As we trudged up and down the rolling streets of Central Edinburgh, John stopped me to point out the most photographed scene (above) in all of Scotland. Well - that is likely true, but I'm here to say there is an abundance of runners up for this particular honor. The city is filled with postcard views that are as beautiful as a 24 year old cask strength single malt scotch. More on that later 😆
As it was - John - always the perfect host, was kind enough to invite me to Scotland for the fringe festival. This plan was hatched a year or more earlier over one too many beers. Thinking it was just "pub talk" imagine my surprise when it actually came together. This is due in large measure to John's kindness and his knack for making people feel authentically welcome in his life. His partner Petrina was equally charming and hospitable - in fact the perfect host! With over 3000 live performances to view it was all about getting in as many as possible. What a Grand time we had. From "feel good" musicals to quirky "off the wall" sketch comedy - it was the epitome of fine entertainment.
My Mom says there's and expression that goes like this - "after 3 days overnight guests will start to smell a bit like fish". My hope is that my stay was not fishy in the least and I certainly wasn't made to feel that way. Many thanks to John & Petrina.
I was to be in Scotland Saturday afternoon but the good people at Qatar Airlines saw things differently. Easier, they reasoned, to put me in a hotel and make best efforts to ruin my well-earned vacation by holding my flight for 24 hours. Ha!!! - the joke is on those would-be demons as I - as an experienced traveler - was ready and in fact excited to have a full day in the good city of Doha.
No luggage? - no problemo - I'll wash my fast dry travel cloths at night.
Shitty hotel? - no problem - I've enjoyed much worse.
Lousy food? - I can survive on humus alone!
Nice try Qatar Airlines - you've met your match!!!!
Above, the Islamic Museum of Modern Art invited me into an amazing space & experience. If only a cup of coffee was not $12!!!
These 2 pictures above taken only a few days apart, do illustrate the stupidity that I inherited/ learned from my father. Why pay $5 for an Uber when you can walk the 30 minutes in 42 degree weather down to the waterfront Cornish.
On the right, cool and composed and enjoying the beautiful sun.
On the left, midway into my walk cursing both my father and the fucking sun.
THE HIGHLANDS
As John effortlessly pilots the Land Rover (what else?) through the narrow countryside I marvel at his driving skills and the narrowness of the roads. The roads are lined with rocks that look like they have been there forever and likely have. Beautiful green hillsides dotted with snowy white sheep are framed by the ubiquitous roadside Elm trees. This country is sensationally beautiful or as they say "Grand"!
I can't thank John enough for driving me around this amazing country and most importantly staying sober so that I could indulge in a dram or 9 at Dewar's/ Aberfeldy in the highlands. The kilt - when we met - -was an unexpected bonus. 😀
What a treat to visit a real distillery and sample a true nectar drawn straight from the bosom of Mother Nature herself. The 24 year old cask strength single malt was as close to magic and heaven as it gets. Drams so delicious as to draw the Monks from their robes and Pastors from their pulpits. Good gravy Miss Daisy that-there is some fine brew!!!!
GLASGOW
Next on the Agenda was catching the train to Glasgow. Legend has it that my Great Grandfather hails from here and worked in the family bakery before coming to Canada. The photo above is the closest I came to finding the Good-All bakery owned by the Orr family so long ago. Maybe that's the place and maybe not. I like to think it is.
It was a nostalgic tour that resulted in a delicious do-nut at "A bakery" and not "The bakery". Rather, a chain of bakeries called Greggs that dot this part of the word like chicken pox on a 10-year old.
Below is the train station that has been there since the streets were marked in Roman numerals. Had my Great Great Grandfather walked through here on his way to the adventures that became his life in Canada? Again - I like to think so. Paying a bit of homage to those who brung ya is the least I can do.
Cleo continues to be amazing for a dog without hips joints.There's no pain and she gets along pretty well AND has no problem getting under the couch 😁
If you would like to donate to help hungry kids - you can email me to chat about it or do so through:
MPESA -- +254745237248 (Local)
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Thanks for reading....Layno on his way to Glasgow on a train in Scotland!!!
