Internationals take on Scotland

 

 Scotland

Base Camp:  Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, UK

Basic Itinerary:

1. Week 1:  Settle in and visit with family (yeah for Scottish grandparents that agreed to lodge us!  They're obviously mental).  Encourage the children to sleep in new surroundings, and not with me, while getting over massive jet-lag.  Surprise Isla with the news that she's joining her cousin for P1 primary school the day after we arrive, as a fun privilege/experimental way to rid myself of 1/4th of my parental duties.  
2. Week 2:  Enjoy our surroundings. Feel out the city.  Try not to stand out as Americans in public.  Ha!  Just kidding.  No chance.
3. Week 3:  See some parks/museums, investigate local treasures and pretty much play annoying tourist.  Ride the train.  Break the devastating news that the train goes straight across the Forth Road Bridge and not over it like a roller coaster.  When the children break into riot, pretend they are not mine.
4. Week 4:  Consider letting kids try Scotch since I'm pretty sure you can drink when you can see over the bar.  Come to my senses and drink it all myself.  Let them get high on fudge donuts and custard slices from Stephen's the Baker instead.  Find a way to feed kids haggis without them knowing it.  Possibly get tips from 'Stephen'.
5. Week 5:  Try something we've never experienced before.  Like maybe go hunting for the Loch Ness monster.  Hike to the top of the highest mountain, find the flower of Scotland and sing something from The Sound of Music.  Hike or drive...   
6. Week 6:  Discover historical landmarks--point and laugh.  While everyone is staring attempt to take a picture with all kids looking at the camera.  Tell kids not to touch anything and then run when that fails.  See how cold the North Sea actually is.  Toss children in anyways.
7. Week 7:  Have some grown up time, hopefully in a pub.  Sample drinks and sing/chant obscene Scottish songs, all while doing a jig (aka getting 'jiggy with it') as part of said grown-up time.  Discuss Scottish hangover remedies.
8. Week 8:  Tie up loose ends, decide what to smuggle, give awards to our best and favorites and say goodbye. 

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