Falkirk for a fortnight
I have just returned home after two weeks in Falkirk where I was house sitting (whilst taking orders from the resident cat, Phoebe). It was a nice little break away from my typical routine and allowed me to “live alone” for a short time. It was also a great way to focus my brain on a grant proposal I’m working on. Importantly, it was also an opportunity to finally see a bit of Falkirk.
My first exploration was a wee wander around town that included a visit to the Falkirk Old Parish Church (also known as the Trinity Church) in the town centre. It was that exploration that led me to learn that Irn Bru was developed in Falkirk. (I hate the stuff, but as it’s a very Scottish drink, this was still interesting to me!) I also took the opportunity to grab a wee geocache which meant that I learned about Greenhorn’s Well.
Later, I made return visits to see The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel. I saw The Kelpies with my friend, Caroline, last year and toured The Wheel with my Mum when she was last in Scotland. It was very wet and rainy on this visit, but it was still nice to see these magnificent structures.
My final exploration was at Callendar House. I have been to the grounds in the past as that was my “local” parkrun when I lived in Stirling. However, I had never taken the time to explore inside. The house isn’t done up the way many old estate houses are, which I found interesting. Rather than displaying the place as a house preserved in time, the space is used as a museum about the area’s history. Though the kitchen is done up quite oldy-timey with costumed guides and all. (Definitely something my Mum will want to see when she next visits!)
For now, however, it’s back to reality for a while. That reality means sleeping in my own bed with all of my belongings put away. It means sharing a home with my friend and landlord. (Which means there will be someone else to do my dishes!) It means a short bus journey to the office. And it means a lot of work. Like a lot, a lot, a lot of work!
And come August, I’ll be living out of a suitcase once again as I head home to America for three weeks. And that will be a weird reality for me as it’s been more than two years since I was last home. So stay tuned for stories of those adventures! (In the meantime, photos of my Falkirk adventures are below.)
