| On our third day in Europe, our hosts took the day off and played tourguides. They kindly rented a car and drove us to the countryside for some castle touring. Nothing like sightseeing with good friends! Notice the very happy Cindy and Charlene. |  |
| The first castle we visited was actually a ruin. I don't quite remember the name of this one, but it was set on a hill and as I am sure you will recognize, I am standing in what used to be the kitchen. I think this is actually a better place than some of the apartments I have rented over the years. Not too shabby! |  |
| Here is another wing of the castle. This tower was the Warden's tower and at the bottom was the prison. Because of Cindy's illegal photograph at the maritime museum, she was sentenced to 4 minutes in jail. There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. Thankfully, the jailer let her out unscathed and leprosy free! |  |
| Charlene and Chris, our hosts. |  |
| Cindy's attempt at royalty as she waves at her subjects. |  |
| Self portrait with broke-ass old walls. |  |
| Before leaving the castle, we wanted to get a feeling for what it was like back then. Here Cindy is alerting the castle residents to the presence of an oncoming hoard of angry villagers. Notice the purse clutching, which is required when the castle is being stormed. |  |
| This castle, at one point in time, had a moat. Here I am swimming in it. Although I think back in the day, this would not have been advised since the moat was also the main sewage dump for all castle waste water (e.g. toilets, dishwashing, bodies of vanquished enemies). |  |
| Our second castle was still intact. We walked through this very well preserved estate that was in use well after the First World War. Here is a view from the courtyard. |  |
| Of course, there was a tower, and of course we had to go to this height. Here I am just loving being so high up...gulp! |  |
| Windy was another way to describe this roof deck. Not quite the place for sunbathing and barbecuing, but suitable for a self portrait. |  |
| Here is one last shot from the castle's roof of Cindy, Charlene, Chris, the weather vane rooster, and more wind. |  |
| Practically everything in Scotland has coat of arms. Here is a close up of the coat of arms on this castle. I decided I want a coat of arms and I will place it above my front door, preferrably gold, and maybe some lights? I'll be working with renowned coat of arms makers worldwide to develop a design due out this fall. |  |