We had a wonderful day yester-day. The weather started out foggy and was a bit slow to burn off but still we had a great time. We drove over to the Wee Kingdom of Fife. Our first stop was Falkland Palace where we took a tour and learned about Scottish history. In fact, when we got to the chapel in the Palace, who should we find in there but Mary Queen of Scots holding court with a busload of school children. She told them about what sports she liked to engage in when she was visiting Falkland Palace: falconry, horseback riding, tennis, and dancing. She then asked the children what they liked to do. The little girl she called on said she liked dancing. The Queen asked "What kind of dancing?" The little girl said "Tap." "Tap dancing?" The Queen had never heard of that and kept asking the little girl questions until she learned that it involved taps on the shoes that made alot of noise on the floor. She didn't think that would be allowed in her time. The little boy she called on said he and his mates liked to play football. When she asked him questions, there were more hilarious misunderstandings. For example, he said the object was to shoot the ball into the goal. She said "Shoot the ball? You are allowed to play with guns?" It was funny and a great way for children to learn more about their country's historic characters.
After the tour we went into the gardens. While Wendy and I strolled through the flowers, Don and Jami played a giant game of checkers. Don said it was difficult to get use to the perspective and that the game is much easier to play on a small board. Jami liked that it was different and more physical.
We had lunch in Falkland and then did some gift shopping before heading down to the East Neuk of Fife to the fishing village of Crail. By the time we were nearing Crail, the mist was almost totally burned off and the sun was shining out of a blue sky. The village charmed Wendy and Jami as it has everyone we've ever taken there.
Next stop was the larger town of Anstruther where we had fish suppers followed by an ice cream cone. We had our ice cream on the harbor overlooking fishing boats and pleasure craft before heading back to the car for our long drive home. The mist began coming back in as we approached the town of Cupar, rendering the landscape eerily beautiful. After spending about 15 minutes in Cupar trying to find our alternate route home, we finally got on the right road and got home safe and sound. It was a long but most enjoyable day.
Today we went to a safari park and to Doune Castle but I'll tell you about that tomorrow.
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