Scotland
First of all, let me assure you that Scottish weather isn't as bad as most people think. It changes frequently. During my stay (14. - 22. July 2001) it was quite cool, partly cooler than usual at this time of year. But we just had a few short showers, lots of clouds and lots of sunshine, too.
Something very British I enjoyed were the tea and coffee making facilities you find in each hotel room.
Also worth mentioning are the many sheep we saw during these 7 days in Britain. I hadn't seen as many during the seven years since my last holiday there.
We were a conveniently small travel group, just 14 people plus driver and guide. As we went by coach and ferry, our first destination was Rotterdam where we would board a ferry and stay there overnight while it would take us to Kingston-upon-Hull.
Having arrived at Rotterdam Europoort we left the coach and boarded the ferry via a gangway. We left our suitcases in the coach and took only with us what we really needed. There is not much space in the cabins. The ferries as a whole are quite large. They have about 6 decks including car decks. There are two lounges, a big restaurant, shops, a cafe, a cinema and of course lots of cabins. Dinner and breakfast leave nothing to wish for.
We had a quiet crossing so nobody got sick. I also slept well at night despite the soft swaying of the ship and the humming of its engines.
The next morning, after breakfast, we embarked and met again at our coach, which was already waiting. This day's route took us from Hull via York and Newcastle-upon-Tyne through Northumberland National Park and via Jedburgh to Edinburgh.
Northumberland National Park was the highlight of this drive. Green hills, lots of sheep, stone fences and roads that totally disregard topography. These roads have originally been designed by the Romans who were apparently very fond of straight lines.
In Jedburgh we had the opportunity to visit one of those many ruined Abbeys you find everywhere in Scotland.
Finally we arrived in Edinburgh. Our hotel was right in the middle of the city, on Princes Street. So all places of interest were within walking distance. Unfortunately, they didn't manage to remove that dead fly from my window. After a short break in our rooms our guide took us for a walk through the New Town with its unique classicistic architecture.
Monday started with a guided walk through the Old Town. Our local guide actually wore a kilt. He had a lot of interesting stories to tell about the town's history and people. The tour took about two and a half hours. Afterwards we had lots of time on our own. I decided to walk down the Royal Mile and visit the Writers Museum and the Museum of Edinburgh. The former tells the stories of the life and work of three famous Scottish Writers: Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott. The latter tells the history of Edinburgh. Admission to both museums is free.
The most striking sight of the Scottish capital is the Castle. It is situated in the middle of the town and seems to grow out of a gigantic rock. From there you have a wonderful view over the city and to Calton Hill. If you need a break, the best choice is Princes Street Gardens from where you have a magnificent view up to the Castle.
Tuesday it was time to leave the capital. After a short stop at the Firth of Forth railway bridge, a daring construction finished in 1890, we went on to Stirling. There we visited Stirling Castle, once residence of the Stuarts. No visitor to the castle should miss a look into the Great Kitchens with replicas that almost seem to be fresh and alive.
Then we went on to Aberdeen, the so called Granite Town. Most of Aberdeen's buildings are made of grey granite stone that shimmers in the sun.
Scotland wouldn't be Scotland without its `water of life´: Whisky. So on this day we drove straight to Dufftown. There you'll find Glenfiddich Distillery, still owned by the Grant family who founded it. On a guided tour that starts with a film (you can choose between different languages) you are explained the making of whisky. Afterwards you can, of course, try some.
