We left early from Edinburgh to go to the Orkney Islands (Northeast Scotland). We had a tiny little airplane that probably fit all of 25 passengers and we flew into the most beautiful area in the world (note: this is opinion... but seriously, it's beautiful). You can see for miles everywhere around you and there is so much green and blue!
We started at Missy's host family since ours was on holiday farther south. There was their annual Folk Fair that weekend so we drove across the mainland to Stromness. Unfortunately, there weren't any musicians playing since it was a bit breezy and chilly. Instead, we walked along there very narrow streets and got a feel for the environment. Orkney is very rural and even it's city areas are small cobblestone pathways and some paved roads. Getting used to sitting on the other side of the car and driving on the other side of the road was an adjustment. Then Steve and Jenny (our host parents) came back and we formally met them and drove the 15 minutes out to their house.
Steve and Jenny live in an adorable little home 15 minutes outside of the main city of Kirkwall. They have a bit of backyard space and three little lambs. They live right next door to a farm with a lot of cows and as you are driving anywhere you will see horses, cows, and sheep for miles.
We (Jenny, Kim, and I) have been having a wonderful time with them. We have been having great food and great company. They have been so nice to us and want to make sure that we are getting the most out of our experience. We were able to feed the lambs the first official night we were here, then got up early before school and played Squash and Racquetball, we went to a local orchestra/band concert for a visiting group of Norwegians, we went to some Charity Stores, and did a 10 mile time trial cycling ride yesterday--50.25 minutes. We will be doing that again next week and I am hoping to improve my time.
Wednesday I went to the beach on a field trip with the P4 (3rd grade) class.
This weekend we plan on going to see a bagpipe parade, take a ferry and go to another island and see puffins, possible go sailing, and then visit a neighbor's farm who just got collies and we are going to help train them to round up sheep!
I'll keep you posted!
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