We were heading back North to Melrose today and took the opportunity to go into the Metro Centre in Gateshead en-route. Maria obviously likes just being around shops but there was genuine need today because we still needed to buy a new camera bag. It was massive place and we even managed to get a bit lost in the car park even with a Sat Nav!! In the end we ditched the car within sight of the mall and walked the remaining half kilometre. After walking the length a...

We were woken up to a frosty but sunny morning by Nea, "time for breakfast" she excitedly announced. After a very traditional Finnish breakfast, we were going for a tour around the sights of Durham. We even had our own local guide as Nina had got a day off from work. With the girls safely strapped into their seats in the rear, including Maria, the tour began. After a walk across the river and through some cobblestone streets, it was time for some snacks on a c...

We had a lazy morning at the hotel taking advantage of the free WiFi. By the time we checked out it was time for some lunch. Already the day before we had noted a good 3 course lunch deal in a small alleyway close by. Despite being all stuffed afterwards, David wanted to stop by at Greggs the bakers to get 'yum yums' and a pie for later. A true Glaswegian institution apparently. Before starting our journey South across the border to England we visited the Peop...

Our hotel was right in the centre of city so it only took a few steps before we were in George Square being overlooked by the towering City Hall. We had a quick breakfast in a nearby cafe and by the time we finished the sun had came out - quite rare in Glasgow!! We walked up the High Street to the medieval Glasgow Cathedral, the only cathedral in Scotland to survive the Reformation. Next door is the Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery with very ornate monuments ...

We drove through to Glasgow in the morning, primarily to let Maria see the city that David says is the best in Scotland but also to see his parents off on holiday. Rangers were playing a Quarter Final Scottish Cup game against Albion Rovers at Ibrox and we managed to get tickets. Maria wasn't sure what to expect from a Scottish football match but David was expecting a comfortable win for Rangers...but it was not to be. Rangers played *****, they were lucky to ...