We've made it!!!

Well, we’ve made it. I typed this yesterday in a Burger King, but it wouldn't let me post. This is a copy of the post, with an update at the bottom. It’s going to take about two weeks to get broadband installed at home, so for now, it’s intermittent web access. We're in an internet cafe right now.

But, enough of that! Things are great! The flat is pretty much what we expected in the pics below, but the tree in the front garden is gone, except for a stump. The weeds will come up soon, and then it will be quite nice. We are an easy ten minute walk from Princes Street and the Royal Mile. We found that out after dropping off the rental car, and realising that (a) the bus system is FAR to confusing to figure out without a map, and (b), we didn’t have exact change anyway. So, we fired up the GPS in walking mode, and made it back pretty quick. Our second outing to Princes Street (shopping centre of the city), we got mobile phones and signed up for internet, TV, and all that jazz. It’s taking some time to settle in. We made it to the supermarket today for some basics, and got strange looks because our debit cards are still the swipe kind without a chip! How archaic! Also, the lady at the internet/mobile shop was a lot of fun, and everyone was excited to hear that Bailey’s name was…Bailey! Apparently, they love Party of Five, with Bailey, in it, but the name strangely just isn’t common here! She was an instant celebrity in the shop.

Weather here is pretty nice. Sunny, can you believe it!, with a light wind and about 60-65.

In not so great news, I managed to get food poisoning on the way here, and spent all yesterday in bed! Poor Bailey had to make her first venture alone to the market to get me some crackers and soup, and she’s been playing good nurse on the first day in Scotland. I love her. I’m feeling better today, but still not 100%. Hopefully, the next day or two will see me up to full battery once again.

We made a quick detour to Calton Hill on the way back this afternoon. This is a smaller hill to the northeast of the Royal Mile and along the journey from our apartment to downtown. The views here were AMAZING!!! From various places, you can see the entire city, from the Firth of Forth, to Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat (the big mountain in the middle of the city)! We can’t wait to get pics online from there, as well as have a nice picnic and photo shoot (for Bailey) one afternoon or evening! For those coming to visit, it is a definite stop on the tour!

Well, I think that about covers it for now. Once we get internet at home, we’ll bring these updates a lot more often (and hopefully shorter). Thanks again to all who are praying for us! We really needed them, and still do. Adjusting will take time. Sometimes, it seems that the language is the only thing we have in common with the people here, and sometimes that’s even in question. We also really miss being able to just pop into Kristie’s whenever we felt like it, and to see friends and family daily. I think that will be the hardest adjustment, at least for me. That and not having weekly time at church with everyone! Please, please comment, and stay in touch via email and/or facebook. We may not be able to answer immediately or all of them, but we love hearing from you.

Love and cheers,
Matt and Bailey

UPDATE: So today, was some more roaming. We now have some artwork for the flat, and a fuller kitchen. We also got some flowers to spruce up the place. It's starting to feel like home. We found Bailey's main building today, and the Elephant House pub just around the corner. For you that don't recognise the title, that's where Harry Potter came into being.

We also got to talk to Kristie and Matt on the phone, and mom last night! It's great to still be able to hear everyone's voice. Once we have home internet, Skype will make that all the easier, and cheaper!

Tonight, we are hoping for a nice picnic dinner on Calton Hill, with the camera and some AMAZING views!!! I think that is one of my favourite places so far.

Thanks again to all for prayers, comments, and thoughts,
Matt and Bailey