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Scotland 5: Day 23

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03.23.16 | Fort Augustus, Scotland | 19:08

Today was simply incredible! I left the hostel at about 09:00 and had planned on booking an hour ferry ride on Loch Ness. Years ago, I did this from the Inverness (north) side, and it was a really great experience. When I approached the ticket office, I noticed that there was one ride that offered a 90 minute trip on a speed boat that went all the way from Fort Augustus to Urquhart Castle and back. I thought this would be better.

I told the guy behind the counter that I was interested in the 10:00 90-minute ride and he said that one had to be canceled since there weren’t enough people interested. Instead, I purchased the noon ride.

I found a restaurant and went to get some breakfast. As I approached, I turned back around and saw a bunch of people getting onto the ferry for the 10:00 ferry ride, and the guy who I had just spoken with was the one letting them on. This confused me- he had just told me it was canceled. I thought that maybe this was a private group and they’d chartered the ferry for them self. Still, why would he lie to me and tell me that it was canceled for lack of interest? I was determined to find out the answer. I decided that once I was done with breakfast, I’d go back and ask that same guy what the situation was. I was going to be nice but needed an answer.

After breakfast, I crossed back over the street and approached the guy behind the counter. He informed me that that was the hour tour and that since I requested the 90-minute tour, that’s the reason. Ok, it’s all clear now. All is well!

Let me tell you- I am so glad that I waited for the noon ride! This was no leisure float on Loch Ness- this was stinking awesome! Our guide was a man named Marcus. I think he said he’d been doing this for 22 years or something like that- so he knew his stuff! He was funny and interesting and all that. He told us he was a bit rusty because their season had just started 3 days ago and we were the very first group he’d taken out on the water so far

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Not only did I get some a few pictures, but I shot some video! This afternoon I spliced them all together I have entitled this Loch Ness Tour. Make sure your volume is turned up! Enjoy!

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Scotland 5: Day 21

03.21.16 | Aberdeen Hostel | 20:24

Once again it’s laundry day. I’m next in line to use the washer and dryer, so I’ve set up my little “camp” right here in the laundry room. Two people have brought their clothes in and both of them have been turned away, as I’m clearly next. I told them I’ve been waiting and I’m leaving early tomorrow morning so I won’t be giving up my place in the queue.

Today was so much walking! When I told hostel mates that I was here on holiday, they all wondered why I chose Aberdeen. My first visit here, five years ago, was simply because I’d never been. This is also where I caught the ferry up to Shetland. And now I’m back to explore a bit more of the area.

I thought today was a good day to explore more of the city. I have no complaints, it’s like so many other cities in Scotland. I want to learn more about it. I walked up and down streets. I saw a great deal. Felt like I burned so many calories!

Back to the beginning of Scotland 5 | Forward to Scotland 5: Day 22

Scotland 5: Day 20

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03.20.16 | Aberdeen, Scotland | 20:26

On Sundays, like today, I try to do things a bit differently. I left the hostel this morning at about 09:00 and walked to church. It wasn’t too long of a walk, maybe 3 miles or so. The congregation made me feel very welcome. Everybody was too kind! I had a conversation with one of the older men, and he asked me if I know Elizabeth Smart (remember the gal who was abducted by those psychos? Search her name if you don’t). I told him not personally, but I did know who he was speaking of. He told me that she’s married to his grandson. No way! It was great to sit with him and chat!

After church ended, I quickly said goodbye and headed back to the hostel. The reason I left so fast was that I knew they were going to have a congregational potluck. I know they would have been okay with me joining them, but when I was in Oban two weeks ago, they asked me to stay for one, and I felt terrible when there wasn’t enough food to go around. It was good to go to church today, though.

Tonight, I spent some time walking around aimlessly. I found some dinner while I was out and about. When it started to get dark, I found myself in a not-very-good area of the city. Nothing happened. It just looked at the type of place where I would have been robbed and/or raped after dark. Since I wasn’t in the mood for this, I headed back to the hostel.

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Scotland 5: Day 19

03.19.16 | Aberdeen Hostel | 21:23

Sadly I don’t have any pictures to share with you on this post. This is because I haven’t taken the time to explore as of yet. I did make it on the train safely to Aberdeen, however. My hostel is located a few miles west of the city center so it was quite a walk with my huge pack on my back. I decided to just hang out here for a bit and have declared today a day of rest.

