Amber’s Trip Across the Pond and Beyond

BY KATIE ERLICH

Blimey!

From hard kennel floors to castle doors, ten-and-a-halfyear-old Amber has made her mark across the pond and dabbled in all things royal and historic. On a recent trip aboard the Queen Mary 2, Amber and her parents traveled to the United Kingdom and explored parts of London, as well as the pastoral countryside in both Scotland and England.

Once aboard the ship, Amber was assigned to the kennel deck, where all dogs (and one cat) were kept for the entirety of the voyage. There is one room with the kennels, and two others with comfortable seating and a play area so that guardians can stop in during regular visiting hours and spend time with their dog. While it may appear lonesome for pets to be on a separate deck from their guardians, Amber and the other dogs were well cared for. The ship’s kennel master and his assistant make sure the dogs are pampered, fed, and exercised.

Amber didn’t love being kenneled, but frequent visits and time walking around on the deck made up for it. At the end of the crossing, Amber was given a certificate from the ship staff, as well as an official Queen Mary 2 dog jacket.

The rest of her journey awaits!

Amber and her family first touched down in London, where they rented a flat in historic Chelsea. Their flat had a private patio and backyard with ample space where Amber could run freely. London did present some challenges, with its narrow streets and large crowds. But these difficulties were easily outweighed by other attractions. These included a variety of parks and greenery, where Amber had some muchanticipated fun.

One of the highlights in London was the Maggie Jones Restaurant, a hidden gem with rustic charm. At one time, it was frequented by the Queen's sister, Princess Margaret, and her husband. Amber’s presence was easily accommodated and warmly welcomed in London, with its many dog-friendly restaurants and pubs.

Edinburgh was their next stop. The four-and-a-half-hour train ride (with first-class tickets) suited Amber rather comfortably. The family rented a cottage there atop Lucklaw

Hill, overlooking rapeseed fields filled with cattle and sheep. Here and in the region of St Andrews, Amber enjoyed sitting and watching the animals in the fields.

Many castles caught the eyes of Amber and her family as they explored Scotland, and history made itself present. First, they visited Glamis Castle and its underground bunkers. Next was Falkland Palace, home to Scottish kings and a favorite of Mary, Queen of Scots. From there, they visited Culzean Castle & Country Park, along Scotland's west coast. Perched on a cliff high above the River Clyde, the park has a large pond, extensive grounds, and miles of woodland trails. The castle was also home to General Dwight Eisenhower.

The next leg of Amber’s trip was a five-night stay at the 16th-century Craigcaffie Castle, where she and her parents had the space all to themselves! Made of stone and Scottish history, the rooms are all warmed by fireplaces in the kitchen and living quarters. Amber was not wildly keen on the winding staircase; the stone was rough and off-balance, but it did not stop her from going up and down to continue exploring. She enjoyed the local beach towns and eateries, as well as the nearby Glenapp Castle and Castle Kennedy

Amber and her parents were next off to Sudeley Castle near the town of Winchcombe in England. The castle itself was not available to rent, so they stayed in the Castle Gatehouse while there. It was a welcome sight to Amber. She got to explore the fenced-in backyard, making the gatehouse one of her favorite places. And there were tons of good eateries nearby, so Amber took a liking to this area and everything in it.

She then enjoyed sitting on her mom’s lap while riding on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway to the small village of Broadway. Along the way, she got to take in a view of the spectacular Cotswolds region. The train ride was a success, and Amber’s mom can attest that “the old train was a fun excursion and the small, old train stations on the way were quaint.”

Amber enjoyed her time in England and Scotland, and her family found traveling with her to be easier than anticipated. She made the perfect travel companion and adjusted well to the unfamiliarity of being in a new country. Though some places did not allow Amber, what matters most are the ones that did and the memories that were made there. Her time exploring came with a lot of new sniffs, good food, and seeing new places with the people she loves most. From kennel floors to castle doors, Amber’s paws have left a mark on that part of the world. We can only wonder what more is in store for her—and where she is headed next!

Cheers, Amber!