Blessed E & A ^_^

"All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all."

This is a hymn I sang when I was in primary school and the hymn that I was quietly singing in my heart when I was in Scotland.

Just came back from a trip to Edinburgh and Amsterdam. Once again, it's been a wonderful trip. Before I went, I was worried about the weather.. the forecast has not been very favourable. But as usual, God has blessed us with gorgeous weather when we were travelling. God is so gracious to His 2 playful daughers. :)

I like Edinburgh. It's a small city and we managed to cover it - the Edinburgh Castle and the Carlton Hill - within 2.5 hours on our first day. It has an air of sophistication that I like - from the Medieval old town to the Georgian new town.

The second day, we went to the Cairgorm Mountain - a snow-capped mountain at the centre of the Cairgorm National Park. I must thank Regina for her suggestion. MG and I have had a fantastic time there. Although we did not ski, we played with snow, made 2 snowmen and took lots and lots of pictures. Even though the Mountain is a 3-hour train ride from Edinburgh, I think it is well worth the hassle. :)

The next day, we joined a day tour to visit the Loch (lakes) and Glen (valleys) of Scotland. We toured around the countryside leisurely. Scotland is scenic and I just love being with nature. :)

Having spent 3 days in Scotland, we continue on to Amsterdam (this time with Kenneth, Kathy and Jin joining me and MG). I was in Amsterdam 2 years ago, but I did not get to see much of Amsterdam coz I went to stay with my aunt in Zevenar. Am very glad to have this chance to take a good look at the city again. :) We spent the first day walking around Amsterdam Central, visiting the Anne Frank Museum and Red Light District, and also taking a canal cruise. :)

On the second day, the rest of the group went to Keukenhof to see tulips, while I met up with my relatives, since Cousin Puki had brought me to Keukenhof the last time I came. :) I am soooooooooooo happy to see aunt and uncle again. I love them! They are my favourites. :P We practically spent the whole day eating - first went for dim sum (with aunt, uncle, cousins and their partners), then aunt and uncle brought me to Volendam (a seaside fishing village in Holland) where I had herrings and coffee and toast with them by the seaside. Afterwards, we joined cousins in Den Haag for a sumptuous dinner. I was stuffed... :P

Third day in Amsterdam was spent mostly on the coach. hee hee. :P coz we joined a day trip to the Windmill village, cheese factory, Volendam (again!), Marken (another seaside village), Delft (blue pottery factory), Den Haag city (Peace Palace/International Court of Justice, Royal Palace etc), beaches of North sea and a miniature town. :) It was an enjoyable day. :)

And now, I am safely back in London. I thank God for keeping watch over us throughout the trip, for the fabulous weather He has given us, for giving us health and wealth too so that we can enjoy His creation, and for the love and friendship I felt throughout the trip. I love you, Lord.

Will be travelling to HK to visit Daddy tomorrow (ha ha.. no wonder HH and LI used to call me Miss International of TP - I travel so frequently :P). Though exams is coming, I want to spend more time with Dad to cheer him up. Studies are important, but to me, my family and loved ones are more precious than good grades. I must admit that I am worried about not having enough time to prepare for exams and also my dissertation (and I do feel very tired from travelling back-to-back)... but I guess, I will have to try my best and exercise self discipline and good time management. I know God understands and He will be my strength. Brothers and sisters, please pray for me too! :) Thank you!