queen sighting!

i was out and about yesterday morning, running (walking?) errands in preparation for yet another awkward move, when i stepped out of the drugstore to find hundreds of people standing around along princes street, in front of the city chambers. all of the walkways were getting blocked off and tons of policemen were out directing traffic. i asked a semi-nice-looking scottish woman what all the excitement was about and she told me that 'the queen was coming'. oh boy! everyone was standing around, cameras in hand, ready to snap up a picture of the lovely lady. or so i think she might be lovely? so naturally, as any new kid in town would do, i stood alongside the masses waiting to see the queen. i met some girls from chicago and we chatted for nearly 25 minutes while we waited for the queen's mysterious appearance. since the queen is currently residing at holyrood palace in edinburgh, she has been hosting 'garden parties' (i've seen lots of ladies headed toward her palace in enormous hats) and taking care of 'official queen business,' whatever that means. well the big moment came and her entourage of police motorcycles led her posh car into the drive beside the city chambers. all i could see was the silouette of her bluish purple get up - with large hat - in the back seat of the car. she zoomed by and that was it. i walked and chatted with the gals from chicago a bit and then headed to the house to finish packing up boxes. you just never know what you'll come across or who you'll meet in this city. it's fun to set out on the high street and just see what happens... we had dinner last night with dustin's coworker duncan and his girlfriend, tracy, at a delicious pizza restaurant in stockbridge. followed (naturally?) by beer at one of about a million underground and inconspicuous pubs in the city. it was cozy and the converstation was hilarious. after a few beers you feel like asking the (real) locals all the questions you've been saving up from the week...how do you use these damn faucets? why is the third level only called the second floor? what is the scottish equivalent of an america 'biscuit eater' (read: farm boy from oklahoma.) for those interested, the scottish equivalent is a piemuncher. told you it was a funny night. :) we are going to a bbq today...not sure what to expect? then, we head out first thing tomorrow for our trip to texas. we can't wait to see our families and squeeze the doggie! :)