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The time has come to head back to my nine to five – this trip has been amazing and I feel very fortunate for being able to have made this dream a reality.
Below is the rainy view from my Dublin hotel; my one night stop over before heading home to Texas.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani During my wait at the Dublin Int. Airport, I began reminiscing over the coffee I’d had in the Edinburgh Int. Airport. Something about a well crafted Americano with a bit of steamed milk … nothing beats it.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani Sadly, the coffee above was not to be found … In my hurry to beat the “rush” to get through security and US Pre-Screening, I completely below past the Aer Lingus Lounge (which I paid for!), all the tasty Irish food ( as featured in a past post) AND everything else that would have suited an individual with food allergies/sensitives. I was stuck with a strange yogurt thing that has sticky sweet fruit at the bottom. Luckily, the yogurt was of exceptional quality and the sweet stuff wasn’t mixed into it. 😊 I was a bit concerned over the granola, but that was in it’s own separate container on top of the yogurt and was easily removed.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani Past ‘breakfast,’ I waited to board my international flight by wandering through the terminals which were surprisingly quiet for 11am. I guess I’m just used to the long lines to get through security in the states. Either way, the terminals were clean and very quiet. It was very nice to not have TV, news or announcement yelling at you every 10 minutes.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani Three hours into my 8.5 hour flight, I’m starting to feel a bit cooped up … The flight there wasn’t so bad because it was a red-eye and I slept, this flight took off at around 12pm and I’m currently wide awake.
Phito Credit: Brandi Bhamani In order to pass the time I read a bit, watched a movie and paced around the airplane. It’s important to stretch your legs and get the blood moving – prevent post flight tension.
18 hours, inclusive of a four hour layover in Chicago and a final flight back to Texas, I arrived home to a dozen roses and a sorely missed husband. ❤️
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani While I do love travel, there is nothing better than the peace of being at home with your loved ones.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani I will say, of all the things I’ve done without, I’ve missed my bed the most. My husband’s pretty great too. 😉
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When entering into the Cathedral, I was greeted by a very large sign requesting that no photos be taken until a 2 GBP fee was paid for a photography permit. It stated that the fee would be used to fund the upkeep of the church which was founded in the 12th century. So, I walked up to the attended, paid my 2 GBPs and spent the next hour plus wondering around the massive interior, reading each of the placards and snapping photos.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani Tomb of James, Marquis of Montrose is shown below. “From 1644 to 1646, and again in 1650, he fought a civil war in Scotland on behalf of the King and is generally referred to in Scotland as simply ‘the Great Montrose’.”
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani Such attention to detail …
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani As luck would have it, my visit coincided with the organist’s practice schedule. I felt like I was in a movie – the acoustics of this building were amazing. I only wish I had better words to describe this experience …
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani -
While on my way to the Rosehip for breakfast, I stumbled upon this mural.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani As it turns out, Edinburgh was the first city to received the ‘City of Literature‘ distinction from UNESCO in 2004. This title is given to cities to recognize the literary and theatrical contributions made be authors who call the city home, along with the robust nature of libraries and bookstores available to the public. The wiki page gives a full breakdown of the additional requirements.
It’s nice to see that 11 years later, Edinburgh keeps its literary tradition alive with poems on side-street walls for all to enjoy and muse upon.
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Photo Credit: Brandi BhamaniThe weather was brisk and a bit less rainy this day, so I set out to walk the city.
I didn’t really have much of a destination, I just picked a direction and started walking. Below is the Elephant House, probably best known as one of the coffee shops where J. K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter novel.
Photo Credit: Brandi BhamaniA bit further away, I found myself near the University of Edinburgh – this place was beautiful. Students wandering from place to place, studying in the little cafés and chatting away on benches.
Photo Credit: Brandi BhamaniA few wrong turns out of this area and I ended up behind the Edinburgh Castle – which is actually a bit of a distance away from my starting location – so I decided to take a tour. 😊
Photo Credit: Brandi BhamaniThis photo is actually of the backside … I had to trek up a side road to get to the entrance.
Photo Credit: Brandi BhamaniThe view of Arthur’s Seat alone was worth the walk.
Photo Credit: Brandi BhamaniI even made it in time to see the firing of the one o’clock gun, which takes place every day of the week with the exception of Sunday.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani
Photo Credit: Brandi BhamaniAfter about few hours touring the Castle, it was time for a change of scenery. I had passed by St. Giles Cathedral earlier in the morning and decided to rerun to take a closer look inside. There was a charge of £2 for a photography license, so I ponied up the coins for some amazing images. I did a full post on this St. Giles Gatherdarl here, but here is one of the stained glass windows that I took with my iPhone.
Photo Credit: Brandi BhamaniOn the way back to my hotel for a bit of a rest, I walked down the Royal Mile taking in the streets, people and performers. Every few streets there was a ‘close,’ basically the Scots word for alleyway. There are these narrow pathways that head North and South, typically between residence entrances.
