Today was a full day! We got on the bus at 8 AM and were greeted by our cheery Scottish tour guide. We were informed that our bus tour would last over 12 hours. We were in for the long haul.
We took the most picturesque routes to the highlands, and our guide told us stories along the way. We even got to see one of the castles that was used in filming Monty Python! Overall, a lovely scenic route. I was fighting off sleepiness and not in a window seat, so pictures were far and few between.
Our first stop was at a little rest stop just off the main road. Here we saw one of Scotland's most iconic animals: the Highland cow! We got to see three coos up close today, including a wee baby black one.
"The Hairy Coo"
After our brief stop with our hairy friends, we set off again. This time, we were headed to a site of historical significance, and made our way to Glencoe.
The Three Sisters (and a piper)
Glencoe is a more somber location due to the Campbell massacre of the MacDonalds, which we learned about in class. Back on the bus, our driver decided to play us the ballad of Glencoe. Unfortunately, I think he had been tipped off that we would be singing along to the ballad, and cut us off mid-chorus! Some humming was still allowed, though.
Oh, cruel was the snow that sweeps Glen Coe
And covers the grave o' Donald
Oh, cruel was the foe that raped Glen Coe
And murdered the house of MacDonald
And then it was stuck in our heads forever. Look it up.
We got to pass through the actual town of Glencoe after that (where some restaurants still refuse service to you if you have the name of Campbell) and Fort William. Our guide took care to point out all of the whiskey distilleries on the way, much to Dr. Facinelli's chagrin.
We stopped at a small town a little ways off from Fort William for lunch, and we all got ourselves prepared for the main event.
Before we left, though, we were able to take a picture of the UK's highest point, Ben Nevis, and I bought myself a ticket for a cruise on Loch Ness!
Lovely day, I'll say it again.
Our next stop was the big one! Loch Ness. Years of tradition and history.
Loch Ness!
And by tradition and history, I am talking in terms of the tradition and history of this trip, meaning...
And Dr. Foy kindly agreed to take pictures!
Yes, indeed we took a wee dip into the depths of old Ness! It was freezing cold and great fun. We dunked and splashed and the Loch security ran over in alarm trying to figure out why 50 American students were ripping off clothes and racing into the water! We had a great time. Tourists came to watch and take pictures. Luckily, a nearby boat was passing right by the shore, so it looked like we were running towards it in attack, so I'm sure they got a kick out of it. I was, indeed, baptized in ye Scottish waters today! Highland victory!
The aftermath!
There wasn't much time to look around afterwards because we had to make it onto the Jacobite Warrior for our boat tour of the Loch! Only a few of us chose this option. The rest of the group went back on the bus to meet us at the dock. Scotland took its turn after kindly deciding to wait for us to jump in the Loch, however, and it started pouring when we left the dock! I strayed outside for a bit until I slipped and fell down the entire flight of stairs from the upper deck to the lower. Then I nursed my wounds with Rowntree Pastilles and a hot chocolate. It was still a nice cruise, though! Learned a little more Loch history!
It's not Scotland without a wee bit of Scottish rain!
We all survived the boat ride and got the chance for a couple more pictures of the tourist-y kind at the docks. And then off we set again!
Nessie!
The bulk of our tour done, we got to relax on our return trip through the highlands. We had the opportunity to eat at Pitlochry! Unfortunately, we had to dine and dash, so we couldn't really see the town. I recognized our little street from last time, though!
The highlands were absolutely breathtaking. I loved every minute of it. It's green, but a different green than Ireland. Almost more majestic, in a way. And you can't go more than a mile without seeing a loch and a castle. It was stunning. And I loved hearing all about the history behind each place we went. Our driver even told us what clan lands we were passing through, which I thought was fascinating. Overall, it was wonderful. I picked up quite a bit of information!
Our driver told us about the only lake in Scotland, the true facts about William Wallace, the "lady whom they never speak of" (Margaret Thatcher), the bridges that we drove over that are falling apart, the tragic queen, and, most importantly, the four most important things to do in Scotland:
- Drink as much whiskey as you can
- The best whiskey to drink is whiskey that someone bought for you
- When you don't want whiskey, drink Irn Bru
- Eat haggis
- Eat a fried Mars Bar
I have proudly done all the things on the list (I have sampled Scotch, so let's not freak out about me drinking like a fish over here), so I think I'm set! We all had a great time. He played us off to some Scotland the Brave and dropped us off at our halls. A long day, but truly an experience I will never forget! Scottish and Proud.
Wonderful day, thank you!
One day more in Scotland! I hope that the weather holds out for just a bit longer! I can't stand to leave just yet. The reality is setting in and I really don't want to leave the UK! I'll make the most of tomorrow!
