Our Scottish Adventure Part 1 | Edinburgh

After arriving in Edinburgh, we took the airport tram exiting at St. Andrew’s Square and wheeled our well-balanced luggage the half mile to our first hotel of the trip. We were not the only tourists in town. The revamped Iron Throne was also touring the UK to coincide with the release of House of the Dragon. Lucky for us, its last stop was Calton Hill a beautiful vista point in Edinburgh which was only a short, although entirely uphill, walk from our hotel.

We hiked up the winding path and after a brief wait, my husband got his turn on the Iron Throne. We also got to enjoy the beautiful views of the city from this elevated spot. Arriving during a garbage strike took a bit of the shine off the experience but it was still a wonderful view. I knew immediately we were going to love the city.

After working from our hotel lobby the rest of the day, we headed to Hoot the Redeemer for some pre-theatre drinks. Walking down into the basement level bar, you’re immediately met with an art deco speak-easy crossed with a carnival vibe. A repurposed arcade claw machine sits against one wall where a three breasted temptress beckons you under a Pinch‘n Sip sign to let fate pick your drink flavors for the evening.

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My first year of blogging and my first Top 10 List | Maine Memories from 2016

Looking back on 2016, my first year of blogging, I am excited with the direction of my blog, and motivated to expand and grow  my content to focus on even more of the amazing adventures available in Maine. But, before I jump into 2017, here are ten of my favorite activities from this past year, and links to the blog posts I wrote about them.

(1) Artascope Studios | Saltwater Etching for Copper Class. I love learning new crafts, and while I don’t always have as much time as I would like in this area, I did spend a productive Sunday, this past spring, learning about copper etching. Artascope has studio space in Yarmouth where they run a variety of classes including day long workshops, and more extended six-week sessions. I’ve taken many classes at Artascope and they have all been amazing.

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Standup Comedy with Chris Hardwick and his ID10T Tour at State Theatre

I am a proud geek. I love all things nerdy. My husband commented once to friends that I was easy to buy for on Valentine’s Day. He just had to shop like he was buying for a teenage boy. He’s not wrong. I love my minimates, Funko Pops and Doctor Who memorabilia.

And, when you’re a nerd there’s no one you love more than the voice of all things geek, Chris Hardwick. He has risen to the top of the nerd pyramid from his role as founder of the Nerdist to hosting the Talking Dead . He understands the world that he lives in and speaks to it well. He definitely speaks to me. I think my husband even gave me his book, “The Nerdist Way: How to Reach the Next Level (In Real Life)” for my birthday one year. Let’s just say, I’m a fan.

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Laughter with Jerry Seinfeld at the Merrill Auditorium

With anytime, anywhere access to entertainment through our mobile devices, the days of must see TV are long gone but they’ll always be tied in my memory with Thursday nights and Seinfeld. So the opportunity to catch his stand up show at the Merrill Auditorium this past weekend was too good to pass up even if the tickets were a little pricey. Some things are worth the splurge.

Portland was energized on Friday. After quite a few dreary, cooler days, it was finally warm and even a little bit sunny. People were excited to be out and about for the evening. Your couldn’t help but enjoy yourself with the knowledge that we’re finally closing in on summer.

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