Travel With Jo-Anne

05/06/2025

31/05/2025

HOMETOWN TOUR - Kingston Pen Tours
Today I took the Kingston Penitentiary Tour where we stepped inside the walls of Canada’s oldest penitentiary and explored the living and working areas, some dating back to the 1830s. It was closed in September 2013 by the federal government shut down due to its aging infrastructure and high costs. I highly recommend this great tour as your guides are former staff and correctional officers, many of them with 30+ years of working at KP and other area prisons. You hear personalized accounts and learn about the history and the daily routines, including stories of escapes, riots and everything in between.
https://www.kingstonpentour.com/

23/05/2025

This is just one of my favourite street murals in Glasgow. I am always mesmerized by the lighting and the details of the mural. This is St Mungo street, created in 2016 by artist Smug. The mural depicts a modern-day St Mungo bringing a wild robin back to life. The mural's central theme is the story of a wild robin that St. Serf, St. Mungo's master, had tamed. Some of St. Mungo's classmates accidentally killed the bird, blaming St. Mungo for their actions.
But instead of being upset, St. Mungo took the dead bird in his hands and prayed over it. The bird was miraculously restored to life, flew chirping to its master, St. Serf, and the situation was resolved.

22/05/2025

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE
Highlights of Scotland
So on this rainy day in Kingston, I'll finish off my highlights of Scotland by letting you enjoy the beauty of how much further along in the season Scotland was. If you have any questions about Scotland, feel free to reach out!

21/05/2025

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE
Highlights of Scotland
We were fortunate to catch a heartwarming time of year in Scotland....lambing season. During lambing season, tens of thousands of lambs are born across Scotland’s farms and hills. Some ewes (female sheep) even have twins or triplets! Farmers often work around the clock, even sleeping in barns or sheds to monitor ewes. It’s a physically demanding but rewarding time. The lambs were adorable to watch nursing or trying to frolic in the fields.

19/05/2025

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE
Highlights of Scotland
One of the things I, and many others, love about Scotland are the castles which rank amongst the most iconic in the world. There were once up to 3,000 castles in Scotland, so it's tough for me to narrow down my favourite but here is the one I will highlight today.

Blair Castle, nestled in the scenic landscape of Perthshire, is a historic landmark spanning over 750 years. Situated near the village of Blair Atholl, the castle has been the ancestral home of the Atholl family for generations and remains so today.

Construction of Blair Castle began in 1269, initiated by John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch. Upon returning from a crusade, the Earl of Atholl reclaimed the land and incorporated Comyn's tower into his own castle. Throughout its history, the castle has witnessed significant events, including occupations during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and the Jacobite uprisings. Notably, in 1746, it endured a siege by Jacobite forces shortly before the Battle of Culloden.

In 1844, Queen Victoria visited Blair Castle and subsequently granted the Duke of Atholl the unique privilege of maintaining a private army—the Atholl Highlanders—a ceremonial unit that still exists today.

It is a lovely castle to wander through. If you get a chance, do check out Diana’s Grove on the ground of Blair Castle. It was established in 1737 by the 2nd Duke of Atholl and named after the Roman goddess of the hunt. It reflects the legacy of the "Planting Dukes," who introduced exotic trees like Douglas fir and Japanese larch to Scotland. Over the centuries, it became home to some of the tallest trees in the UK, laid out with paths radiating from a central statue.

Also cross the stone bridge and follow the path to St Bride’s Kirk, a historic ruin on the grounds of Blair Castle. Its origins trace back to at least the 12th century, with the earliest written record from 1275 noting its contribution to crusade taxes. The church stands on a mound typical of early Christian sites, suggesting it may have been a place of worship even before this date.

St Bride’s Kirk served the village of Old Blair until 1823, when the construction of a new road and bridge led to the relocation of the village and its church. Subsequently, the kirk fell into disuse and became the mausoleum for the Dukes of Atholl. The family burial ground, established nearby, includes monuments such as the memorial for George Augustus Frederick John Murray, 6th Duke of Atholl, who died in 1864.