Photo Credit: Brandi BhamaniThis one had a bit of an ominous name … “Fleshmarket Close”
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani -
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani The view from the Baxter Hostel was lovely this morning – I sat at a bay window while enjoying a bit if coffee. My check out time was around 10 am, so I spend my time planning out my day and taking in the cool air from the open window.
Once I got everything squared away with my new hotel, I ventured out for a bit of late morning breakfast. I stumbled upon The Rosehip. Everything here was lovely – the staff was quite busy and didn’t hold the egg or toast, but it was easy enough to remove them myself. Once my plate was cleared, the server noticed and apologize for the confusion. Really, it was no bother, I just felt bad tossing it, but at least the photo of breakfast came out looking beautiful.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani
The remainder of my day was spent walking through the National Gallery of Scotland – There were about 14 rooms moving through varied parts of history. You’ll find no photos of the painting on my blog as I prefer not to photograph such powerful pieces – they are best viewed in person.I must have spent two hours in the gallery just reading the panels and taking in the pieces. Upon exiting I was greeted with a beautiful view of the Gardens at twilight. I must admit, autumn truly is a beautiful season.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani -
So … I find it hard to sit still, so I booked a flight to Scotland!
After a wonderful last evening out with my friends, it was time to part ways … My flight Ryanair was set for early afternoon, so I took my time in the morning getting to the airport – I arrived about 1.5 hours before my flight in hopes of finding a little bite to eat. My hopes weren’t high, but I figured that I would at least find a bit of yogurt and maybe some fruit. Traveling with food allergies isn’t the easiest thing … But! Dublin’s airport came through in a big way!
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani For those who have no issue with wheat, there is an onsite bakery in Terminal 1. It smelled so lovely!
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani My breakfast came in the way of a vegetarian English breakfast, hold the toast. There was even a fruit and fresh Irish yogurt bar – Amazing! I was a very happy traveler.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani The obligatory “Airplane wing in the sky” photo.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani After a short 45 minutes, we began out descent into Ediburgh Airport. I manager to get a few shots of the gorgeous countryside as we landed.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani £6 and a 30 minute tram ride later I was in the city center of Edinburgh. After checking into my hostel, it was time to find a but of dinner.
I wandered around for about an hour, looking at the beautiful buildings and magnificent green spaces before popping into the Newsroom for a bite. This place was really quite a cool little spot – the staff was delightful and the food prepared with the utmost care. I couldn’t believe how beautiful the dishes were!
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani My neighbor got the Goat Cheese and Beets Croquettes with Butternut Squash Purée and I ordered the Gorganzola Risotto and a cider.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani I have developed a love affair with this cider – I really hope I can find it back in the states. ❤️
After what can only be described as one of the most delightful dining experiences I’ve had in recent memory, it was time to retire to my bed for a long over due slumber …
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani -
Fresh is the order of the day – time for a bit of local color.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani These beauties were hanging out in the lobby pastry shop of my friend’s hotel.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani Lunch at Fumbally, a local Farm to table resturant. They put a lot of love in there food and it shows!
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani We did a short walk through one of the most beautiful cemeteries I’ve ever seen.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani Cheesecake topped with pistachios and strawberry along with my apple and tea. Believe it or not, this is from the cemetery cafe.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani Time for a bit of dinner … This is pub food, Irish style!
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani Roasted lamb shank, stewed carrots, cabbage and mashed potatoes – Bulmer’s Cider to finish it off.
Cheese board with a selection of local Irish cheeses.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani -
Sleep deprived and hungry, we headed into Dublin’s city center where we were rewarded with lovely street art, delicious Coddel, and a few nice hotel rooms.
Our first stop was to find lunch – here’s the street art which speckled our path
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani We swung into Oliver St. John Gogaty’s for a little lunch and live music.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani The Coddle was great – hardy and full of flavor, exactly what I needed to fuel the rest of the afternoon!
Full and happy, it was time to have a bit of a wonder … Trinity College seemed like the perfect destination for such an undertaking.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani 
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani Our intention for the day was to stay up as long as possible before heading off to sleep. As I write this, it’s now 10pm and well past the target of 8pm. My hope is that by getting back into a regular sleep schedule early, that I’ll fend off any jet lag tomorrow. Here’s hoping!
Good night!
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani -
What a crazy 48-hours!
My flight from New York to Dublin was very uneventful, which is exactly what I wanted. The Aer Lingus flight crew provided excellent service, and we even arrive in Dublin a full hour early! Yep – one hour EARLY. That almost never happens. 🙂
When I arrived in Dublin, I was greeted by the smiling face of my college friend, followed shortly there after by her husband who had come in after three different delays … Typical Delta flight
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani If you can’t tell by the image – we’re exhausted! Lol
Off to the city center we go …
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