Scottish Adventurrres 3 - Disappointment Narrowly Averted

zapgun4hire and I spent the afternoon in Dundee. First thing I've discovered is that Scottish buildings are deceptively scummy looking. When I finally found the street that he lived on, I thought "what a shithole". Then I walked into the building and thought "what a shithole". Then I walked into his actual apartment and thought "Hey, this is actually a really really nice place".

He gave me a whirlwind tour of his stomping grounds on the University of Dundee. He works with lots and lots of hot, smart, chicks. Lucky SOB.

Afterward I took the train down to Edinburgh and found my hotel (across the street from the train station) with minimal effort. Got up on Saturday with plenty of time to get on my tour too, which was only a few blocks away.

Of course, I wrote the address down wrong (I went to "66" instead of "166") and damn near missed the tour. What complicated things was that there was a place that did backpacking tours very close to my incorrect address, so when I got nearby and saw a huge crowd of people in backpacks, I thought "this must be the place". Looking closer (after spending time in line to check in) I found the actual (incorrect) address, which was boarded up. For a time I thought they might have gone out of business without informing clients. Eventually I asked around and someone told me they thought it was up a block or two. I decided to have a look.

A block up there was another tour company - Wild in Scotland, which was the one I wanted. The bus was waiting for me and was literally starting up to leave without me when I showed up. I threw my bag into the back and climbed in.

I don't know what I'd have done if I'd have actually missed it. Had a tantrum probably. Let it spoil the rest of my vacation? Give up and go home? Both were likely. I was stressed from sore muscles, sleep deprivation and jet lag. My ability to handle stress was at a low point. Thankfully none of that was necessary. Instead of mounting depression over missing the tour I had a sense of great relief over catching it in the nick of time.

My adventure is finally gaining momentum.

Scottish Adventurrres 4 - Edinburgh, Inveraray, Fort Dunadd, Oban

Edinburgh had the distinction of being the stinkiest city in the UK. Thankfully that's changed with modern times.

Saw the castle where Mary Queen of Scots was born.

Went to Loch Lomond (site of the song The Bonnie Banks O' Loch Lomond - "you take the high road and I'll take the low road").

Wandered around Inveraray for a bit soaking up the scenery, as well as the sunshine. At this point I really should have put on sun screen or my hat, but I was in Scotland - people don't get sunburned here - it's never sunny. Except for today, where it was bright and 30 degrees. Mistake. I'm all lobster-like now.

Next was Fort Dunadd, where the first Scottish kings were crowned. There was no interpretive center, no tourist shop selling knick-knacks. Just a plaque and directions to the top of a steep hill. We climbed the hill, which gave a decent view of the surrounding area. Then we went to the stone where the coronation took place. It had divits for the foot of the king and also for where his head was annointed. There was also a pictograph of a boar and some ancient writing. We all shared a bottle of scotch as a way of celebrating the king who united Scotland. It has the distinction of being the first drink of scotch I've had that wasn't completely revolting. I may have to buy a bottle to bring back.

Next was Oban, which is on the west coast and a nice little resort town. We stopped at the local supermarket to get ingredients and everyone chipped in to make stir fry wraps. Tasty. Afterwards there was some pool, conversation and a trip to the pub. I crawled into bed around midnight. It was a full day and also an enjoyable one.

From the depths of dispair well into pleasantness. Today will be better, I can feel it.