A Thousand Shades of Green
A pleasant companion reduces the length of the journey. -Publilius Syrus I found my pleasant companion at the Glasgow Airport one early July morning, just a couple of days after the attempted bombing. I was never so happy to see my sister. I had been feeling a wee bit homesick up to then; but, she quickly caught me up to date on all the happenings of back home while we ate a delicious and enormous breakfast.... so great to eat well again. 
Friends of friends, who have since become our Scottish parents, hosted us and catered to our every whim in Port Glasgow, showing us the sights and amazing scenery, including Loch Lomond in the western lowlands of central Scotland. I still can't get that song out of my head... you take the high road and I'll take the low road and I'll be in Scotland before ye.... Chandra was a wee bit annoyed with my constant humming.
This was taken outside Inverary Castle. Chandra pointed out our Campbell tartan. She's done loads of genealogical research and has gone the furthest back in Scotland. Yep, we're Campbells... 10 generations or so ago??. For actual facts of any of the Scotland info I've given or about to give, check out my sister's blog - http://schraefel.blogspot.com/2007/07/scotland-part-ii.html
'I'm cold. Hug me.'The weather was dreich (that's Scottish for sucky weather). However, all that moisture is certain to be good for the skin.
An exciting car ride took us from Glasgow to Edinburgh in just twice the amount of time it should have taken. I'm sure it had nothing to do with my driving, her navigating, or the roundabouts (traffic circles), but we made it safely... eventually. My pleasant companion was very brave to be the passenger (a few days later I had my turn - much scarier than driving on the left).
Edinburgh is very much worth the trip, though. It's beautiful and quaint with a grand old town... a place I'd love to revisit.
Andrew, a 5th? cousin and fellow family-tree researcher, took us on a customized tour of Edinburgh and a drink at the Last Drop... which name actually refers to 'last drop of life' since that's where they used to view hangings.
We took a highland tour one day... one very long day. The guide was scunnering, but the scenery fabulous. This is the castle outside of Loch Ness. No monster sightings, unless you count that guy taking a whiz into the lake. Is it just me or does everyone see guys whizzing all over Europe?
Rosslyn's chapel, made famous in the Da Vinci Code movie is absolutely stunning. The visitors were entering non-stop and the guide told us that they were going to have to limit it after this season due to challenges with restoration challenges. Even with all the other people there, it was extremely peaceful and serene. My photos certainly don't do it justice. It's a must see! 
We spent a lot of time wondering through cemetaries, castles, abbeys, churches, cemetaries, monasteries... did I mention cemetaries?
Love that Scottish thistle.
We found family! Nice to see some live ones for a change.
We popped by a 'Fisher' place just in time for dessert and felt immediately at home. They live near where we were staying in Newton Stewart, Southern Scotland.
Rosslyn's chapel, made famous in the Da Vinci Code movie is absolutely stunning. The visitors were entering non-stop and the guide told us that they were going to have to limit it after this season due to challenges with restoration challenges. Even with all the other people there, it was extremely peaceful and serene. My photos certainly don't do it justice. It's a must see! 
We spent a lot of time wondering through cemetaries, castles, abbeys, churches, cemetaries, monasteries... did I mention cemetaries? Love that Scottish thistle.
We found family! Nice to see some live ones for a change. We popped by a 'Fisher' place just in time for dessert and felt immediately at home. They live near where we were staying in Newton Stewart, Southern Scotland.
The next day my new favorite person, cousin Ivie, took us around to meet more family. They're all farmers... like us! I felt really sad saying good-bye to Ivie. He really did make us feel like we were home.
This abbey is located about a mile from my great-grandmother's home. It was really special to be there and easy to imagine what it was like for her as a young girl.Chandra and I left the next day for England but we were both sad to be leaving and wished we had planned more time there. Aye! It's a bonny, bonny place.
posted by Ilsa @ Saturday, August 25, 2007
5 Comments:
Aye indeed.
Miss ya, sis.
Aw, shucks, sis. You're too kind.
I miss Ivie, too. When do you want to go back?
Hi Lisa! As usual, great photos and comentary! You do have great adventures!
I managed to get in a wee visit at the Schraefel farm this summer and saw some of Chandra's 800 photos of her travels to Scotland as well!
Back in Riyadh and gearing up for another 'fun' filled year of teaching ESL in the Magical Kingdom!
take care, carl
Hey Lisa,
Just keepig an eye on your posts as Cory got me hooked on your blog over a yeaqr ago. I dont meant to scare you but I'm a Campbell too! Seeing your pictures make me want to go back! it's been 16 years now and i really miss Scotland.
Andrew Burns
andrew.burns@telus.com
Hey Andrew... we're all related back far enough. I have a feeling it doesn't change too quickly in Scotland. They seem to appreciate the beauty of their country. You must go back!
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