Scottish Retrospective, one of ????

Prelude…

You may have noticed a paucity of posts since we returned from Scotland last Friday (is it Wednesday already?).  There are reasons, like unsuspected jet lag (why am I so tired all the time?); the lingering effects of the “bus crud” which was the cold we all shared on the tour bus; the letdown of being “home” after a time away (both physically and mentally); and the general depression of picking up daily life once again.  Anything to go in the wash? What time was that meeting?  We have to be where, when? 

Even now, many days later, the body is still (reluctantly?) recovering from the rigors of travel (baggage, security, Cattle Car Airlines). When you’re “doing” the trip, you’re just sort of in a data taking mode: look at that castle, who lived there?  When?  Be back on the bus at what time?  Where’s that ATM? Did we get a souvenir for ……?  But that wonderful commodity, “time”, begins to dull those things and other memories start to creep in, sometimes unexpectedly.   Poof!   Flash to the Island of Iona, where St. Columba walked in the late 6^th Century!  While nothing survived from that time, there are a few more modern buildings still standing.

And, oh yeah, remember that lovely BLT we had for lunch there?

(Scottish bacon is to die for)

Not to go into travelogue mode, but just an illustration of how things start coming back to you and you begin to realize what a wonderful place you were in.  Or, you remember standing in the actual room where Mary Queen of Scots witnessed the stabbing of her close companion (most likely at the hands of a jealous husband).  You can read about those things, but to actually BE there brings a new perspective.

Scotland is a fascinating place.  It’s really almost two different countries, split diagonally by the series of Loch’s from Inverness down to Oban, north of which is referred to as the “highlands” with the “lowlands” to the south.  We did both, but it is hard not to love the mountains of the highlands.

Culturally they are also two different places.  I won’t even attempt to go into the history; it is as confusing and convoluted as Ireland.  People were continually hacking up other people for reasons of land, religion, clan affiliation, loyalties to kings or parliaments, with England of course a major player in the situation.  One can see why they built those massive castles..  life was tough, short, and often violent.  It was so helpful that our tour included a historian (or two) who helped us sort this stuff out..

so enough generalities... we'll go into more specifics on places and foods, where you could consider

DFD