Touched down late at Edinburgh airport, collected my backpack and headed towards the customs area. I had two choices, and seeing as it was so late at night, I probably stared at it for 3 or 4 minutes while others walked past me, making their decision with ease. When I finally decided which door was mine, (because there were big signs saying “NO RE-ENTRY!”) I walked out and found the bus into town. Halfway into town, I realised I had not spoken to ANYONE about re-entering the UK!  I panicked a bit, wondering if I should go back / call someone official / visit the embassy, because I didn’t want to be in the country illegally – I mean, I’m only just halfway thru my trip!

Turns out my original stamp into UK was good for 6 months, so it wasn’t necessary. But I kinda feel ripped off for not getting a Scotland stamp (I paid good money for this trip!). Oh well.

Off the bus at 11:30pm, I tried to orient myself to find the hostel. Just then, two guys (Kendal from Kansas, Ethan from Portland) yelled out, “Anyone going to Castle Rock?” to which I replied I was, so we struck out to find the hostel together. Up a hill that looked like a fairy tale mountain town, directly opposite the Castle, we found our hostel and checked in. I managed to find my stuff and climb into my bed in the dark, thanks to a friendly and helpful fellow roommate (who I found out the next day was Margaret, from Canada and my new Edinburgh bestie).