Sweet Edinburgh Welcome

What a joy it is to be welcomed!

I arrived in Glasgow, Scotland yesterday a bit foggy from my super-early morning departure from Reykjavik. The flight had gone well–I got good writing done–but I still lacked in energy as I made my way through the airport and passed through customs. What a delight it was, then, to see Stuart and Carolyn Valentine, friends of my mother’s from Edinburgh, with their warm smiles and open arms.

Right off the bat, we had an easy rapport. They’re both kind and playful, eager to laugh and make me laugh. They’re insightful too. We found a sweet little spot for a sugar-free brunch and then wandered around the streets of old Edinburgh. We passed by old shops and government buildings, up onto the castle grounds, and into the new (and controversial) Scottish Parliament building.

We saw street performers of all sorts too: bagpipers galore, folks dressed like Mel Gibson in Braveheart, and a talented humorist who managed to escape from incredible chains in a two-minute bit of Houdini-like magic.

When we finally got to Stuart and Carolyn’s house in Edinburgh, I could barely keep my eyes open. Graciously, they allowed me to fall asleep for a long nap, and I quickly crashed on the bed made familiar for a guy from the States: the Batman comforter and Captain America teddy bear were perfect. Carolyn made a lovely dinner and we enjoyed great conversation in their clean, comfortable space.

This morning, they and their 4-year-old son Harry let me sleep in and get some more writing done. And then I got to savor a delicious breakfast with Carolyn’s home-made granola, made to the sugar-free standards of my Mom’s Radiant Recovery community. Just now, young Harry paraded his collection of superhero and Star Wars costumes for me.

Different folks feel love in different ways. Some prefer gifts. Others prefer acts of service or verbal affirmation. For me, welcome works just fine. I cherish this chance to make and have dear friends in new places. Thanks, Mum, for introducing us. Thanks, Carolyn and Stuart, for showing me around.