Second, let me say that I am so honoured to have such sweet and caring cousins that accommodated me for the entire week and made me feel right at home. It is amazing to discover and enjoy a new family (yes, I really have long lost cousins) and I had the opportunity to get to know everyone in my brief stay.
What makes Dunfermline unique is the history that is evidenced by its downtown landmarks, most notably the Abbey. Dunfermline Abbey can trace its roots back to 1070. That was when King Malcolm III married Saint Margaret in a ceremony in a church at Dunfermline. She liked the place so much she decided to set up a religious community there, bringing in Benedictine monks from Canterbury to form its core. Malcolm III ruled from Dunfermline and it was the capital city before Edinburgh.
Robert the Bruce (King during the fourteenth century), known for leading the wars of Scottish independence with William Wallace (Braveheart), also inhabited the palace next to the Abbey and was buried beneath the Abbey's altar.
The Abbey turret also bears Robert the Bruce's name.
The Abbey was established as a true abbey in 1150 and served as a monastery and parish church. The stained glass windows in the Abbey were the most intricate and colourful windows that I have ever seen. The ceilings were so high and little Naomi liked the way that her voice echoed throughout the empty vast halls.
The remains of the palace beside the Abbey overlooked the glen and had an astonishing view. My dad remembers visiting the Abbey when he came at the age of 11 and I know he is very excited to revisit the memories and share them with mom.
Observations:
Apart from the obvious history, life in Dunfermline Town is much like anywhere else. It is 30 minutes by train across the Firth of Forth rail bridge into Edinburgh, therefore many people commute into the city.
There is currently a lot of expansion in the town including a massive car park and shopping mall to accommodate the expansion of Edinburgh commuters. There are many suburbs where there are rows upon rows of houses with backyard gardens and there is also a downtown section (called high street) for shopping. There are major 24 hr grocery stores (Asda) that are huge warehouses that not surprisingly are owned by Walmart.
Scotland climate is windy, rainy and cold! I can imagine what the highlands must feel like...brrr!
The scots love their meat. My cousin Emily is vegetarian but I don't know how she does it! On my very first breakfast, I came downstairs to find a plate of haggis, black (blood) pudding, ham, bacon and sausage...oh, and a potato scone. After I asked what everything was on my plate I did something very strange though. There was black current jam out on the table and I put it on my scone. They thought it was a weird Canadian thing, but I just love black currants! I thought it tasted pretty good. hee hee. It got a laugh anyway.
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