SCOTLAND

Now for those that know me, they are aware I am generally not attracted to “mainstream countries”, so my real enjoyment of Scotland has come as somewhat as a surprise for me. I think the green ruggered scenery with the many lochs, the amassing old buildings that have not been taken over by often ugly modern buildings as has occurred in other places, the Scots love for history and oh arriving into 23 degrees with sunshine are what when putting it simply did it for me, well at least at first.

I sadly did not take as much of opportunity of the weather and the city on my arrival as I would of liked due to exhaustion from sleep deprivation I was experiencing. My second day I was up bright and early and wondering the streets of the capital. Still not got my head around the idea that I would be seeing people at a bar having a beer or two at just after 9:30am in the same way I would be seeing someone having their morning coffee back home.

My day was taken up with a free three hour walk around Edinburgh tour, a walk around Edinburgh Castle, frequenting a pub or two and a underground city tour. All in all it was a day of gaining far more information that I could possibly take in. At least most of it was presented in a way that was entertaining. The tour was very useful to get an insight into how Edinburgh works and to get my bearings. The Castle I have to say overall was overrated and over priced, but at least I can say I have done that. The evening was pleasant as the city even on a Thursday just has soo much life in it. The underground city showed me how life was in the 1600-1700’s and I have to say I’m happy that I was not around. The pub we randomly walked into had three different live bands of which we saw two. One, I have to say was really good and could of kept listening for quiet some time, the other needed to think about finding a lead singer whom could actually sing.

The next three days were on the Haggis Isle of Skye tour. I have to say I was a little unsure about the tour at first as really did not know if being on a small bus with nearly 30 others and staying in backpackers were really going to be my thing. Thankfully any fears I had were soon elevated and I had a fantastic time. I can say I have never drunk so much Whiskey in my life as I did on the two nights of the tour. Nor did I appreciate Whiskey as much as I do now.


The tour took the group to too places to mention (actually it was too many places for me to remember). We based ourselves in the Highlands near Loch Ness. The area really does have a beauty that I have not seen in a long time. I felt that I was overly captivated with it and getting frustrated that I was unable to get a picture to capture what I was witnessing. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the area as have been to Ireland and did not understand what the big deal was often about its scenery.

The first night at Maggie’s Hostel was all about the quiz night. Without going into too many details I will just say this was like no other quiz night that I have been involved with before. There were physical challenges to be completed, costumes, and dancing mixed in with your box standard quiz questions. Mixed in with this was the challenge a few of us had taken on to drink at least one shot of every whiskey in the hostel bar. By the end of the second night I can say the mission was completed. I am really surprised that apart from feeling some sleep deprivation I experienced no other negative side effects.

Our second day was all about the Isle of Skye. This is a breathtaking ruggered landscape with only 10,000 people. It is currently believed there are at times more churches in villages than there are houses. Which as an interesting side note are 95% white. The day was really about just learning and experiencing highland life and scenery. It is a must see for anyone coming to Scotland.


The night was karaoke focused. I did my obligatory one song with Team Kiwi making sure the microphone stayed as far away from me as possible. Once the night was officially over there were a few of us whom stayed up and did the bar version of campfire sing-a-longs. By the end there were only two of us left and it was 3:30am before my head hit the pillow. This only to awaken to the rude looking time of 8:18am which meant I had 12mins to get changed, packed, have something to eat and get on the bus. I think I really did set a record in managing to complete this in just under 10mins.

The last day of the tour was a lot quieter than the first two as all our energy had been zapped out of us. We saw the Loch Ness and completed a short but very scenic walk, saw a controversial battle ground (which all I could sadly appreciate was that it was a paddock with a few signs on it) and did the customary visiting of a church. Before long the day was over and we were back in Edinburgh where as quickly as we came, we all left our own ways. My evening was one of the most enjoyable in a long time where I simply went pub hopping over a 6 to 7 hour period as a caught up with a member of the group. It was strange that while I went to bed just before 2am on a Sunday night/Monday morning I was still one of the first to bed in my hostel room.

It is now time for me to depart Scotland and head to England via three different train’s. The forecast shows I will be heading to warmer temperature again which is a positive and I might be able to get myself a decent coffee as it is something that Scotland really needs some work on improving, but it is still with a touch of sadness that I am doing so.