Stonehaven

On the Saturday of our first weekend in Aberdeen, we decided to drive south along the coast to Stonehaven and visit Dunnottar castle.

Dunnottar Castle

View of Aberdeen

Along the coast of Stonehaven

Super windy

Dunnottar means "fort on the shelving slope."

 We hiked down a cliff to the rocky shore.

The seal friend who came to visit us

Seal family

 Beautiful sunshine

The weather has been so good to us!

Dunnottar Castle is most known for being the place where the Scottish crown jewels were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's army.

 Supposedly, in 1297, William Wallace captured Dunnottar from the English. (Inspiration for the movie Braveheart)

For all of you Disney fans out there: Dunnottar Castle was also used as inspiration for the movie Brave.  http://pixartimes.com/2012/04/10/how-the-legends-and-beauty-of-scotland-inspired-brave/

After visiting the castle, we were determined to "wild camp." James went to scout out a good camping spot, but it was too windy on the bluffs and to rocky on the beach. Bummer.

Dunnottar is definitely one of our favorite castles. We will be back!

Pitmedden Garden

On my first Discover Aberdeen tour with the wonderful ladies of the AWA (the Association of American Women of Aberdeen), we visited Pitmedden Garden. On the Discover Aberdeen adventures we take a tour and learn a little history about somewhere near Aberdeen. The heart of the garden was originally laid out in 1675. Today, the garden includes more than five miles of box hedging that are intricately designed.

The apples and pears have had a difficult time growing due to the late frosts this year.

 The brilliant sunshine and striking flowers made for a perfectly cheerful day!

Welcome to Aberdeen!

Welcome to Aberdeen, Scotland!

When we stepped off the plane in Scotland, sleet began to coat our jackets. We thought, "Oh goodness, here we go." We had heard the weather would likely be less than desirable in Scotland. However, within a few days, the weather was sunny and warm(ish) and absolutely beautiful! Let's get you a little bit acquainted with Aberdeen!

The city center

During the 18th-20th centuries, Aberdeen's buildings were constructed using locally quarried grey granite. Therefore, Aberdeen is nicknamed the "Granite City."

Union Street

Aberdeen's sandy beach leads to the North Sea.

The countryside is stunning.

Our flat complex

Moving into our flat

 

I received this lovely orchid from the AWA (Association of American Women of Aberdeen) for being the newest expat to Aberdeen!

 

 Grocery shopping for the first time- We just had to use the "travelator."

 

Many of the homes in Aberdeen city look similar to these.

These beautiful bushes of hydrangeas are all over Aberdeen!

Watching college football is hard to come by in Scotland. Thankfully we met some sweet friends who invited us over to participate in the beloved American tradition. 

We love Aberdeen and all of Scotland! We are blessed and thankful to be here to experience such a beautiful part of God's creation. Check back soon to see more of our adventures in and around Scotland!