Scotland
Edinburgh and Bus Tour
My first bus tour! I was nervous about this but it really was the only way to see the country without driving a car, which, since they drive on the wrong side of the car and the wrong side of the road, is in everyone's best interest that I do not do!
I must say it was a bit like the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent of the tour was amazing and amusing...twenty was a bit of dull just driving. Eighty percent of the people on the tour were friendly and easy to be with....twenty were not and unfortunately, that percentage was loud.
I met some lovely folks from Australia, who greeted everyone with cheerful 'how ya goin' and 'mate'. It is so interesting how the English language has adapted in countries. I did find the stereotypical American tourist on this tour and you may have guessed we did not end up friends. Let's call her XXXX (I'm always a bit sensitive about naming someone since I am saddled with the Karen moniker). Our first introduction, XXXX shows up with 1 giant suitcase, 1 carry-on suitcase and one big satchel bag when it was clearly stated that it was a 10kg suitcase and one small extra bag. Now you know I don't love it when people don't follow reasonable rules but that wasn't even the worst part. She had to have the tour guide carry it up 3 flights of stairs every night we moved (3 nights). Entitled, loud, spouting nonsense about vaccines and telling my new friends she spoke American...it was all too much. Just sit down, watch the scenery and shut it, XXXX.
The Sights
Our tour guide said there are more sheep than people. I believe it (especially if you don't count the tourists). They were everywhere...wandering sheep in the fields, on the road, in the towns. But my favorite were the hairy coos. They weren't as common but I loved there grumpy faces and crazy hair.
Scotland is green! Everywhere! If it isn't meant to be green, it is covered with green moss.
I wasn't prepared for how exhausting a tour would be but between the long sits and the prescribed schedule of early mornings and late evenings, I was a happy worn out. I am glad that I made Edinburgh my spot before the tour!
