Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

I called Mom, but I just thought I'd post this too. Mom was having a good Mother's Day, especially since she knows it's only a matter of days until I'm back in the US. The grey hair growth rate should slow down...

My pack...

So Steve has taken a great interest in the contents of my pack. It's not very large, but, I "seem to pull out a new gizmo every five minutes."

So here's a rundown on some of the stuff in my pack or daybag:

- sewing kit
- hand cleansing gel
- compass
- fork/knife/spoon combo set
- waiter's wine key
- handkerchief to dry my hands
- leatherman
- camera cleaning kit
- cable ties
- ACE bandage
- emergency blanket - one of those thinner than aluminum foil space blanket things
- bike lock - wire type used to secure pack during overnight train rides
- JC's name tag
- clothes line
- sink plug

I also had a water filter, but sent that home when I reached countries with potable water.

Does this seem normal?

The Highlands...

So - I haven't harmed Steve... yet. We still have a day to go. As I am paranoid about crossing the street in counties that drive on the left, Steve is in charge of determining when to cross the street, and I decide which street we walk on. As there is NO flat area in Scotland, this is key.

We both fly to London early tomorrow. He flies back to Chicago, and I will hang out for a few days...

The tour was great. We saw Loch Ness, many hairy cows, a few glens, and Ben Nevis, the cloudiest place on earth. I still have not had Scotch.

In the UK....

So I have arrived safely in Edinburgh, Scotland. Steve arrives later today, so good times should roll.

Barcelona was a great place. The architecture was amazing. The tapas was excellent. I think that I will really miss tasty food now that I'm in the UK. I will try the haggis...

I was sitting in a cafe in Barcelona on a Thursday morning, about 10:30. The place was packed. And about a third of the people were consuming some form of alcoholic beverage. I'm wondering about working conditions in Europe, and why we can't have more of these conditions at home...

Local term...

It's not Canadian bacon in Canada; it's peamael bacon.

It's not French onion soup; it's gratinated onion soup.

Now you know.

PS, Chris - yours is better than what I've had here...

Photos...

I've finally been able to upload some photos... I have only rotated and commented upon those through Berlin.

I've uploaded through the D-Day tour, but, for that gallery, I recommend you wait until I've commented on it. Some pictures make sense on their own, but most will be better with explanation...