night. I would recommend it to anyone that comes to Edinburgh.

Wednesday

I don't have much to write about Wednesday, we went out shopping, I forgot my camera, I was not pleased. Since I didn't have my camera we decided to come back to the historic old town on Friday and moved on to the new town to do our shopping. I bought a lot of stuff, I am sure you will see some of it soon. :)

Scotland Day 3,4 and 5 - Around the world in search of a nap

I have a proper, no holds barred, kick you in the head cold. I go back in forth between feeling marginally ok and wanting to crawl under a rock and die. It has been a blessing and a curse. I have slowed down considerable from my usual explore every nook, cranny and alley way of a city approach to traveling. So, I will not see everything I want to see, but on the other hand I am choosing my activities wisely and standing more time simply spending time talking to my friend Sharon. So, a blessing and a curse.

On Sunday I did not leave the apartment at all. I watched TV, played on the computer and whimpered a lot.

Yesterday, I was feeling even worse, but being the glutton for punishment that I am I went out anyway. After a overly long (at least to me), wheezy walk to the city center we went to Boots pharmacy and I bought 20 quids worth of drugs and cold related paraphernalia which made it possible to enjoy the day without passing out. We went to the tourist office and booked a tour of the borders for Thursday and the graveyard tour for tonight. After that we went on a city bus tour and made a loop around the city hearing history and fun city facts. We got off at Hollyrood palace, which is where the royal family lives when they are in Edinburgh, and the palace many of the kings and queens of Scotland lived. After the palace we got back on the bus and finished the tour. By the end of the tour I was absolutely smashed, so we headed home. We watched a movie and hung out. I Went to bed about midnight, only feeling a little better.

This morning we slept in and didn't leave the apartment until 1pm. We went to the neighborhood pub and had lunch after which we walked further towards downtown and went to the movies where we say "The Devil Wears Prada" It was a cute movie. After the movie we left the theater, it was raining, the first rain since we have been here. We walked home through the wet, glossy streets. About 8pm we will be heading back out for our Graveyard tour, I will be bundling up, the last thing I need is to get more sick, just when I am beginning to feel better.

Scotland Day 2 and 3 - Edinburgh Castle and the Highlands

10/13
After the luggage fiasco, I was ready to get out and about and see a little of the city. We started out about noon and walked to the city center. It was about a fifteen minute walk, but me being so out of shape, it felt like 10 miles. About half way there, Sharon spotted a Starbucks. Sharon is a little obsessed with Starbucks. She actually squealed when she saw it. We stopped and had a drink, which was ok with me since I was sweating like a pig and needed to take a breath. After Starbucks we headed up the street and as we turned a corner, there it was, Edinburgh Castle, perched up on a high mountain in the middle of the city. A very impressive sight, I can see why it was built there. It is a very Strategic and beautiful spot. But, this spot causes a problem for the tourist...high hill means climbing up steep stairs to the top. Jeesh, didn't the kings and queens of Scotland have any sympathy for the poor tourists of the future? Selfish bastards!

The Castle is a gray/brown stone and all the Buildings are built for protection against attacks. All the outer buildings in the complex are built to protect the inner set of buildings which consist of the church and the palace where the royalty lived.

We toured all the buildings that where open to the public. The war memorial that used to be the church, the royal apartments which included a pretty thorough history reason regarding the Scottish royal family. We also got to see the Scottish Crown Jewels, which there were not much of, but considering how many times this country has been conquered and plundered, I was pleased this much had made it home. One of the high lights in the "Stone Of Destiny" which is the stone that all the Scottish kings and queens stood on when they were crowed. The English stole it and kept it for over 700 years, before finally returning it in 1998. How generous of them.

After the castle we meandered down the Royal mile to the Ensign Ewart pub for lunch. It was one of those pictures perfect pubs with old photos and mementoes on the walls and a very impressive crowd of regulars. It was the kind of place you could spend the whole afternoon at and be quite content. But no, we had more shopping and sight seeing to do. We left the pub and wound our way down the hill to Princes Street in "New Town" where all the newer shops are, stopping and shopping along the way. Princes street has all the modern, up to date shops and was very crowded. We lost interest after about half an hour and decided to go to the tourist office to book a tour to the highlands the next day. We got our tickets and decided to go home for a few hours to rest before going out to celebrate Alex's birthday.

After resting a bit we went out to look for a Neighborhood pub. There quite a few, but the forest one we went into was too packed so we headed for the one across the street. It was better. We had a few beers, talked and people watched for a few hours and then decided to call it a night since we had to be at the bus stop for the tour at 7:45 in the morning. On the walk home we saw a sight you see in every city at 11:30 on the Friday night; the drunk that is being roused/arrested by the police and paramedic. Just isn't a Friday night without that!

10/14
I got up at 7am and really didn't want to be awake. It was one of those mornings where it is still dark and you just want to curl up and pull the covers over your head. But we had already paid for the tickets and besides, if I had come to Scotland and not seen Loch Ness I would never have forgiven myself.

