16.04.2018 (Pt. #2) -
We got to Glasgow with enough time to not have to rush. We dropped our stuff off at the hotel, a very nice place, centrally located that will be great a night. I'm so glad Olivia suggested it over a hostel; we’ll definitely want to be comfy tonight to crash after out tour and the trip here.
Our guide, Frazier, was amazing. He was too funny, so entertaining, helpful, and informative. He shared local and Irish stories along the way, shared history, music, and personal accounts throughout the whole day. It was a small, fancy Mercedes van to take our small group on the twelve hour tour of the Highlands. Olivia and I switched on and off for the window seat, taking pictures of the countryside and snowy-in-early-summer mountains.
First was an hour drive to Loch Lomond, known as Scotland's prettiest loch. It really was beautiful, completely lives up to its name. We really lucked out with the weather; it was sunny and windy all day, with the only rain as we drove through the countryside on the way back to Glasgow in the late afternoon, and at night on our way back from dinner to the hotel.
After admiring and taking pictures at Loch Lomond, and coffee, we drove to a very pretty lookout point at the Bridge of Orchy, where we could see some of the lochs and glens. Our next big stop was Glencoe, with its famous Three Sisters: Charity, Faith, and Hope. We started to make friends with some people on our tour, like a young guy traveling from Austin Texas with took Olivia and I’s windswept picture.
The area was just gorgeous. I kept just staring everywhere, trying to take it all in the Glens, looking like they went on for miles and far beyond where they crested and met the sky. I can picture them extending forever around me on all sides, reaching all the way to the coast. It's no surprise it's so romantically known.
We drove by Fort William, Speech Bridge, and stopped at Fort Augustus for lunch. Olivia and I found a tavern for lunch, and we got to see the boats cross the locks in the canal. That's where I picked up my mini flag and Scotland pin. The mug Olivia got is great! (though my souvenirs will be able to get home I suppose!)
This stop was our first view of Loch Ness, and so far no sign of Nessie. Still, though, very pretty and very blue.
Next we drove to catch a ferry at Loch Ness. Olivia and I decided the castle ruins weren't really worth a whole hour’s look, especially as we were able to see them just fine from the water and this meant a longer boat ride on Loch Ness. The ferry, and the drinks on the ferry, were both great fun. Frazier said we would have a better chance of spotting Nessie with a drink or two - I took his advice, but no such luck. Oh well, I guess she was shy today. I love how my Nessie pics and video came out, definitely worth making full of myself to get them.
We drove up and around Inverness, and had a long drive backtracking towards Glasgow. We stopped at a little village on the way back and got whiskey ice cream (with real whiskey in it!) and I picked out a scarf for Mom, for Dad to give her as a present when I get back.
We continued on our way back and it started to rain in the highlands as we drove through the Glens. Through the valleys Frazier told us stories about the areas we passed and played all sorts of Scottish music: modern (like "I’m Gonna Be" and "Skyfall" by Adele), but also classics like "New Year's Eve" ("may old acquaintance be forgot"), the "Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond" ("O ye'll tak' the high road, and I'll tak' the low road" - I loved the story behind it, though its so sad), and even some unconventional bagpipe pop covers by the Red Hot Chili Pipers.
Like I mentioned, the weather was almost perfect, the highlands gorgeous, and of course Olivia and I always have a great time when we travel together - A picturesque day, something worth planning and looking forward to!
Afterwards we relaxed at the hotel for a bit (it was so nice to take a shower and nap) and caught a late dinner and drinks next door. Turns out Olivia doesn't like whiskey, as she quickly found out, but I got to try some new ones! Even though it's pretty common, I really liked the peaty and sweet combo of Bell's.
We completely crashed when we got back to the hotel, and were able to take our time this morning getting ready and heading to the airport. The hotel’s breakfast was great, and catching the bus to the airport was very easy. The differences in local culture between England, Ireland, and Scotland are very stark. For the English, to keep to yourself and not interact with strangers is polite. For people visiting this can come off cold, though it's not meant to be. The Irish and Scottish though are very different from their cousins. While waiting at the bus stop, an older gentleman struck up a conversation with Olivia and I, even helped us find the right bus to catch; trying to do that in England would have been like pulling teeth.
We had a lot of time to shop duty-free at the airport, and I was able to snag some gifts and sample a few of the whiskey flavors (Copper dog was very light!). Even pick up a small bottle of Bell's for myself.
I bought myself a pot of tea so we could sit at the cafe’s window and watch the planes on the runway. Olivia isn't overtly fond of flying, but watching planes on the runway helped us both to relax after such a busy day yesterday.
I leave for the States in almost exactly a week. It's 12:15 p.m. right now, and I’m back in my room at a flat that’s become home these past few months. It’s odd and a little scary to think that in a few days I’ll be heading back to the “Colonies.” This trip has really been a collection of so many different experiences: almost all of them good, some not so much, but I have no regrets. I'm a bit run-down, but in the way that though I'm excited to go home and rest, I wish I knew when I was coming back. I definitely have plans to see more of the UK.
Best,
-Ruth xoxo
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