Train Trip to Edinburgh...

We visited beautiful Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, on Monday, 23rd December. We caught ScotRail's service from Glasgow's Queen Street Station to Edinburgh's Waverley Station. The train ride was lovely, passing through rolling green meadows with snow-covered mountains in the distance. Anya was particularly excited whenever she spotted sheep grazing in the fields. :)

Once in Edinburgh, we walked through the Christmas market at East Princes Street Gardens, before climbing up towards Edinburgh Castle. We didn't enter the castle, but rather admired the views from the top of the hill. We then strolled slowly down the Royal Mile, enjoying the street performers and buskers. It was a drizzly day, but it didn't dampen our spirits. 

We headed back to Glasgow in the middle of the afternoon, enjoying the train trip home. It was a great outing in Scotland's capital city. :)

Catching the train for Edinburgh.

Eliza with her aunt. 

Anya and Riaan enjoy snacks on the train.

Snowy mountains in the distance.

Edinburgh Christmas market. :)

I love this photo of Edinburgh Castle with the Scottish flag.

Candace and Anya enter the helter skelter ride.

The Christmas market was so much fun, right in the shadow of amazing history!

Looking towards the Christmas market as we begin our climb to the castle.

I found this sign amusing, as back in Junior School children would rhyme my name with Curry. :)

Monument to those Black Watch soldiers who fell in the South African War (1899-1902).

Walking up steep streets to reach the castle.

It was worth it!

Selfie of everyone who went to Edinburgh.

Walking down the Royal Mile - plenty of buskers, including this smart bagpiper.

Philosopher David Hume's statue - people rub his big toe for luck, apparently. :)

Beautiful flags.

The Scottish unicorn outside St Giles' Cathedral.

A view back up the Royal Mile.

Eliza and Riaan with the statue of "Oor Tom."

Back on the train. This is Murrayfield, Scotland's national rugby stadium.

Enjoying a brief glimpse of the setting sun.

Flower pots at a train station.

Anya was so excited to spot some sheep!

Mercy Ships Connections...

While in Glasgow, we were able to connect with our Mercy Ships friends Peter and Lindsay, whom we met up with back in June 2023. I spent time with Peter one Tuesday night, enjoying a catch-up at Costa Coffee, right near the BBC Scotland headquarters. He also gave me a tour of his church, Harper Church, and we talked about ministry opportunities in the UK.

A few days later, we all joined them at Harper Church for their evening service on Sunday, 22nd December. Peter shared an encouraging message on Zechariah's prophecy in Luke 1 - how Jesus is the horn of salvation, showing the tender mercy of God.

View towards the Finnieston Crane (left) and the Clyde Arc.

Mercy Ships brothers. :)

Lovely to see these friends again!

Glasgow Warriors vs Edinburgh...

After confirming our travels to Scotland back in September, I was sure to research if there were any rugby games happening during our stay. There was one game scheduled on the southeast side of Glasgow - at Scotland's national football (soccer) stadium, Hampden Park. Glasgow Warriors were facing Edinburgh in the 1872 Cup, part of the United Rugby Championship, on Sunday, 22nd December. (The URC also features South African teams, so I was familiar with this competition.)

And so I bought the tickets for Riaan and I to enjoy a rugby game together. I have many fond memories of watching schoolboy rugby games with my dad in Cape Town, and I wanted to share the experience with my son. :) We were in the highest level of the stadium, making for breathtaking views of the pitch below. The home team, Glasgow Warriors, ran out victorious 33 - 14 in an exciting game.

Walking to the stadium.

Outside our entrance gates.

The Scottish flag in the stadium.

Kick-off time!

The stadium hosted 27,500+ spectators, a record for a Glasgow Warriors home game.

Selfie after the match was over.

Electric atmosphere in the stadium - just before the match started.

Queen's Park Baptist Church...

We spent a second Sunday morning at Queen's Park Baptist Church on Sunday, 22nd December. It was the nativity service - another special time singing carols and celebrating Jesus's birth! We enjoyed spending time in this lovely, friendly church.

Riaan with his angel crown. :)

Joy to the World, one of my favourite Christmas carols.

Montassir Christmas Party...

Shirley and Montassir hosted their annual Christmas party on Saturday, 21st December. It was a lovely time meeting their friends, enjoying delicious snacks, and playing the Secret Santa game. We had so much fun on a rather cold evening.

Our three children before the party.

A great time of fellowship and connection.

The Secret Santa game in the lounge area.

Eliza had so much fun!

Riaan dives into the bag to search for a present. :)

Silverburn Shopping Centre...

We visited Silverburn shopping centre to run some errands on Saturday, 21st December. It's a really nice, modern mall. We enjoyed browsing at various shops, toy stores, and a vendor fair. They even had tartan dog collars! I didn't find the Crawford tartan there, though.

Intricate golden stag.

These two love their aunt!

A refreshing sign in this sweet toy store.

Silverburn is built where the old Pollok Centre used to be.

The children had some fun in a recycling truck before we headed back home. :)