The taxi dropped us off at the Waterloo Place bus stop and we waited about 15 minutes with the other about 30 people. The little mini bus arrived and we all squeezed on. It was fully packed. I ended up in the middle seat of the very back row. It was the worst seat on the bus. Crammed in with a person either side of me, no air and having to try to take pictures over and around people's heads. Right before the lunch stop the lid next to me started to cry and look a little sick. I couldn't understand what he was saying to his father in German, but everyone knows the signs of a car sick kid. All I could think was this is last thing I need, a kid throwing up on me. Luckily we stopped for lunch and afterward he looked much better. Alex was also nice enough to trade seats with me so I could have the window. The tour took us up to the highlands, past castle, Ranoch Moor, pretty hills and to Glen Coe, and finally up to Loch Ness where we went on an hour long boat ride out on the lake. Unfortunately we didn't see the monster (if you don't count the wire mesh statue) but it was beautiful and peaceful. Our drive back passed through the mountains and then over the very impressive Forth Road Bridge back into Edinburgh. We were totally exhausted and wanted nothing more than to go to bed when we got home. My whole body ached from the long bus ride and all the walking the day before. We watched a little TV and it was off to bed.

this morning I woke up with a little bit of a soar throat and it was Alex's last day with us, so we decided to take it easy and just stay home. I am drinking tea, eating cough drops and watching TV. I am feeling better and should be ready to go tomorrow for more sight seeing and, of course, shopping.

Scotland day 1 and 2 - 7 Dalry Gait and the bag that has seen more of the city than I have

Well I made it.

The flight was pretty uneventful except that I upgraded to business class and went from dreading the flight to anticipating it. I sat next to German man who had been in San Francisco on Business and was now flying to London on business as well. That was pretty much the end of our conversation and at that point we both put on our noise canceling headphones and ignored each other for the rest of the flight.

I arrived at London Heathrow Airport on Thursday morning and was forced to go through security AGAIN, which meant consolidating down to one bag and throwing away my water. I am just glad I didn't buy anything liquid in the duty free shop or I would have had to throw that away as well. Once I was on the plane to Edinburgh me and another man found out that we both were assigned to the same seat. Luckily the plane was not full so they found him a new seat and all was well. Upon arrival in Edinburgh I went to pick up my luggage and, of course, it was not there. After watching every last, lonely piece of luggage slowly ride past me on the belt for the tenth time, I gave up and went to the lost luggage department. The lady was very nice and informed me that my suitcase was still vacationing in London and would be sent up on the next flight and would be delivered to me at my flat that afternoon. Never trust the nice lady when she tells you everything will be OK!

After that I went to catch a cab to my flat. I asked to go to 7 Dalry Gate (7 Doll-Ree Gate) No, it is pronounced (7 Dal-Ray Gate) Thanks cab-man now I wont look like an asshole every time I try to get home.

Driving through the neighborhoods to get to my flat I remember saying to myself more then once; "oh, no, don't let this be it!" But when we finally did arrive I was very pleasantly surprised. It is in a nice courtyard cul-de-sac with modern apartments, I'm sorry, flats, all around. I arrived at 11am. I was supposed to be met by Lorraine, on of the people from Shortbreaklets. By 11:30 she had not shown up and I began to panic. It is at this point after traveling for twenty-four hours and having your luggage lost that paranoia starts to set in. All the worst case senarios start flashing through your head. The worst being that I was scammed by these people, who took my money and are now off in Spain while I am stuck, homeless and luggageless for my whole vacation! After a few cleansing deep breaths I called her and left a message on her mobile phone. Only about one minute later she replied all apologies and saying she was caught behind an accident on the motorway and she would be there in about 10 minutes.

The apartment in gorgeous and I want to live here forever.

My friend Sharon and her boyfriend Alex arrived about 1pm and we settled in to talking and cathing up (or in the case of Alex and I, getting to know each other).

By 8 pm my bag had not arrived the BMI office had closed, I was angry to say the least. At 9pm I received a call saying the driver had tried to call me, but had not been able to get through and that they would have to deliver the bag the next morning. ARRRGHHHH!

This morning I woke up at 9:30 am and started my vigil all over again, staring at my cell phone, looking out my window and silently cursing BMI for "ruining" my vacation. At 10am I got the call and my bag arrived at 10:15. Yeah, I have never missed a piece of luggage so much.

Well today is Alex's birthday, so we are planning on going out and doing some sight seeing and then having a nice dinner followed by a night at the pub. I'll let you know how it goes.

Juanes
February 11, 2006

I don't usually get all crushy on rock singers, but there is just something about this guy that does it for me.

I went to this concert with my friend Lita and two of her friends. It was really a lot of fun and we got to get our rock on in a big way. I was only disappointed that I did not see any of my "Rock en Espanol" buddies from the old days there. Oh, well, maybe next time.

Here are the rest of the photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayitaazul/sets/72057594063502562/

Aerosmith
Lenny Kravitz
Oakland Arena

I went with Tina to see Aerosmith. Well, they are not on my top band list and I probably wouldn't have gone if Tina didn't like them so much. But I look at it as they are one of those iconic bands that you need to see at least once. Ok, so now I've seen them, I will admit I was surprised how much energy these old guys have got. They were an hour late starting because they flew into Oakland directly from the Grammys. It also didn't hurt that Lenny Kravitz was opening up for them, so it was not as bad as I thought it would be.

I haven't updated in a while so here is a rundown of what I have been up to:

I went camping with Row in the Santa Cruz mountains, it was cold and wet and very beautiful.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayitaazul/sets/72057594061416530/

I went to see the musical Lestat with Row, it was fun, lots of singing and stuff...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayitaazul/sets/72057594061416831/

I went to a Sharks game with Lita, they lost to the Mighty Ducks...Bummer.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayitaazul/sets/72057594061415656/

I went to see my mom in San Jose, we went to look at the new city hall that is based on the Reichstag in Berlin. Very cool building:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayitaazul/sets/72057594061419685/

and I saw a killer sunrise by my house!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayitaazul/97294852/

that is all for now!

I went to see the new Cirque du Soleil show "Corteo" in San Francisco with Row, her father and Stepmother on new years eve. It was beautiful, as is expected from the Cirque. Go see it if you have a chance.



















As well here are some pictures of the New Year's fireworks over San Francisco bay.