Scott's Going

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Scotland

I thought I better write a quick blog about my trip to Scotland before I go on my next trip to Madrid in a couple of days so here we go:

A "Hairy Coo" (yes that's how you say it)

Two and a half weeks ago I flew up to Edinburgh and stayed a night before starting my Haggis 6-day Compass Buster tour of Scotland the next day. I was lucky enough to see Edinburgh while the Fringe Festival was on – the city was really alive. I did go to see a comedy show that evening and saw one pair trying to emulate the Flight of the Conchord’s style. They didn’t pull it off however.

Caught this snap out on Loch Ness (guess how I got it)

Here’s the blurb for the Haggis tour:

A spectacular adventure through the magnificent West Coast, Highlands and Isle of Skye. Get in amongst some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. We’ll go monster hunting by Loch Ness, taste some excellent malt whisky and stay in a haunted Highland castle! Six awesome days in the spectacular Highlands with fun loving like-minded travellers. An adventure you will never forget!

Blow your mind and & re-awaken your spirit! Our spectacular 6 day adventure through the amazing West Coast, Highlands and Isle of Skye is perfect for those who have the time to see Scotland properly and want to leave the big cities and tourist hordes behind and get out amongst some of the world's most diverse and fabulous scenery.

From the forbidding Glencoe, scene of fhe infamous massacre, to the magical Isle of Skye, and onto the dramatic landscapes of the far North West. Come Compass Busting with us as we explore Scotland's awesome mountains and Lochs, rich history, wildlife and beautiful Highland villages.

A view from the serene Isle of Skye

That’s what was advertised and what was delivered. It was a beautiful country and can be appreciated in its own right, without having to compare it to NZ landscapes. There are similarities, but I’m sure Scotland has some of the best Scotch Mist shrouded mountains. The weather was sunny for a couple of days, but there was ‘liquid sunshine’ on others, but we got used to that – at least it wasn’t cold.


We even got some beach time!

As with my tour of Ireland last year, Scotland was a great setting for the awesome social experience of spending nearly a week together, all day every day with a group of 24 others. We started out as strangers, but by the end of it have made some good friends whom I hope I can keep in touch with. There were Australians, Kiwis, Spaniards, Americans, Canadians, and Germans. A great mix. I hope to catch up a Spanish couple from Madrid when I’m there soon.


"The wheels on the bus..."

Debs was our awesome tour guide who flew us around the countryside in our bus, told us local myths, gave us history lessons, got us excited in the mornings and partied with us at night. It really makes a difference with tour guide like her.

As much as I love London, it’s nice to get out of the hectic pace of it all, and rural Scotland was the perfect place to retreat to. It was so easy to relax – especially on the Isle of Skye and forget all the pressures from back home. I came back so mentally refreshed and happy.

Here’s a link to some pics:

http://picasaweb.google.com/scott.sturm/HaggisTourOfScotland

If you haven’t been to Scotland – go. If you have, you know what I’m talking about.