Trying to catch up : Couples Edinburgh Conference

In February and March we have had three memorable events that has really enlarged my scope of learning. The first was the Scotland Ireland Mission Couples Conference that was held in Edinburgh, Scotland. We flew from Belfast to Edinburgh with another missionary couple who happen to also be Canadians, Elder and Sister Wilson. Our adventure started out with a three hour delay at the airport before we even got off the ground.

The view from where we were sitting in the secure area of the airport.

Waiting!

Luckily the flight is a quick one and before we knew it we had crossed to Scotland

and were ready to explore somewhere new.

After dropping our baggage at the lovely Ettrick Inn close to the Mission Home,

Our room was the one with the circular window.

The view out our room window.

 we were on a double decker bus and off to wander the historic streets of the old city.

 Having lived all my life where anything built before 1850 is really old, I never get over the amazement of the old buildings, many predate 1700.

We walked the royal mile,

 now lined with shops inviting tourists to buy kilts, woolen goods, and trinkets of every kind.

Then we entered the Edinburgh Castle, that sits on the hill overseeing the city, where recorded history speaks of structures defending this sight since 600 AD.

Looking out over the city from where the previous 3 picture were taken.

The afternoon was not long enough to even glimpse at the history that was present in every nook and cranny. We stood in the room Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James I who was the king of England who sponsored the translation of the Bible we use today.

King James

 Mr Bunnage, your Social 10 lessons on British History came alive!

We concluded the evening with a wonderful meal in a Scottish Pub.

Where we ate supper. Up on the second floor.

The appetizer, Haggis.

Elder Forsyth's meal

Sister Forsyth's meal

The next day was a great bonding and learning time with all the missionary couples serving in our mission.

Replica of the "famous" stone.

At the dedication of the stone.

All the Senior missionaries in the Scotland Ireland Mission

Workshops

We were able to learn from each other, share similar challenges and experiences and be taught by our Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Brown.

That evening we all rode the double decker bus downtown to enjoy the wonderful and creative theatre production of War Horse.

In the theatre waiting for the play to begin.