So much to see and explore at Blair Castle.....and that's just one castle!

18/05/2025

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE
Highlights of Scotland
One of the things I like to do on my visits to Edinburgh, is visit some of the city's famous dogs, the most famous being Greyfriars Bobby, a small Skye Terrier who became famous in 19th-century for his remarkable loyalty to his owner.

After John Gray’s death in 1858, Greyfriars Bobby began his daily vigil for tge next 14 years at his master's grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Despite numerous efforts to remove him, Bobby always returned to the same spot. The groundskeeper and townspeople eventually accepted his presence, and he became a fixture of the cemetery. In 1867, when a new law required all dogs in Edinburgh to be licensed, Sir William Chambers, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, paid for Bobby’s license and gave him a collar, which you can see on display in the Museum of Edinburgh.

When Bobby died in 1872, he was buried just inside the cemetery gate, not far from where John Gray rested. In 1873, a year after his death, philanthropist Lady Burdett-Coutts commissioned a bronze statue and drinking fountain in his honour, sculpted by William Brodie. The statue and fountain can still be found outside the kirkyard gates.

Another dog I like to visit is Maida who lies at the feet of Sir Walter Scott at the Scott Monument on Princes Street. Maida was the beloved deerhound of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most famous authors. Unlike Greyfriars Bobby, Maida was not known for a singular act of loyalty, but for being a constant and dignified companion to Scott during his later years. Sir Walter Scott admired dogs deeply and frequently included them in his writing.

Though not as widely recognized in popular lore as Greyfriars Bobby, Maida holds a respected place in Scottish cultural history as a symbol of loyalty and the deep bond between writer and dog.

And my next stop is to see Bum the Dog found outside the walls of St. Culberts Cathedral to leave him a stick. Bum was no ordinary stray. Originally from San Diego, he was a true celebrity in the 1880s and 1890s. One of his most amusing habits was riding streetcars all over town. He’d hop on like a passenger, sit politely, and get off wherever he pleased.

Bum lived a life full of freedom, adventure, and affection. He wasn’t owned by anyone, yet was cared for by everyone. When he was injured by a train and lost part of a leg, the whole city chipped in to get him treated and back on his paws.

San Diego gifted the statue of Bum the Dog to Edinburgh in 2008 as a symbol of friendship and shared values between the two cities. The idea was sparked by the touching similarities between Bum, San Diego’s beloved stray dog, and Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh’s famous loyal Skye Terrier.

I will maybe visit the remaining two dog statues on my next visit.

17/05/2025

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE
Highlights of Scotland
Continuing looking back on some of the highlights from the recent tour in Scotland I hosted for Journeys by Maple Leaf Tours, I come to St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.

St Giles' Cathedral is also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh. It has been at the heart of the Scottish capital since the 12th century. It was founded around 1124, during the reign of King David I, and named after Saint Giles, the patron saint of lepers and cripples. Over the centuries, it has undergone a number of architectural changes, particularly after a fire in 1385.
The fire of 1385 was a significant event that led to major rebuilding efforts. The original 12th-century Romanesque church suffered extensive damage during this fire, which likely destroyed much of the earlier structure. Historical records of the fire are limited. Following the fire, the church was rebuilt in the Gothic style. The reconstruction included the expansion of the nave and choir, as well as the addition of pointed arches and ribbed vaulting typical of Gothic architecture.

St. Giles became an important religious centre during the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century. The cathedral played a central role in the Protestant Reformation, particularly under the leadership of John Knox, who preached there in the 1550s. St Giles’ iconic crown steeple, added in the late 15th century, has become a distinctive feature of Edinburgh’s skyline. Although technically not a cathedral in the modern sense (as it is not the seat of a bishop), St Giles’ remains a symbol of Scotland’s turbulent religious history and a centerpiece of national heritage.

