Then we stopped at the capital of Skype, Portree. After that, we headed over to the Faire Glenn. This is a special ground that is protected by the fairies in Scotland. You cannot put your hands in your pockets or take anything from the grounds while you are there. It causes the fairies to get very mad at you. The land however is beautiful and very picturesque. We had a great time just walking around.
The glen was a filming area for the movie Stardust!
Then we went over to the MacDonald castle ruins by the sea
After that, we went to the Kilt cliffs--literally named because they look like the pleats in a kilt.
There they are!
After that, we took a "small" hike up to the Old Man of Storr--my last mountain of five climbed on the whole Scotland trip. This was a bit of a hard hike since I hadn't done anything in almost two weeks. But I made it to the top! Still just as beautiful as every other hike.
These are also the mountains where they filmed the dragon scene in Harry Potter!
Me and Dr. B at the top of the rock.
Day four started with a trip to Loch Garry. This loch is one connected in a long chain, but is especially known because it is in the shape of Scotland.
Then, the best thing happened: We went to the film sight of the Harry Potter train scene!!!!! Duncan planned it perfectly so we got their just in time to see the train pass on it's daily schedule.
The train passing through
So happy!!!
Then to the Caledonian Canal. Caledonia is the old name of Scotland and they have a beautiful song about it--Caledonia. Look it up!
Then we went to the Ben Nevis brewing company for a whiskey tour. And while we were there, a film crew was there filming a Bollywood movie! We have great luck! The whiskey was definitely strong and not really my thing, but cool to go through and see how they make the whiskey.
On our way to our next stop we passed the hills where they filmed Hagrid's hut! Super awesome!
Next was Glen Coe--or known to Duncan as the glen that is shaped like breasts.
Our last stop of the day was to the castle where they filmed Monty Pathon!!! The movie geek in me is absolutely dying inside by now!
Our last stop of the day was to the castle where they filmed Monty Pathon!!! The movie geek in me is absolutely dying inside by now!
Group picture!
Castle Aaaaaaaaarrrrrggghhhh
That night we went to an amazing Scottish Ceilidh. It was so much fun to learn a bunch of new dances and we all had a great time dancing, laughing, and watching/listening to traditional Scottish music and dance.
That night we went to an amazing Scottish Ceilidh. It was so much fun to learn a bunch of new dances and we all had a great time dancing, laughing, and watching/listening to traditional Scottish music and dance.
I was used to demonstrate one of the dance moves. Duncan even said that I was one of the best dancers of the group. Thanks to my two years of Irish Dance instruction! :)
Our last day on the trip was filled with going to more special landmarks around the Highlands. The first stop of the day was to St. Conan's Church of the Knights Templar.
The inside was beautiful!
Super impressive organs
We thought this placed looked like the scene in Great Gatsby with the dock light.
Next was stopping my favorite castle location, Kilchurn Castle.
Group picture representing our school!
Then we stopped at Dovers Inn (est 1705) for a delicious lunch!
Another group picture!
You can't go to the Highlands of Scotland without seeing the most famous "Hairy Coo" Highland cow: Hamish!
You can't go to the Highlands of Scotland without seeing the most famous "Hairy Coo" Highland cow: Hamish!
He was so big!!
They even got Hamish some friends. Here I am feeding Honey some carrots.
Our final stop of the day and the tour was to the Wallace Monument.
The Sterling Castle in the distance!
After getting back to Edinburgh, we went out to dinner at Frankenstein's Pub. An amazing pub that showcases everything to do with Frankenstein. They show the movies on the TV screens, have lots of decorations to create the spooky atmosphere, and even has a daily "creation" of Frankenstein where they lower a dummy on a lab-table and reenact the "It's alive!!!"
Last group picture!
What an amazing experience! It was definitely different exploring the world with other people. Group dynamics change, but it is nice to have people who relate to the experiences that I have had.
