3 posts and y’all are finally caught up. I’m not responsible enough for a blog. Two AMAZING things happened this past week: (1) CHRISTMAS IS OFFICIALLY IN EDINBURGH and (2) MADISON IS OFFICIALLY IN EDINBURGH.  Honestly, could it get any better? I think not. I will never try to deny that Christmas is my favorite time of year. I’m the girl who will always drop everything for all day Christmas movie marathons, endless hot chocolate, twinkling decorations, Christmas music, visits from Santa, and (fingers-crossed) my first white Christmas. My friend Amy and I even looked up our Christmas elf names. I am Pixie Twinkletoes, in case you wanted to know.

I will admit that as magical as Edinburgh is during Christmastime, it is making me miss my family more than ever before in my life. I can even honestly say that I am ready to come home next week (but that’s because I know I’ll be back the next month). Point is- I’m coming home for Christmas, and I can’t wait. I desperately want to see my first white Christmas. I have one week left for that to happen. I won’t lose hope though. Santa won’t let me down 🙂 My homesickness was pushed somewhat away when my old roommate and one of my best friends visited during Thanksgiving:

She got here at the same time as Edinburgh’s Christmas Market. Needless to say, we spent almost every night there. I have never seen a true Christmas Market before, but I can honestly say that it is incredible (and a bit addicting to Christmas enthusiasts like myself). Want to see the market?

The Christmas Market is beyond beautiful, but you see some odd things there, as well:

Madison and I spent our fair share of time there. We shopped. We ate. We drank the specialty hot ciders and got Christmas mugs. Know what else? We braved the terrifying swings.

I think it’s safe to say we saw the monument from a rare and unusual angle. However, it’s not as fun as it looks. I don’t know why we decided to make sure the safety bar was locked, but we did. Guess what? It doesn’t lock down. Ever. Terrifying? Understatement. (Prepare for my nervous face- and Madison’s normal one):

I held on for my life. She just complained about the cold the whole time. It’s okay though- that’s why I’m Monica, and she’s Rachel. We also rode the Big Wheel. I’ve never seen such breathtaking views of Edinburgh. Being able to see the city lit up from the top of the ferris wheel above Princes Street… Unforgettable.

We didn’t just explore the Christmas Market. She and I also took a small Highland Day tour! We are just regular adventures.

We even went scouting for Nessie at Loch Ness! We both believe Nessie is out there. Madison was convinced that Nessie tried to attack us. She even screamed. It was just ducks that panicked in the water and flew at us. (I’m scared of swings- She gets scared by ducks. Whatever.)

Santa, we want a cabin on the shores of Loch Ness. That’s not too much to ask for is it? The next adventure on our list? Camera Obscura. Want a fun and unique way to see Edinburgh? You won’t get a much better one. I’ll admit: we spent most of the day acting like children in a fun house.

I don’t have pictures of my favorite part. Which was…. the mirror maze (shocker-not). Yes, we did run into the mirrors a few times. I love mazes. Everyone knows this. My next goal is the Christmas tree maze at the Market. Bring it on. However, we did get some absolutely stunning pictures of the city skyline from the top of the exhibit.

Edinburgh will be my home one day. You can count on that.

We also took our friendship to the next level at Camera Obscura:

Of course, we also had to go to the castle, because Madison couldn’t come to Edinburgh without going to Hogwarts.

There’s no surprise that Madison and I also had some great food adventures while she was here. We found the best waffles (I think) that have ever existed.

AND everyone back home, y’all should be proud of us. The Americans here banded together and made Thanksgiving!

Yes, I made a good bit of that. 🙂 I’m proud. I wasn’t ready for our adventures to end, but sadly, she had to go home. She will be back- just like I will. We are explorers through and through, and going home won’t keep us out of our adventures for long.

We aren’t making sad faces, because she is leaving. We are making pouting faces so that y’all will join us on our next adventure. We are fun people. Y’all should want to come along. Who could say no to those faces? (Not me.) I probably won’t update again until I am home (8 days left), because I am in the middle of finals. I don’t care to blog about those. They aren’t exciting. I’ll update on this upcoming week when I’m back in the ‘Sip. As an English guy taught Madison to say this past week: Toodle Pip, Y’all! (apparently, that means see you later) [and Happy Holidays from Pixie Twinkletoes <3]