Later this evening, I trekked back into the city (without the huge backpack) and went to see the movie 10 Cloverfield Road. The plot of this movie was a million percent different than I thought it would be. For once, the previews gave away very little. I’m not complaining, though. I feel like trailers give away way too much as it is. For this one, even though the acting was spot-on, I recommend waiting for it to get to Redbox. Probably not worth the cinema price.

I walked around Aberdeen for a little while (of course I forgot my phone and camera, so you get no pictures) and ended up going to a club. I just needed to hear some loud music for some reason. It’s been too long since I have danced around with half-drunk people. No, I’m not falling to “the dark side”, well no deeper than I’ve already fallen without your knowledge, at least. Scotland is the perfect place for me to show off my dance moves- because they’re rather embarrassing and there’s not a chance I’ll ever see these people again. This will give them time to heal from the sight of my bum shaking.

Dinner last night was a healthy and delicious shake from the cinema. Oh- the shakes are not thick at all! Horrible, I tell you! I need to teach these people a thing or two. It’s like drinking flavored milk.

Back to the beginning of Scotland 5 | Forward to Scotland 5: Day 20

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Scotland 5: Day 17

03.17.16 | Pitlochry B&B | 07:31

Today I am feeling as if I’m spoiled rotten. As I explained in the last post, the hostel I stayed in last time I was here in Pitlochry didn’t allow me to book it. On further investigation, I see it may no longer exist. I’m hoping they’ll have some less expensive options here in the future. But this IS a nice bed and breakfast that I’ve settled into. It was so nice this morning when I was woken up by chirping birds and not snoring roommates!

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21:19

When I was in town earlier, I did manage to find the hidden hostel. I was looking in the wrong place. Still, I don’t think they were available for me to stay there. So many hostels like to rent out their rooms more long-term during the off-season. In Scotland, I’m learning that this time ends at about Easter.

After breakfast, I went for a long and awesome walk! Pitlochry is located very close to Loch Faskally, a beautiful loch that has a hydro-electric dam and fish ladder. It was such a breath of fresh air (literally) to be out there! I took my time and spent what felt like about 3 hours walking through the dam and around the loch.

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Scotland 5: Day 16

03.16.16 | Stirling > Pitlochry Train | 10:43

I really enjoyed two out of three of my hostel mates last night. One was the guy I already talked about, the Ukrainian who lives in Greece, the second one is a guy who joined us just yesterday. He’s from Germany but is staying and working in York at the moment. Both of these guys are in great shape. I’m almost inspired… almost. I’m in better shape than I used to be, but I still have a lot of work to do.

The third hostel mate was a girl from Taiwan. She more or less kept to herself. I tried to strike up a conversation, and even though I could tell she spoke good English, she just wasn’t having it for some reason. I would blame America but she wouldn’t really talk to the Ukrainian or the German either. I love it when it’s not personal.

I’m now on my way to my next stop, which is Pitlochry. I love this little town! This will be my second visit here. The first time I visited was simply because I’d remember seeing it from the train, heading north to Inverness. I wondered what it was all about… when I did finally stay in Pitlochry, I discovered that like most places in Scotland, it was great!

The hostel I stayed in last time I was in Pitlochry is either full or not open for the tourist season just yet. Since I couldn’t find any accommodation when I was booking, I had to use AirBnB and had to fork out some extra money. The good news is that it’s already paid for- so they aren’t going to charge my card. So many of the places I stay only take 5% down and the rest when you arrive. I don’t appreciate this because it’s so much nicer to pay for everything in advance.

03.17.16 | Pitlochry B&B | 07:18

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Pitlochry is as lovely as I remember. It is a dinky little village but so much beauty all around! I look forward to the next two days! For dinner, I walked around town, looking for something promising. Since it was just before 17:00, so many restaurants weren’t open yet. I hadn’t had anything for lunch, so by this point, I was searching hard. I finally found a pub/restaurant that seemed to have great food, even if the service was horrible.

I ordered a steak pie. I’m looking forward to having a REAL steak pie, that is baked in a crust. So far, however, it’s only been steak pies that are in the pot, and they lay some puff pastry over top. That’s cheating. The last real steak pie I had was in 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. Still, this one was a tasty fake- steak pie!

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Back to the beginning of Scotland 5 | Forward to Scotland 5: Day 17

Scotland 5: Day 15

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03.15.16 | Stirling, Scotland | 07:51

Just before I went to bed last night, the receptionist announced that there had been an infestation of bedbugs, so my room had recently been “de-bugged”. Luckily, It appears that I was not bitten in the night! Also, a sleep report: I did sleep incredibly well, even though I ended up with three roommates. Now I’m sitting in bed, getting ready to have a shower. I hope this place still has hot water left!

