The rundown.

Day 8: Inverness. You've already heard the story of our seach for Loch Ness that led to hitching. ;)

Day 9: Left Inverness, on to Aberdeen. This place is beautiful. Here we met Sophia, our first couchsurfing host. She brings light to the darkness, and is wonderful and inspiring. Also saw the North Sea, and wrote a giant "happy birthday" on the beach to French Toast, who turned 16 (as I type this, the official day was yesterday). Had the pleasure of meeting Sophia's friends as well, all equally incredible. I have a feeling a trip back to all of Scotland with at least a week in Aberdeen is in my future.

Day 10: Leave Aberdeen, sad to say goodbye to the radiant Sophia. But went to Edinburgh, which we immediately fell in love with. Coming out of the train station, you're suddenly captivated by the gothic architecture that juts out from everywhere. It's a magical sight to behold, in my opinion. It came as no surprise to find that this is the city J.K. Rowling was observing when she wrote the Harry Potter books. We found "The Elephant Room", deemed "The birthplace of Harry Potter". There's a view of Edinburgh Castle that surely inspired the wizarding world, in addition to a cemetary with gravestones of actual names such as "McGonogall" and "Tom Riddle". Kickawesome. Saw Edinburgh Castle, went to a play at Bedlam Theatre, met plenty of locals, loved our hostel, and enjoyed the cool but beautiful weather.

Day 11: Day 2 of Edinburgh. This may have been our favourite city thus far. 

Day 12: Left Edinburgh (sad to leave too), and we headed to York. Dropped off our bags at the hostel, and then hopped a train to Manchester. Saw ManUTD stadium (impressive), but overall the city of Manchester wasn't all that impressive. (It could have been we just didn't see great parts besides the stadium). Stayed the night in York in what claimed to be a youth hostel, but the only other tenants we saw were under 12 or over 50. Strange...

Day 13: Left York, back to London for a moment, where we met back up with Nick and his friend Bella, and had the great pleasure of seeing "The Big Lebowski" in the cinema. (I would not joke about such things. :) ) Then we kicked it over to Bath, where I checked out a service at Bath Abbey, and afterwards Alex and I went out to a pub called "The Raven" with new friends met at the Abbey service. Our new friends gave us a personal tour of their city, complete with history and necessary background information, and we enjoyed fantastic conversation. (FYI: I'm amazed at what versatility the word 'pie' has. Where I come from, pie = dessert. NYC: pie = pizza. And here in England: pie = meat and potatoes, etc wrapped in flaky crust deliciousness. All tasty, but delving in requires a bit of reprogramming for the palate.

Day 14: Left Bath, went to Cardiff, which included a tour of where they often film Doctor Who, and Salisbury, which included a look at Stonehenge. Both were quality, I'd say. It's neat to see all the signs in English AND Welsh. Also, our hostel in Cardiff kicks serious face. I'm currently waiting on laundry to dry, whilst on the computer, in the main area/bar, listening to one of the hostel employees serenade everyone with favourites ranging from Elvis to Lady Gaga, and the ever popular "Wonderwall". Absolutely brilliant.

We're averaging at least two new friends a day. It's exhilerating to have everything you need to exist on your back. The rail passes were a brilliant investment. My new favourite thing is having tea and Scottish shortbread. (Makes not having Taco Bell bearable). Needless to say, we're having an incredible time. :)

And now you're all caught up. :)

“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.” –Hilaire Belloc