St Giles’ Cathedral is renowned for its impressive collection of stained glass windows, which span several centuries and artistic styles. It is these features that I always enjoy seeing. Although most of the medieval stained glass was destroyed during the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century, the cathedral saw a revival of stained glass installation in the 19th and 20th centuries. They reflect both religious themes and national history and really add rich colour and symbolic meaning to the cathedral’s solemn interior.

15/05/2025

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE -
Highlights from Scotland
After an unforgettable experience hosting the recent Treasures of Scotland tour for Journeys by Maple Tours, I’ve been revisiting my photographs and diving deeper into the stories behind the places that left the biggest impression on me.

One of the moments came on our arrival day, when I returned to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. This historic residence has been a cornerstone of Scottish royal life for centuries—and remains one today, serving as the official residence of the British Royals in Scotland during the summer. Originally founded as an Augustinian monastery by King David I in 1128, legend has it that the king was inspired to build it after a dramatic encounter with a stag while hunting. The name “Holyrood” translates to “Holy Cross,” referring to a sacred relic that once made the abbey a major site of pilgrimage.

Over time, the site evolved from abbey to palace, taking on much of its present-day grandeur during the reign of Charles II in the 17th century. But what truly brought the palace to life for me was its connection to Mary, Queen of Scots. She lived here during the 1560s, and her time at Holyrood was marked by political intrigue and personal tragedy—most famously, the brutal murder of her secretary, David Rizzio, in her private chambers. It's no wonder the palace is said to be haunted, with visitors often reporting an eerie energy, especially in Mary’s rooms.

I can’t say I felt spooked during my visit but the Palace of Holyroodhouse did strike me as a place with so much fasinating history. Despite its dramatic past, it remains a living royal residence and a powerful symbol of Scotland’s rich heritage, with its stately architecture, royal traditions, and stories that span nearly nine centuries.

Photographs were not allowed within the Palace but, through my exterior photographs, you can well imagine what the interior would be like.

12/05/2025

Did a fly over Windsor Castle on my way to Heathrow for a layover.

11/05/2025

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - Scotland
Day 11 - Final Day in Scotland
This amazing tour of Scotland is coming to an end but the ladies are making the best of it. This morning we were driven to Melrose Abbey. Melrose Abbey is a stunning ruin of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery located in the Scottish Borders, renowned for its intricate Gothic architecture and rich historical significance. Founded in 1136 by King David I of Scotland, the abbey became one of the most important religious centers in medieval Scotland. Its beautifully carved stonework, including the famous bagpipe-playing pig gargoyle, reflects the craftsmanship of the time. The abbey is also believed to be the burial site of the heart of Robert the Bruce, a legendary Scottish king. Today, it stands as a hauntingly beautiful reminder of Scotland’s medieval past. It is also in need of Conservation which is hoped to start soon. Scaffolding was put up last year but to date, no conversation efforts have begun. They are still waiting for permits and funding as it is not the only historical sight in need of restoration and conservation. Still a very beautiful site to see.

Next we went to Rosslyn Chapel, located in the village of Roslin near Edinburgh. Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness, as a Catholic collegiate church dedicated to St. Matthew, intended to house a chapter of priests who would pray for the souls of the Sinclair family. Construction began on a much grander scale, but only the choir and part of the transepts were completed before William’s death in 1484. The chapel remained in the Sinclair family's hands through the Scottish Reformation, during which it survived looting and periods of neglect. It was even used a horse stable by the army. Over the centuries, it fell into disrepair but was later restored in the 19th century.

The chapel gained international fame through its mention in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code, which helped revive interest in its enigmatic past. Among its most intriguing features are the Apprentice Pillar, said to have been carved by a young mason in a tale of jealousy and murder, and the so-called "musical cubes," which some believe encode a musical composition. NO photos or videos are allowed to be taken inside the chapel so you will just have to enjoy photos of photos.

