Honeymoon- Day 8- Stirling

Karlijn drove us thirty minutes from the house, to the historic city of Stirling, in the central lowlands.

This statue commemorates William Wallace (aka Mel Gibson in the movie Braveheart), a 13th-century soldier who fought for Scottish independence.  

The Wallace Monument is a bit more commemorative (the tower on the green hill to the left of the picture).

Little Leo is adorable!  

The 1630's building behind the cute family is Cowane's Hospital.  It was not a hospital as we know it, but a house for elderly who had no one to care for them.  John Cowane, a wealthy Dutch merchant, was the financial donor.  The foundation he started is the second oldest charity in Scotland.

I have been eyeing this dessert/snack all over the U.K.  I had no idea what it was.  While we sat at the cafe in front of the hospital, Karlijn suggested that we try it, and now I have a new best friend.  Toffee shortbread (sorry to lead you on, Karlijn).  Part of me wants to make this when I get home but the responsible part of me doesn't want to know that I can make it.

Mr. Richie Rich, John Cowane, also contributed a big sum to the Church of the Holy Rude next door.

You have to love a skull and crossbones on a gravestone.  

It is a reminder of memento mori, a reflection of mortality.  

We happened upon a delicious cafe, The Smithy, which had a beautiful patio to enjoy the unusual sunshine.

As it turns out, the cafe is located right next door to what used to be John Cowane's mansion.  

I forgot to mention that the U.K. is having a heatwave!  

It is all over the news, the map is burning with red.  It is all people are talking about as record temperatures are being set.

It has been in the low 80s.

Danger.  Danger.

Eric had to try Iron Brew as it is banned in the US.  

It looks delicious, and is Scotland's national drink, so why not?

Maybe because it tastes like you are drinking orange soda while chewing a giant wad of bubble gum. 

The FDA says no to secret ingredients.  

Lame.

Karlijn and little baby Leo went home while we continued on to Stirling Castle.  

The first written record of Stirling Caste was in the beginning of the 12th century. 

Soil and grass was used on the exterior to absorb energy from incoming cannon balls. 

This is where the King and Queen would entertain guests.  

Then, in the 1700s, this room would house hundreds of British troops as they fought the French Republic.

In the 1500s, James V built his new bride a renaissance style palace, although he died right before it was completed.  He had himself carved on a pillar, located next to pillars with Greek deities.  He was a humble man.

The rare, infamous unicorn has been Scotland's national animal since the 1300s.

Today was brilliant.