HF's dad and me, having a splendid time at the Scarborough beach side. 

Mmmmhh... chewing on money bone! (pork shank) 

HF and I on the beach in Scarborough. Had a smashing time there! 

HF and her family, visiting, and myself in my neighbor's flat. 

HF, on the Highlands of the Isles of Skye 

Scotland

I just came back from Scotland highlands... a 4.5 days road trip. Set out early morning from Leeds and headed north to Glasgow city and from there all the way up to the Isles of Skye and arrived by midnight. It was the craziest thing I've done... driving all day/night. The next day, we checked out the Isles and, although it was cloudy and rainy, the view/surroundings are abso-freaking-lutely mind-bogglingly awesome. I have literally lost count of the number of times I said "oh my god" and the number of times my jaws dropped in awe. good thing both my eyes are still intact. I thought I have seen it all when I travelled to Banff National Park and Whistler Mt. There may be other places that are expectedly better than Isles of Skye, but the latter is a must see (although i still think Banff and Whistler is better as there are more things to do). Just then I realized why this place is called the Isles of Skye. How does it feel if you could 'touch' the skies (not on sea level)?

A day's trip is sufficient and we headed back to rest and prepare for next day's journey -- to meet the mythical monster, Nessie, in Loch Ness upon Inverness. Ever heard of a sea creature/monster that lives in Scotland? We saw the monster... surfacing for air and stayed afloat. it's been domesticated... ;)

Later, we spent a day in Edinburgh and checked out the famous castle there. The month of August also coincides with the Scottish Arts and Culture festival, hence, tonnes of activities on the streets on Edinburgh. From mimes to street performers, art exhibitions to tattooing and shopping to climbing over 250 steps of a tower...etc. all happening at the same time. The city is absolutely vibrant and colorful and it's good to be there. When you should have time and the resources, I would personally recommend anyone to check out Scotland.

what-the-****!! 

Inside the castle of Nottingham (city centre) which sits on top of a hill, having the advantage of overlooking the entire city's skyline. We are just at the entrance, where we were greeted by the miniature plant that resembles Robin Hood (with his fav toy bow). 

That's me and Robin Hood weilding his bow and arrow poised to attacking whoever whatever that's in his sight -- it was me with an apple on my head later. 

At the bottom on the castle in the city of Nottingham where a large statue of Robin Hood and his friends (pictured) rests. 

At the University of Nottingham, HF and I trying the Mr/Mrs. Smith (the movie) pose... under a tree.