Then back we went to Edinburgh where the ladies grabbed a bite to eat and went to finish their shopping.
I took the opportunity to grab a sausage roll from Greggs. Yum. Tonight, I invited the ladies in the group to join me on a tour of Real Mary King's Close, a historic underground street and warren of hidden passageways beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, preserved from the 17th century. Once a bustling hub of merchants and residents, the close was gradually sealed off and built over, becoming shrouded in myth and mystery.

Tomorrow morning is a very early departure to the airport. Thank you all for following my adventure and to the ladies who accompanied me in Scotland. If anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out to me.

Until my next adventure......

10/05/2025

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE
Day 10 - Goodbye Inverness, Hello Edinburgh
This morning we said goodbye to Inverness and made our way back to Edinburgh. Our first stop was the Glasgow Cathedral, also known as St. Mungo's Cathedral. It is a magnificent example of medieval Gothic architecture located in the heart of Glasgow. Dedicated to the city's patron saint, St. Mungo, the cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is the only mainland Scottish cathedral to have survived the Reformation intact. Its impressive vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows, and the crypt housing the tomb of St. Mungo make it a significant historical and religious site.

We walked over the Bridge of Sighs, a historic stone bridge that connects Glasgow Cathedral to the nearby Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery situated on a hill overlooking the city. Built in the 1830s, the bridge earned its evocative name because it was traditionally the route taken during funeral processions from the cathedral to the burial grounds. We looked up at the Glasgow Necropolis before some of the ladies headed for Merchant Street to do some shopping. My interests lied in seeing some of my favorite street murals, beginning with St. Mungo which depicts a modern-day St Mungo, Glasgow's Patron Saint, holding a robin, a reference to the legend of the Bird That Never Flew. I did a bit more wondering in the area including visiting the Provands Lordship. Built in 1471, it is Glasgow’s oldest house and a rare surviving example of medieval architecture in the city. Originally part of St Nicholas’s Hospital founded by Bishop Andrew Muirhead, it served clergy connected to nearby Glasgow Cathedral. Over the centuries, it has had various uses, including a sweet shop, and was later restored with support from philanthropist Sir William Burrell. Following a major £1.6 million restoration completed in 2024, the house now offers visitors a glimpse into 15th-century Glasgow, featuring period furnishings and the tranquil St Nicholas Garden at the rear. It was very well done.

After meeting back up with the shoppers, we headed out toward Edinburgh again. When close, we pulled in for a quick stop at The Kelpies. The Kelpies are two towering horse-head sculptures located in The Helix park near Falkirk, standing 30 metres tall and weighing over 300 tons each. Designed by artist Andy Scott and completed in 2013, they pay tribute to the heavy horses that once powered Scotland’s industry and agriculture. Named after mythical water spirits from Scottish folklore, the Kelpies symbolize strength, endurance, and the country’s deep connection to its natural and industrial heritage.

Next stop was Hopetoun House, often hailed as Scotland's finest stately home. It is a perfect example of 18th-century architecture. Originally commissioned in 1699 by Lady Margaret Hope for her son Charles Hope, the 1st Earl of Hopetoun, the house was designed by Sir William Bruce and completed in 1707. In 1721, renowned architect William Adam was engaged to expand the estate, adding imposing colonnades, pavilions, and grand State Apartments, with interior work later completed by his sons, including Robert Adam. The house is a harmonious blend of classical and baroque styles, featuring opulent interiors adorned with gilded plasterwork, intricate carvings, and period furnishings. The house has remained largely unchanged for over three centuries, preserving its historical grandeur. It is still the home of the Hope family so is set up as a home rather than a museum. Its historical significance and well-preserved architecture have also made it a sought-after filming location, notably appearing in the television series Outlander.

Then off to settle into our hotel on the Royal Mile. I introduced a few of the ladies to Makars Mash, a great restaurant only minutes from our hotel.

Tomorrow is our last day of touring. Stay tuned to our final adventure....