Scotland: the Place that Stole my Heart, Part 1

Our 2010 adventure to Europe started in Scotland. Scotland can be very secluded in parts, but life is always blossoming. The small towns have very friendly people and some of the best food I’ve had (the fish and chips are never a disappointment anywhere you go). The stone cottages and cobblestone roads drew me in and made me feel comfortable and at home. Anywhere you drive in Scotland (once you get used to driving on the left side of the road...Thank you dad for doing so) you can catch yourself looking on either side of the road in awe. For me; however, I only saw one side of Europe in the car with all of our luggage packed to the top. If you are looking for hiking or neat locations to camp, Scotland is the place. The Highlands is the most spectacular place I have been to and experienced thus far. The misty mornings and green hills give off a picturesque view that will burn into your mind. I don’t know about my parents, but just thinking about it today has me in tears and a constant feeling of homesickness. I cannot explain to everyone the scenery of Scotland or the friendliness of the people until you go there yourself, but you can trust me that you will also have a feeling of comfort. Now, if I don’t have to do anymore convincing from what I said already, sit back and read about our first excursion!

August: my parents and I left our humble home in Iowa to do a once in a lifetime trip. My Grandma drove us and dropped us off at the airport in Minneapolis. Excitement was in the air and the unknown for the next four months. I had a constant feeling of butterflies in my stomach! We flew IcelandAir and one thing about IcelandAir you should know (whether or not if they still do this) they don't serve food to anyone except if you're a child. So being nine, I got a delicious meal that kept getting fingers in it from my parent's starvation. Once we landed in Iceland, I remember walking through the jet bridge and a rush of freezing air hitting me. I thought to myself who would live in this cold! From Iceland our plane headed to Glasgow and there we rented our car. Our car was so small for all of our luggage, but somehow we made it work. As I said in my first post, I don't remember everything about this trip as far as days of arrivals and departures from place to place. I am going off of the memories I have so please bare with me!

We finally made it to Scotland! My parents and I got settled into our car and off we went! Now, this was my Dad's first time driving on the left side of the road so let's just say we were praying for our lives to make it out of the terminal! After lots of panicking and wondering how the hell to do roundabouts in the opposite direction, my Dad got more comfortable with driving. Praise our lord and savior Garmin (our GPS) for getting us through everything. Finally, off we go to the Great Glen Water Park. For our first night in Scotland, we found a campground to stay at and set up camp. We were all over the place trying to organize everything and get settled in. It was an adjustment for all of us! Meanwhile my Mom was organizing our tent, she lost her shoe! Here we go again! We were obviously off to a wonderful start.

My Mom organizing our things in the tent with one foot without a shoe

After our first to many nights of shivering in the tent, fighting for the middle, we packed up our things and went for breakfast. If you know nothing about English breakfasts, then you are missing out! The tea was piping hot with smooth cream and delicious sugar. Very hungry and ready to venture to the Great Glen Water Park, we ate our food and hit the road. It was here that I had my face pressed against the window in awe at the green, hilly scenery with trickling waterfalls.

After much anticipation and a stop at the grocery store in Fort William, we made it to the Great Glen Water Park. I highly recommend to anyone who wants to venture to Scotland to stay here. The cabins give a homey feeling and the main lodge holds many activities such as karaoke, water-walking, and a game room (please note these activities may be different today).

Our cabin for the next week

Our favorite game we played almost every night

Singing Karaoke

Water-Walking!

During this week, my parents and I had tons of fun. Every morning we would have breakfast and every night we would go to the lodge. While we were at the lodge, my Dad and I would play games, our favorite being a star-wars one, and my mom would enjoy a pint of beer. If I was on my best behavior, I was allowed to have an Irn-Bru. This drink is a delicious, orange soda that keeps you wanting more! Water-walking was my favorite thing that I have done while staying here. It is a crazy activity that consists of you being put in a clear, plastic ball (as shown above) and trying to walk on water! Ladies and gents, this is HARD! I would try this if you ever have the chance, but it is not made for anyone who is claustrophobic. However, the more you try it, the easier it gets.

Next activity to try while in Scotland, hiking. Behind our cabin was a trail that my dad and I ventured onto. We walked just a little ways before we looked to our right and straight above you is a tall hill covered with rocks in the center. I don't know what my dad was thinking, but sure enough he headed up the hill. Me, being afraid of heights, was shaking and crying behind him. Sure enough I got the stern voice of my Dad calling me to hurry up and to stop crying. I slowly made my way to him and there we got off the rocks and found a spot to sit and look at the view in front of us. The view was worth it, but the climb was awful. As everyone always says, coming down is the easiest part and thank goodness this descent fits the saying.

My Mom sending my dad and I off on our terrifying hike

Our view from the top

The next memory I have is Fred. Fred is one of the many ducks that would make themselves at home here. Every day my Dad and I would give bread to the ducks, going through almost two whole loaves! When it comes to my Dad, he is the biggest softy I have met. So, my Dad being the softy he is and me taking interest in the large amount of ducks on our lawn, they got fed very well. I don't remember if I knew what Fred looked like or just presumed a duck that was similar to Fred was Fred, but this didn't stop me from thinking Fred would stay at the same place for the following two years when we came back.

Feeding the ducks...one of them is Fred

My last memory of us staying at the Great Glen Water Park is kayaking across Loch Oich to cook lunch. This was another terrifying adventure for me as I am also scared of boats tipping. It's only been the first week and we are already exposing me to things I'm scared of! I will say, the ride wasn't terrible and I didn't have to do any of the rowing. So I should be thankful I got to sit and enjoy the ride (thank you Mom and Dad for doing all of the work). We made it to the other side and set up our mini propane can to cook our food. My dad packed a lot of dehydrated food which is really nice if you are camping for many days. They aren't terrible either. Towards the end of our meal of blueberry cobbler, I sat there thinking life is good. This is only the first week of four months.

There is so much to cover about this trip in Scotland, but it was my favorite place we visited. I have only covered one week, but stay tuned for a second post this week for a part two of Scotland stealing my heart!