Our first stop was Glasgow, in which we arrived with blossoming head colds, and were generously looked after by John and the Coles. Having lived in a tropical country for a year, we are particularly wimpy when it comes to the Scottish 'almost summer', and so rugged up everywhere we went. John took us for some lovely walks beside the river, and also to visit the Kelvingrove museum. It was a pretty crazy and interesting museum. They have the expected things - stuffed animals and artifacts of the region - but then you look above the giraffe, and there's a Spitfire. Beside Dali's painting of Christ on the Cross there is armour from Kiribati made out of puffer fish, shark teeth and coconut fibre - very strange! Also saw our very first 'haggis' there - probably a distant relative of the Australian bunyip...
We also took the opportunity to go to the pub for a wee bit of trivia - one of the best we've seen. Very cosy and friendly, and there was even one question on Australian wines!
The next day we caught a train to Linlithgow to catch up with some family friends (Mora's sister Marcy for those in the know). We had a great time with them and were taking for a drive around a quarter of Scotland in one afternoon (a very strange concept for those of us from the land downunder). We visited the farm as well, and had a cup of tea with another family member, Sandy. The countryside was amazing - from the lochs to the hills. And also a wee bit cold when the car was making mysterious noises and we were stuck on the side of the road for an hour.
After only one night we had to move on, and we were sad to say goodbye to all - including the dalmation called Mack that Jane became immediate friends with!
Next stop was Edinburgh, and we both fell in love with the city. It's just so beautiful, and clean and lovely. Lots of nice architecture, and beautiful little pubs - we particularly liked 'The World's End' where Jane tried (and liked) her first Haggis! We looked up the tartan making places, and learnt about the Mackenzie clan, and of course Cam did a some whiskey research! We walked up Arthur's seat (which our local guide Anne made look easy), and admired the view from the top.
All too soon we had to depart, but we had a great time. Thanks to all of those who looked after us!
Sorry about the lack of photos - just trying to fit in internet time where we can!
2 comments:
All looks fantastic! Any monster sightings? (As in the Loch Ness variety...)
So Cam, how do Scottish and Irish whiskeys compare? other than in the spelling ;-)
Jane, Champers reckons the dalmatian looks pretty friendly, and she wouldn't mind a pat either.
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