// Scotland, Take Two//
Well, I’m back in Scotland. This time, with the lovely faculty and students of the Earth & Planetary department— so I’m guaranteed to finally see some sweet outcrops (and have my share of cider as well, to be sure). As I said last night at dinner to one of my professors, I am already having a better Scotland experience in ten hours of being here than I think I had in my whole semester abroad. But as is true with most situations in life, it’s really all about expectations and attitude.
It took us 26 hours of flights/layovers and a 6 hour drive to get from St. Louis to our first destination, the Ichnadamph Lodge. It was worth it within 30 minutes of being in the van, though. The vistas in the highlands are incredible. Our trip consisted of a flight from St. Louis to Charlotte to Newark to Frankfurt to Edinburgh, a quick stop at Tesco to pick up our week’s groceries, and our lengthy (and ferociously speedy and confident) drive throughout the bends and dips of the gorgeous landscape (thank you, glaciers). There really are not many things in life more beautiful than watching the sun set over the rolling hilly countryside of Scotland. Our journey ended at the quintessential Scottish pub, where we filled our tummies with fish and chips and cider, while resting in front of a roaring fire and toasting to our long-awaited arrival and completed journey.
Today (Tuesday) will be our first full day in Scotland. I hope it is slightly less sleepy and sweaty than our journey. Regardless, it should be an exciting day. Oh, you know, and freezing. :)