Earlier, I was looking at pictures on Instagram, and I spaced the fact that yesterday was National Pie Day! I guess it’s ok since I don’t know where I can buy a pie in Stirling yet. I have seen meat pies here but don’t know this area. If I see one when I’m out and about, I probably need to buy it.

08:56

Breakfast was right around the corner. I forget the name of the pub, but I ordered eggs with smoked salmon. It was so delicious! I’m not sure what they seasoned the eggs with, but there was some creme in them.

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I just tried to get into the Old Town Jail, but there was a sign on the front to let me know that it wouldn’t be open again until June. This is a classic example of “off-season traveler prejudice.” Yes- that’s a real thing, and it’s way too familiar! It’s my entire platform when I run for POTUS against Kanye. I’ve chosen the slogan, “Make America Sexy Again!”

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21:08

I continued up the street, looking for Stirling Castle, and I came across an ancient and very medieval-looking church. I wished it was open to going see inside, but nobody was there on a Tuesday morning. Next to the church was, of course, a cemetery. This piqued my interest as they tend to do. I spend the next 30 minutes or so walking around reading the names.

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Next, I climbed the hill to visit Stirling Castle. I lucked out by getting there just as a free tour was starting. The tour lasted just under an hour, and it was so cool to hear all the stories that the tour guide shared. I wish I could go back in time, as a shadow, unseen, to witness these people and events first-hand! I don’t want to be visible, though- I’m sure I’d get myself killed.

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After walking for quite a while, I made my way back to the hostel and tried to take a nap. If I did fall asleep, I don’t remember, and it wasn’t very long. I think I had too much on my mind to relax. For dinner, I found an Italian restaurant called Mama Mia. It was excellent food! I got there just after 17:00 when they first opened the doors, so I was the first one there. The gentleman showed me up a flight of stairs to the dining room, and I had the entire place to myself. It was kind of nice.

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As you can see, today was a great day- I probably put in a few miles of walking. I look forward to getting a great night’s rest tonight, and even though I have to leave Stirling tomorrow, at least I’m off to my next stop tomorrow.

Scotland 5: Day 14

/ Dav / 1 Comment

03.14.16 | Stirling, Scotland | 20:21

As I was leaving the Glasgow hostel this morning, I noticed it was remarkably sunny outside. I cold tell that it was going to be a perfect day. When my train arrived in Stirling, it was still just as sunny. Not a cloud in the sky. Today was indeed perfect!

The hostel is only about a five-minute walk from the train station and seems to be smack in the middle of this small city. My room is pretty small but they somehow managed to fit three bunk beds in it. So far I’ve met two roommates, one is an older gentleman who is from Dumfries in the south of Scotland. He is here to attend a lecture at Stirling University tomorrow morning. The other one is a man who is originally from Ukraine but has since moved to Greece. I don’t know what industry he works in, but that is how he has ended up in Stirling for the time. Both roommates seem to be really nice.

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After getting settled in, I needed to walk and see The National Wallace Monument. This is something I’ve wanted to see for so many years! By the time I got there, I was regretting wearing a coat and scarf. Scotland is funny, especially this time of year. Always be prepared for at least three different seasons.

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A very old bridge. This isn’t the original bridge in Stirling (where a famous battle involving William Wallace was fought). That bridge was wooden, and located about 25 meters upstream.

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The National Wallace Monument

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Looking Up From The Base

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The stairway leading up to the top is very narrow!

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This is the actual sword of William Wallace!

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I have always loved stained-glass windows!

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The beautiful view from the top of the tower. The dark spot you can see is Stirling Castle.

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After walking back to the hostel, I needed to rest for a few minutes. That hike was a hefty one, thanks to all the steps in the monument. I think there are just under 300 steps!

I have the surname ‘Wallace’ in my ancestry. They came from Scotland. Though there’s no record of William Wallace ever having children, I like to think that there’s a connection. What with my valiant and brave spirit and all.

Scotland 5: Day 13

/ Dav / 2 Comments

03.12.16 | Glasgow, Scotland | 09:14

I just did laundry. I kept putting it off, and since I only brought seven days worth of clothes, it was time. The washers here are a bit funky. I went downstairs to ask if they had laundry soap available, and they said that the machine would automatically dispense the detergent when I started the load. Is this even possible? Are we living in the time of The Jetsons?

