Bought a bus day pass for us each on line this morning. Caught a bus to town shortly after 9am. Not sure where we were going, and we ended up at the Hospital! There is no on/off bus in Aberdeen.

Unfortunately you can waste a lot of time waiting for buses, and it’s frustrating when they do not even turn up. 2 hospital staff who had finished their shifts were very annoyed, happens all the time apparently, and then, they said, 3 will arrive at once.

Eventually bused back to the city centre had some brunch (real cheap hotel this, no frills), caught another bus to Old Aberdeen and walked the cobbled street, this is where the University is located. A very kind man thought we were lost (probably right too), he walked us back away and directed us to the Cathedral & Church of St Marchar. On the way a lady who was gardening called out to us, she was from Australia and her husband was associated with the University, they’d lived in Aberdeen for 20yrs+, she asked us in for a tea/coffe, they lived in the oldest house in Aberdeen 1517. We’d have loved to, but we could see we’d never have got away again for another couple of hours! Tho later we stopped in a pub for a drink, mainly for me to sit and suss on the phone our next plan.

Bus back to city centre again, as Kevin wanted to see the array of massive working ships at the Port, which is like Auckland, right in the city centre. We then had a daily walk, 2miles to the fishermen’s cottages.

One of those moments when you wander around a corner and say “oh wow”. Look at the pics of these divine wee houses. Passed down from generations, a few are being sold on now as it is becoming a very sought after area of town and the rates & maintenance are very high. We spoke with a lady (owner) for some time about all sorts, but we never thought to  asked her how she “inherited” hers! £240,00 for a one bedroom and it would need another £50,000 to gut, replumb & rewire & rebuild. Highlight of the day - but not the evening!

4.30pm Another bus back to The city centre, patting ourselves on the back, thinking we're coping and reading the bus schedules very well. We then waited 1 hr for a no 18 bus to take us to our Hotel. A lady asked a bus driver where our bus was “they’re at the station, we're short of drivers”!!! By now it was nearing 6pm and we had a evening engagement at 7. 15pm  We flagged a cab and asked an elderly lady who was worried about her husband missing her, if she wanted to come with us. 

We dropped her off outside the Catholic Church in Altens, she wanted to know how much - Kevin told her “ you just say a prayer for us two Kiwis to get home safe”.

We enjoyed a 1hr break before Andrew & Gavin Matheson picked up @ 7.15.

We have their approval for the pics and story to go viral!

Connie, (and Anne, sister), you have a beautiful family here in Aberdeen. It was like sitting around our table at home with family. Sons’ John & Andrew, of Gary & Connie Matheson. Theirs wives, Heather & Leslie, and 3 (Gavin, Sarah & Kate) of Andrew & Leslie’s 4 children hosted and entertained us at Andrew & Leslie’s home. We had a fabulous evening. Grandchildren and great grands of Alex and Pearl Matheson. We talked, we laughed, we drank and we ate, thank you so much for a wonderful, memorable evening in Aberdeen.

Gavin drove us back,with Andrew, to the hotel 12midnight. Thanks again.