My Week in Scotland: Anatomy, Body Snatching, and Cemeteries

A Little Traveler- 
My Week in Scotland: Anatomy, Body Snatching, and Cemeteries


Hi Y'all! it's been about two years since I've travelled! But I'm back and read to tell you about my recent travels with Dr. Spurlock on her faculty-led program to Scotland!

            So I have wanted to travel to Scotland for quite some time now and this past fall I heard about this incredible trip with Dr. Linda Spurlock to Edinburgh and Glasgow. This trip was everything I expected and more!

Edinburgh- March 22nd-26th

Day 1- Elephant House Cafe, Walking tour, and Food!

 In the morning we were able to explore Edinburgh! The streets were so gorgeous! I got some Scottish pancakes for breakfast at the Elephant house cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter. If you're a huge nerd like me it is a must see!

 In the afternoon we had a walking tour with our guide Sonny who told us stories of murder and lots of history about Edinburgh!

For dinner I knew I had to get some smoked salmon pasta! In the night we had a tour of Mary King's Cross ( I forgot to take pictures), but we learned about how the plague spread around the city and how close the living quarters were.

Day 2- Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura, and Witch Tour

 Edinburgh Castle was absolutely breathtaking. The views, the history, and the crisp air were perfect. There were flowers everywhere, and I saw the replica crown jewels!

In the afternoon we went to the camera obscura! I loved all the optical illusions. In the night we went on a witch and murder tour and learned about the murderous history of Edinburgh!

Lunch- we went to a tiny pub filled with local men in kilts! It was called the Jolly Judge1 we got some great local beer and some lovely soup!

Night Life- This was honestly the most perfect Saturday night ever. After the witch tour some of us went to a local outdoor bar called The Three Sisters that had various stalls with food, cider, and beer! We met some amazing people and danced the night away! Edinburgh night life was such an awesome experience!

Day 3- Surgeon's Museum and Whiskey Tasting

 At the Surgeon's Hall we saw all sorts of anatomy! It was really interesting to see the different diseases and how it affected the various body parts. Definitely one of my favorite museums-- unfortunately we were not allowed to take pictures inside.

In the night a few of us went to a really nice restaurant and I got a lovely goat cheese appetizer with a salad! I also ordered a whiskey flight-- I have never had whiskey before! I can now say that whiskey is an acquired taste--I would drink more again, but perhaps with a lot of ice! But I can at least say that I've had Scottish whiskey!

Day 4- Lots of Cemeteries and the Rosslyn Chapel 

Today was overall such an interesting and exciting day! I visited three cemeteries, the Rosslyn Chapel, and Prince Street Gardens. It was filled with glorious views and history!

 At Greyfriar's Kirkyard a groundskeeper took out Voldemort's wand and insisted that I take a picture with the original Tom Riddell that J.K. Rowling took inspiration from for Harry Potter. If you are a huge Harry Potter fan like me I recommend coming to this cemetery! There are other names here like Moody, McGonagall, and Potter! 

Here are some more pictures from another cemetery called Old Calton! There are many detailed inscriptions on gravestones detailing the person's life; these are called epitaphs! It was sad to see how many people died so young either from various diseases or childbirth.

 This is the infamous Rosslyn Chapel! If you are a DaVinci Code fan then this is a must see! This chapel is rumored to house the bones of Mary Magdalene-- who is married to Jesus and carries on his descendants! The town of Rosslyn sits about twenty minutes outside of Edinburgh. We had a break in between seeing cemeteries, so we ubered to the chapel. We went inside and this chapel was rich with history. I've seen many churches and chapels in my travels, but this one was gorgeous. They also have a chapel cat that roams the property and is very friendly!

We ended up not being able to get an uber back to Edinburgh, but we decided to not see the third cemetery and we took an hour long bus back to the city! While we waited for the bus I managed to down three cups of tea! It is important while traveling to be flexible and try new things!

I met up with the rest of the group at Prince Street Gardens! Spring was in full swing in Edinburgh, and I could not pass up the opportunity to take some gorgeous pictures and take in the scenery!

Day 5- Arthur's Seat

I have been looking forward to this hike since we got the itinerary! I was hoping the weather would be good for a hike and it was perfect! I booked it up the large hill-- I love new views of cities when I travel! I think the pictures speak for themselves.

Glasgow- March 26th-29th

Day 6- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow Necropolis and Cathedral 

 The Royal College was an interesting experience! It was filled with royal portraits and ornate chandeliers! In the last picture is an anatomical muscle man drawing that is quite famous!

In the afternoon we went to the Glasgow Necropolis-- I have never seen so many graves in my life! It was interesting to see the different symbols and how it showed if the person died young, old, in battle, or by sickness. I also had to stop by the cathedral! It turns out that my favorite tv show, Outlander, was filmed there for a few episodes! I was in awe at how much I recognized from various scenes! 

In the night we went to a local bar called Maggie May's and we saw some live music and even got a Scottish dish-- a deep fried mars bar!

Day 7- University of Glasgow and Hunterian Museum 

Today was definitely one of my favorite days of the trip! I know Dr. Spurlock has been emailing the curators for a year in preparation of our visit! It did not disappoint-- we saw amazing original anatomy drawings, and we saw the collection of various remains. There were animal parts preserved and human remains as well! We were not allowed to take pictures, but I liked this smaller collection better than the collection in Edinburgh. There were about twelve baby skeletons at various gestation stages. There was one tiny skeleton that was six weeks, and I thought to myself that the skeleton did not even have a gender. It was interesting how I was able to apply my knowledge from my classes here to the anatomy specimen in Scotland. I also discussed with on the curators the ethics of doing DNA testing on the specimen they have, or if they should be left alone as they were taken from lower class people. It is an interesting ethical problem, but the research that could be done with the collection is endless. It got me thinking that I might apply to some PhD schools as well next fall. (I plan on applying to master's programs for genetic counseling). The University of Glasgow is a contender for graduate school!

Day 8- Last day in Scotland-- Loch Lomond

I have grown up singing in choir, and I remember singing the song about Loch Lomond! I was thrilled to find out we were going to the national park! We went on a boat tour and saw various estates and castles! I love being on the water and seeing the highlands! It was awesome to hear about the estates, because my mother's great grandfather was a wealthy landowner in the UK, and he owned a tea estate in Sri Lanka. That is how I have UK ancestry in me-- it was interesting to draw comparisons to my own life!

Day 9- Flight home