I did check on my load a few times while it was going, and I never did see any soap bubbles. Maybe it’s some futuristic kind of detergent as well- like that Wen shampoo (according to the late-night infomercials, Wen doesn’t get all bubbly because that robs your hair of much needed- blah blah blah). I’m surprised that you didn’t know that.

09:41

I have to be checked out by 10:30. I’m staying here tonight but have upgraded my last night to a private room. Just a bit too much snoring in the room last night and the night before. I got fairly decent sleep, but I think getting a full night’s worth is in order. The problem is that they aren’t going to let me check back in until after 15:00.

03.13.16 | 08:20

Later in the afternoon, I made my way back to the restaurant again, and when I walked in the front doors, one of the servers recognized me right away and told me she’s glad that I came back. I just smiled and said to her that the fact that I forget everything is quite normal. She ran into a back room and grabbed my CD.

img_5595Last night was an incredibly awesome concert at the SECC Clyde Auditorium (at least I think that’s what the building is called). This was an incredibly life-changing experience. When I first booked the tickets months ago, I saw that the headliner was Eric Church- since I had already added “Attend An Eric Church Concert” to my bucket list, this was a no-brainer. Here’s what’s cool- I didn’t even know that Chris Stapleton was one of the openers for him, who is also on the list! How cool is that?

The concert was fantastic! The first one up was a guy named Andrew [something-er-rather]. He was good, but two things bugged me:

  1. His bass was way too loud and overpowering. I couldn’t even hear his lyrics, and I’m all about the lyrics.
  2. He would never smile. He looked as if he didn’t want to be there. He also kept looking down at his feet. The poor boy suffers from a low self-image or something. He sounded good, though. Still, I don’t think I’ll be buying his album anytime soon.

Next up was Chris Stapleton- imagine me screaming like a wee school girl. It was a bit like that- only it was me, not the tiny school girl. The next one to take the stage was Kasey Musgraves. I’ve never paid too much attention to her songs, only the big one that everyone knows- Follow Your Arrow. I found out that I do like her songwriting style. She is very gifted, and her delivery was spot-on. As a result, I had to buy one of her CDs afterward.

FINALLY, Eric Church comes out! Do you know how people typically stand up at concerts for the excellent and energetic songs and sit down for the slower ones? Well, NOBODY sat for his entire set! It was stinkin’ awesome! He is one of those artists who sounds every bit as good live as he does on a studio album.

/ Dav / 1 Comment

Scotland 5: Day 12

03.12.16 | 06:54 | Glasgow Hostel

It’s good to be back in the city! Not that the smaller cities and villages have been bad, but I do enjoy the change of pace. It’s like when I’m at home, it’s nice, quiet and country but often times for my work I end up in the bigger cities. It’s all good, as long as I never have to live in a big city again.

When I arrived in Glasgow yesterday afternoon, it was raining hard, just like Oban had been. I made my way from the Queen Street Station to the hostel, only getting lost twice. The good news is that I didn’t have to ask for directions, OR turn on my phone- I’m stubborn AND I saved money! 😀

After check-in, I was on a mission to find Will Young’s CD that came out last year. Sadly it’s not available in the U.S. iTunes store and I need a U.K. address in order to have access to that store. I went out to HMV and found it- yay!

I went to find an early dinner. All I know is that I needed something remotely healthy. All these chippies and IRN BRUs aren’t very good for my body. I found a lovely steak salad and had a good sit.

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Last night I went back to the cinema and watched the new Allegiant film. I was hoping this, the third of the Divergent series would offer some closure. Nope. It was a fun film, but no closure, really. It’s horrible!

07:24

When I woke this morning, I realized that I had left my Will Young CD (that I had just purchased yesterday) at the restaurant where I had my steak salad last night. I know I would forget my head if it wasn’t securely attached… but I sometimes wonder if it is attached at all.  My first task will be to go try to find the restaurant and see if they have my CD. I remember the inside of the dining room, but don’t recall the name. It was good… and it was some kind of Italian fusion food. Wish me luck!

11:41

img_5583I was able to locate the restaurant where I think I left my CD. They aren’t open for breakfast, however. Unfortunately, I was unable to see if it was there. I’ll head back after getting some things done at the hostel. I found breakfast at a little cafe. I ordered the “breakfast haddie”, which is just an excuse to serve a smoked haddock fish with poached eggs. The fish was good- a bit odd for breakfast, but good still. It needs to be said that I have mixed feelings about poached eggs. Sometimes they’re really good and other times, not-so-much. This was one of the not-so-much times.

Back to the beginning of Scotland 5 | Forward to Scotland 5: Day 13