Northern parts

We took a spur of the moment trip by train (overnight) to Wick with L and G. We thought we would take advantage of the fact that L and G are insanely lucky in that they have managed to travel to the UK without encountering either strike or weather disruption to any of their journeys. So it would have been foolish not to take advantage of their luck.

The train trip was lovely and the views, especially of the sea, only modestly marred by the dirty train windows. We checked in to Mackays Hotel, had a quick beer and then went for a wander around the harbour by night (as blipped by Mr A). The walk was curtailed somewhat by some very cold rain. Hey ho.

Back at the hotel, more beers, whiskies (for those who partake), and a festive dinner, which was the first time that L and G, for all the times they have journeyed to the UK, had encountered the traditions of crackers and Christmas crowns. All good fun. At a nearby table a birthday was being celebrated and the cake was paraded in by a bagpiper. Another first for our visiting Greeks who (as I pointed out to them at one point) were probably the most northerly Greeks on the mainland of this country.