Here's v quick post from me, delving into the backlog of photos from the last time I was at Edinburgh Zoo. I'm pretty tempted to get myself an annual pass and start a photo series studying various species... We'll see.

It's a truth universally acknowledged that portraits look far more artistic when they're in black and white.

As I have said before, I'm super lucky that my job sends me off on trips to far flung areas of Scotland. I still can't drive (yes, still! I promise I'll learn soon!) so any trip that takes me off into the wilderness is something I couldn't do on my own and something I'm very grateful for.

This is a quick collection of photos from one of those trips - primarily through the Glencoe Valley and around the Loch Ness area. We were treated to both winter sun and a light dusting of snow.

 
Loch Tay from the coach

Buachaille Etive Mor (more like bae-chaille, amirite... I'm sorry it's my favourite mountain in Scotland, I had to)

From the Glencoe Visitors Centre

Ben Nevis

Eilean Donan Castle

Urquhart Castle

Loch Ness

I've never seen the loch look like this... actually to the point that it didn't look real. Such a treat to see after some truly dodgy weather!

On a completely separate note, I feel like I am perpetually trying to catch up with posts on here. There was a time when I was young where I'd stand puzzled about how adults didn't have time for their hobbies - I totally get it now. My bullet journal is the only thing keeping my life together at the moment, but ever so slowly getting there. Phew. 

There seems to be a tradition in my immediate family of escaping London around Christmas. We select a location around the UK and go exploring. With family dotted all over the country, we have a great excuse to visit beautiful towns and cities like York, Liverpool and Manchester while also seeing relatives. 

This year was Chester's turn. 

I think I was immediately struck by how old Chester is! It seemed like practically everything has its foundations in or inspirations from the Tudor era. An extremely photogenic city, I'm sure you'll agree!

Despite it being Christmas - the one time when shops actually shut in the UK - we did manage to find things to keep us occupied. As with York, Chester is a walled city, so we walked the parapets (both to see the sights and to keep warm). We climbed up to the Eastgate Clock Tower, pictured above, and began our perimeter of the city. 

If there's one way to keep me occupied and happy, it's to suddenly introduce me to an animal. When we approached Chester Cathedral, I spotted a falconry and nature garden in the grounds. I immediately zipped down from the walls and went nosing around. We were too soon to see the birds stretch their wings in flying displays but it's not every Christmas you meet eagles, hawks and falcons...

Inside the cathedral, I was reminded of a mini York Minster. You can tell an insane amount of upkeep goes into the cathedral and all its hand-carved wooden and stone insides.

Back on the walls, we were treated to more views of old and beautifully-kept buildings. Some more stern than others... 

Chester has a lot of pride for its buildings - even down residential streets - which is a thing I feel you don't see all that often. Although it was a very quick break as I had to wend my way back up to Edinburgh, Chester is definitely a very cute city and well worth a weekend break!