shinyPlasticBag

I had an amazing time, and then I proceeded to completely pour myself back into life in California. Today’s the first time I’ve had more than an hour or so to myself, so I finally got my act together and labelled some photos.

UK 2009 photo gallery

Unfortunately, iPhoto doesn’t export videos, so I need to come up with some clever way of presenting those — especially since videos were what I made the most of.

This trip reminded me how much I love Scotland, and also how much of the world there’s left for me to see. It was great to re-connect with the Scottishes, and wonderful to get to spend time with my mom again. I can’t wait for the next adventure.

In my Internet-deprived state during the trip, I took to jotting down brief notes of what we were doing. Here’s a day-by-day traveloge. It starts at Saturday, September 5th and ends on Friday, September 18th.

Sat went to ikea, got rental car, saw Jim and Anna and John

Sun Went for a run, Went to Luss with John and Barbara, went to Bonnie Wee Well and Gleniffer Brae

Mon Falkirk Wheel, visited Alan and Isobel

Tue Burrell Collection and Pollock House, then minigolf at Xscape with Mom

Wed went to Edinburgh and the GPS got confused

Thu went to Forres via St Andrews, went to the aquarium there

Fri slept at Mayfield last night, saw the Sueno Stone in Forres. Driving to Tulloch Castle in Dingwall, then to Fort William to meet Brian, Victoria, and Sandy.

Sat got halfway up Ben Nevis, and might’ve gotten a sunburn. Who knew? Bought dinner at a bar called Cobbs. Holy fuck, I’m in Scotland. I love it.

Sun went up the cable car at Nevis Range. Distillery was closed, but we got to feed highland cows instead.

Mon driving to Mallaig to catch the ferry to Skye. Ridiculously scenic drive. Somewhat disappointed by Glendinnan alon the way. Song in my head: Goldfinger – Tell Me What Its Like To Be With You. At Talisker Distillery on Skye. Very peaty scotch. Took the bridge back and stopped at Eilean Donan, the castle from Highlander.

Tue checked out of Burntree and drove to Oban, via Glencoe. Drove 18km each way through Glen Etive. Oban was beautiful but we got stuck on a crazy small road trying to get home.

Wed recovery day. Went to Braehead with Heather and Lloyd whilst Mom slept.

Thu went to Edinburgh and hiked up to Arthur’s Seat, then walked up the Scott Monument. Bought dinner and clothes at Sainsbury.

Fri went into Glasgow. Bought Mom a quache and had tea/lunch with Maryrose & Liz. Family take-out buffet in the evening.