UK escape 2014/15

Returned from my extended holiday in UK from 29th Dec 14 -  7th Jan 15. It is by far the best one I had. The sole purpose of this trip initially was to visit my dearest, Syafiqah in Edinburgh (ey-deen-brah) just for a week. But it turned out to be too short so we decided that I should extend my trip for a few more days, and so I did.

29th - 31st Dec:
We started out at Edinburgh where a 3 hours train ride led us up to Manchester Piccadilly. Reached in time for dinner at a steak house. The meal was huge! We even had to ask the waiter to pack the leftovers back to our accomodation. There was really nothing much to see or do in Manchester for 2 days. On our 2nd day we wanted to go for a walking tour but the english-speaking tour guides were sick. I bet it was only an excuse so that they can get ready to celebrate new years day :(. Walked on our own to discover Manchester for ourselves but spent most of our time in the Museum. After that we ended up taking an hour bus ride to Liverpool FC because we couldn't decide on what else to do (MUFC and MCFC were too mainstream I guess?). The following day, we left Manchester to proceed back to Edinburgh where I'll be crashing with my dearest at her hostel for almost the rest of my trip.

31st Dec - 2nd Jan:
Reached Edinburgh Waverly and took a 'free' train ride to Queen Margaret University. Had some food for dinner before heading off with dearest's friends and flatmates to Princes Street for the annual festival called Hogmanay aka New Year's Eve. It was insane! I was always told that the fireworks elsewhere were 10x better than back in the motherland, I was told right. Saw the most breathtaking aray of fireworks I had ever seen live and I am happy to be experiencing it with the love of my life. Everybody was enjoying themselves and I'm glad we made it back home safely.

We spent the new year sightseeing in Edinburgh walked in the Christmas Market at Princes Street and also visited the Edinburgh castle. I was still recovering from the countdown and also jet lag so we went home to rest and recover for the next day.

2nd - 4th Jan:
Stayed in Mercure Hotel for a couple of nights and explored Edinburgh and its history. We went for walking tours and visited historic sites. The place is full of culture and gorgeous sceneries! I just loved the fact that we got the chance to share the same experience together and enjoy being in each others presence. Decided to extend my vacation for a few more days on the 3rd, yes, 1 day before I was suppose to leave. Best decision made.

4th - 7th Jan:
We went back to QMU and stayed there for the remainder of the trip. Went up Carlton Hill to embrace the view and scenery. Took lots of selfies and went home for dinner. The following day we climbed Aurthur's Seat that was crazy high and dangerous! Apparently there was an easier way up but we only found that out while decending. The 6th was spent enjoying the company at home but we left in the afternoon to walk around town and eat eat eat!

10 days went by in a blink of an eye. I couldn't ask for anything more that what I have experienced, especially being able to share it with the one I love. Of course, we had some ups and downs while travelling but hey, it's all part of the package, right? This trip has taught me a lot about myself and also how much this partnership means in my life. I pray to Allah swt to continue blessing us with one another. Insyaallah to more travelling in the future!