Scotland

Defiant. That what the Scots are. Amazing to me, someone who chuckles at regional conflicts in the United States, that there remains such animosity against the English. It’s pervasive. From the jokes by bus drivers and pub owners, to a preference for money printed in the country, despite that fact that English pounds are equal value, the Scots are still pissed off that England stole their country.

Stories

Sure it looks like I forgot to write, but cut me some slack, my passport and credit cards were stolen, all my free time was spent on the telephone. They musta thought I was English.

    Favorite Photographs

    On the Road with Haggis Backpackers

    Whenever I get tired of walking aimlessly and alone through cities on the road I’ll find the local backpackers tour company and sign on for a week or so. Haggis is one of these places located in Edinburgh, and I joined a six day bus tour around Scotland. It’s a good way to see the whole country and be assured of partners at the local pubs. You trade off individuality for companionship and cheap transportation. Here’s where we went:

    Visits

    William Wallace Memorial

    Scotland’s monument to the national hero William Wallace. For a highly fictionalized account of his life rent the movie Braveheart, but don’t underestimate the Scottish people’s pride in this man, who, after trying to maintain Scotland’s independence from English rule, was drawn and quartered in London, where they made further point by displaying the quarters in separate places around town.

    Glencoe, Glen Nevis

    Glencoe is the home of the United Kingdom’s largest peak, Ben Nevis. Perhaps better known as one of the primary filming locations for Braveheart, Glencoe worships Mel Gibson nearly as much as William Wallace. this town is also noteworthy for being the place I was first introduced to single malt whiskies. Eight or nine of them in my first evening out.

    Ullapool

    Off the bus, on the bus, off the bus. Ullapool is a gorgeous waterside town that served as our evening of traditional Haggis meal, and a wonderful sunrise departure.

    Skye

    This island in the Northwest of Scotland is beautiful and mostly empty. Rolling hills and sharp craggy mountains are covered with sheep and surrounded by lovely views.

    Duntulm Castle

    And a fine castle it is. Beautiful and posh inside, with a commanding view of the lochs coming into Skye.
    Castle – Guarding Skye from sea-bourne invasions
    Clumsy – A mannequin inside the castle with a great pose
    Cook – Portrait of mythical kitchen staff
    Maid – More dummies
    Staff – The happy mannequin staff

    Loch Ness

    Loch Ness, the famous lake, was whipped by wind and pelted by rain on our visit. Despite this myself and one other hardy soul took a naked dip. Later that night we trespassed on the site of Urquhart Castle without paying. Ah backpacking.

    Edinburgh

    I think this would be a great city to live in for a while, despite the fact that I was robbed within eight hours of arriving. I’ll always wonder what youth hostels consider “safe” in their safes. My passport, driving license, some credit cards and a handful of cash disappeared the night I arrived. When I got back I took a walk, and while visiting a museum randomly bumped into the only Scot I knew, Alero, who I had met nine months earlier in Bali.