Alex's visit

Just a few days after my parents left, Joe's little brother, Alex, came for a visit. As I said before, this visit was a pretty big deal--not only was it our first Rivera family visit and Alex's first time out of the country, it was his first time on a plane! And, what a way to start! He had three flights in each direction and managed it perfectly. We were a little worried he'd end up in Hong Kong but were happy (and impressed) when he showed up in Edinburgh right on time.

Alex's visit was a pretty active one, and I think all three of us felt pretty exhausted at the end of every day. It was another long and packed visit, so here are a few of the highlights:

• Gymnastics in the Meadows: Yes, we are a little bit dorky. But, on a spontaneous stop in the Meadows, Joe proclaimed he had once taken gymnastics classes and such a declaration demanded some evidence. Once Joe wowed us, Alex and I gave it a try too. I think the biggest laugh was a result of my own cartwheel attempt(s). Maybe, if you are really nice I'll do a cartwheel for you too and you can laugh until you cry. Maybe, if you are really, really nice, I'll post the video!

• Hiking in the Pentland Hills: There are a range of hills just South of the city with some beautiful hiking trails. We enjoyed an afternoon of hiking here and were surprised to find a herd of sheep grazing on the side of one of the hills. Apparently, it is lambing season. More about Pentland Hills in a later post.

• Sunset hike of Arthur's Seat: Not once, but twice. We actually hiked nearly to the top, after sunset, one night with some friends. The views of the city at nighttime are breathtaking. We did it again a few nights later, just the three of us, making it all the way to the top an hour before sunset and watching the sun go down from the peak. Beautiful.

• Wiffle Ball on the Gallery Lawn/Catch at the Palace: Alex, with his one checked bag limit, somehow managed to bring along three baseball gloves, a baseball, a wiffle ball and a wiffle ball bat. (Wiffle ball is apparently a favored past time of the Schmitt and Rivera families). We solicited the participation of our friend, Scotty, and get up a game on the front lawn of the Dean Gallery (of Art). I'm sure that isn't a common sight and I noticed more than a few curious bystanders. For the record, Scotty and I won the game. Joe, Alex, and I also got in a little catch on the grounds of Holyrood Palace. I mean, why not?

• Bike ride to Cramond Island: The tide times weren't ideal during Alex's visit, so we didn't manage to make it out with time to cross to the island, but that didn't stop us from enjoying time at the shore, biking around the Almond River Walkway, and the grounds of the adjacent Dalmeny Estate. We even enjoyed an afternoon treat (amazing carrot cake) at a cute little riverside cafe.

• Biking around North Berwick: Sadly, I didn't get to join the guys for this fun day, but from the pictures it looks like they enjoyed it and saw a good bit of the island. And, I believe another stop at the famous Fish and Chips shop was made!

• Skittles: An evening of old time, European bowling. More on this in another post!

Alex, it was so much fun having you here! We loved trekking all over Edinburgh, and beyond, with you and all the adventures we had. You are missed already, and we are looking forward to another visit.