Scotland

We spent the afternoon in Elgin, a once elegant resort, where we visited the ruins of Elgin Cathedral. Even as a ruin it is still impressive. Most beautiful is the octogonal Chapter House, which is almost complete.

This day's destination was Aviemore, a popular skiing resort.

Aviemore is a good starting point to explore the Highlands. So we started early in the morning and headed for the west coast via Inverness and Strathpeffer. The Highlands offer a unique scenery with Lochs and Firths on sea level and green and rugged mountains rising from there. Finally we arrived at Inverewe Gardens near Gairloch. Due to the Gulf Stream the climate there is quite mild. Therefore, all kinds of plants from all over the world flourish there.

Friday brought some change as we spent part of our journey on a boat. It took us from Inverness down Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness to Urquart Castle. If Nessie was there, she didn't bother to show up. After a short look into the castle we went on by coach. We drove further along Loch Ness and Loch Lochy, via Fort William, through picturesque Glencoe and along Loch Lommond to Glasgow.

Glasgow actually is a beautiful city. There are lots of interesting buildings. Some of them even remind you of American cities. Many of the streets are as steep as the ones in San Francisco. Alas, we just drove through the town, no time for a walk, as our hotel lay in a remote part of Glasgow, East Kilbride.

Our last stop in Scotland was Gretna Green, where once loads of young people married secretly. Then we left Scotland and headed for York.

York is dominated by gorgeous York Minster. Though, it has more to offer: narrow lanes with beautiful old houses and a city wall that is among the best-preserved in England. So we spent about two and a half hours there.

Then it was time to drive on to Hull where the ferry was waiting for us. The crossing - 378 km from Hull to Rotterdam - was again quiet and comfortable.