#vikingsun

voringfossen waterfall Eidfjord norway by jdlasica https://flic.kr/p/28ZFzk7

On our @vikingcruises Into the Midnight Sun Ocean cruise last summer we finished in London and were able to see several historical icons. Of the most recognizable probably is the London Tower Bridge. While touring the Tower of London, where the Crown Jewels are kept, we had a magnificent view of the Bridge. Thankfully I have a zoom lens that allows the Bridge to be brought in closer. There is a magnificent feeling you experience as you gaze upon this structure built between 1886 and 1894 roughly. Definitely recognizable around the world! #vikingcruises #vikingoceancruises #myvikingstory #vikingsun (at Tower of London) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEw874AjdLv/?igshid=15abvy0hncerb

One of our favorite tours with @vikingcruises on the Into the Midnight Sun Ocean cruise was of the Shetland Islands. It was one of the first choices we made. Shetland ponies are adorable and we both wanted to see them in their original home. History reflects that these magnificent ponies have been in the Islands since the Bronze age at least. Shetland pony's height ranges from approximately 28 inches to 42 inches and have been used for a myriad of purposes over the centuries. They have done everything from pulling carts, to heavy loads of peat and coal from mines. In addition, they performed plowing and other farm chores. Most recently the Shetland ponies have become pets. Thankfully we were allowed almost thirty minutes to photograph, pet and generally become mesmerized by these gorgeous creatures. #vikingcruises #vikingoceancruises #myvikingstory #vikingsun (at Shetland Islands, Scotland) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAtDSJOD3Rd/?igshid=1xaghpawpez09

Our last stop with @vikingcruises on our Into the Midnight Sun cruise was London. We visited the Tower of London and had time leftover to see the Royal Armories Armories museum on the sames plot of land as the Crown Jewels, etc. It was fascinating walking through the facility and visualizing the various armor, weapons including rifles, handguns, swords and knives. There were too many different items to list, but my attention was captured by this creative grouping of weapons. Look closely and you will see the Dragon is made up completely from weapons of war. I wonder how many total pieces were assembled and how many man hours were used? #vikingcruises #vikingoceancruises #myvikingstory #vikingsun (at Tower of London) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAnjoIUj2n-/?igshid=c2zwcqm052af

When traveling with @vikingcruises I always love looking at grocery stores both small and large. One of the shops we walked into in Stromness had an interesting array of fudge. It's not every day you are offered fudge with an alcoholic flavor! Had to share this. #vikingcruises #vikingoceancruises #myvikingstory #vikingsun (at Stromness) https://www.instagram.com/p/B66gjQAjcJr/?igshid=qnjtancftuqx

Regardless of where our @vikingcruises took us in Scotland we were always enthralled with the castles, stone houses and green land of this gorgeous country. I really hadn't expected to fall so head over hills for this country of my family's partial ancestry. I have desired a visit despite the huge amount of distance between our native country and this bonny handsome group of islands and mainland. I know one thing. This will not be my only visit in my lifetime. I will return and explore on my own sometime in the near future! Aye I will! #vikingcruises #vikingoceancruises #myvikingstory #vikingsun (at Orkney) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6BqvMejab9/?igshid=1lthliu6vdrun

#vikingcruises #vikingoceancruises #myvikingstory #vikingsun (at Orkney Islands) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5nnyCMj4pZ/?igshid=15hwfjie4rjhy

After walking through Stromness with @vikingcruises we drove to Kirkwall and passed several stone fences, homes and walls. I love the creative resourcefulness of the Scottish people. There aren't really a plethora of trees so they had to use what was available. I thought this fence with its rock spikes on top of the wall was ingenious and really took a great effort to construct. Again we drove by vivid green pastures that I couldn't help but marvel at. My family comes from England, Ireland and Scotland, according to my ancestry. Maybe this is a reason I fell so head over hills for the area. If you ever have the opportunity, please visit the Orkney Islands! #vikingcruises #vikingoceancruises #myvikingstory #vikingsun (at Orkney) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5k_RtoD_Av/?igshid=y2w6k72gs2gr