UK 2.0: Edinburgh - Day 1

It was very fortunate that the rain in the south did not tail us to the north. Under a pleasant sky, we spent the morning on Royal Mile as I tried to familiarize myself with the charming city. From the spacious budget hotel, we made our way uphill towards the majestic castle.

Along the Royal Mile, flavorful buildings adorn the streets.

Outside the castle gate, we could survey the the areas around.

The hills in the distance is the Holyrood Park.

We even manage to catch a glimpse of a demonstration. I did not get to verify what cause was that for.

The changing of the guards also happened while we were there. I did not check my watch, but I guess it must have been 12 o'clock as the time gun (or One o'clock Gun) was blaring many times and certainly more than once.

As the shadows grew longer, we headed eastward and down the gentle slope, after meeting a dear lecturer from The One Academy, who recommended some attractions for us.

I very much enjoy the many old signage as well.

Past the Scottish Parliament building and turning south, we reached the foot of Holyrood Park. It was only 3 in the afternoon, but the sun has already not long to travel before reaching the horizon.

We were hoping to see something more wintry and white, but it seemed that we were weeks too early. Technically, it would have been early winter, but autumn was barely in full swing. The seasons could be late (and I'm wondering when will the tropic snows). I was glad to be there right in the season where many trees were aflame. Warm hues everywhere accentuated by the blue skies and cool shadows made good pictures.

As the stone lion slept, we entered the shadows of Holyrood.

Into that jagged ridge, born of ancient volcano we went.

UK 2.0: Flight: Bristol - Edinburgh

In the wee hours on a Saturday morning, we stood outside Temple Meads Station, waiting for our taxi while enduring the jeer of drunk English youngsters. If slightly unpleasant, they are not unkind. It was 14 November and in a few hours time, we would be flying north, into one of my favorite places.

Despite the warning of turbulence for taking off in wind and rain, the flight was smooth. We headed a little west before we turned north, just above Weston-Super-Mare, by the sea. The waves were gently lapping the crescent bays and yellow lights outline the town's distinguishable design. It was a shame I did not ready my camera then.

As we flew higher and I peered into the sleeping earth through occasional 'clearings in the clouds', I came to think of how densely settled England must be. The clusters of light in the formless blue was never too far apart. Wherever you looked, there are houses. Inhabited places and uninhabited ones were evident in in the predawn light. The English land must have been very fully utilized. Yet is was not harsh, still being able to retain its charm and gentle beauty, which is why this island nation will always be special to me.

As the sun slowly rises, the colors in the sky gently stirred.

Our descent drew nearer as we crossed this major river, which I am guessing to be near Carlisle.

Before long, we were breaking through the clouds and bidding the perfect blue sky farewell.

A grayness washed over us as I behold Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth for the very first time in the air.

Everyone told me how beautiful Edinburgh is, and I would like it. They are absolutely right - I adore it!

UK 2.0: London

On the 11th of November, we flew into UK from Heathrow and spent a night in London. It was gray and wet in the afternoon, yet I have grown to love the rain and drizzles, and even more so, what came after the shower - the dancing reflections on the wet pavements.

We ambled about near Tower Bridge in the drizzle, but as we emerged from the Underground of Westminster Station, the rain has stopped and I realized once more, how beautiful a post-rain city can be.

Here, the Westminster Lion stood. Nice to see you again, sir.

The white London Eye turns pink in the night.

And I confess to have gone overboard taking pictures of that giant fairy's wheel.

It was near Remembrance Sunday then, and many poppy themed reminders remained while Christmas decorations have yet to take their places.

On the Golden Jubilee Bridge we walked.

Early winter was in the air with a slight tint of chill. Yet autumn had not released its hold with trees still leafy and full. As the winter sky lost its blues, I think I have not seen London as pretty as then. On the wet and not too crowded Trafalgar Square, I felt at peace and content. Tranquility in the heart of London is hardly something I expected. But it was good. The world faded away, it was just you, under the sky, a darkened Nelson Memorial and its pride in front, and classy galleries and buildings around. It was quiet despite some vociferous tourists and the city traffic.

For a moment, I was charmed. However, the enchantment was instantly shattered as we wandered towards Leicester Square. There, the Worldly reigned and it was anything but peaceful. We made out way to the China Town for dinner, and I took another lion picture along the way (as this is one of my obsessions).

It was really nice to meet Kynson again and thanks bro, for agreeing to have dinner with us. I wish you the very best in your future as you strive towards the vision you have as a servant of the Kingdom. Take care!

On the next morning, we took our leave through Kings Cross Station (the one from which I went to Paris in June) and we traveled westward, under the typical English weather into a very very drenched Bristol. The score was 36 days of rain (and still counting), or so one of the taxi driver told me.

UK 2.0: UWE Graduation Ceremony

On the 13th of November, a very wet and windy afternoon (with gale force wind to follow), we had our graduation ceremony in the Bristol Cathedral, a site of worship that was a millennium old. The fact that the ceremony, a conclusion of another chapter in my life was held in 'my Father's House' made it all the more meaningful for me.

The ceremony was swift and over in less than 2 hours and many faces whom I've not seen since our classes ended dispersed all too soon. It was a real joy to see them again and a thank you to all who made my 20 months in UK so special. All the best, dear friends.

And to my beloved tutors, I would love to be able to contribute back to another generation as you have made a difference in ours.

And above all, a big thank you to my parents who made all these possible in the very first place. This is a real gift and may the path I take from here on bless your hearts.

And so ends this adventure while a new one begins.

With recent news on the incredible amount of over-stayer and the possibility or being even harder to enter UK in the future, I will always treasure this. I certainly wish to see many of you again, especially at a time when we will have much good news and stories to share with each other.

If I may use Naria as an analogy, my 20 months there would be 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe', just perhaps minus the witch and all the chapters of the book, save for the last, which is the golden age of Narnia. Things has gone very well, and I can say with confidence that I have done what I can and made the most of that opportunity. I have no regrets if I will not return, though I would dearly love to. Now, I have made my 'Prince Caspian' trip. If I will return on Aslan's leave to that enchanted land will largely depends on which of the Friends or Pevensies I am. For now, my purpose is in another land and place. But always and forever, Bristol (and to an extend, UK as a whole) will always have a special place in my heart.

God bless you, everyone whom I have had the good fortune to cross path with, and made a mark in my tale - God bless you all!

Thanks, Vivian for the pictures! :)