Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Trip Report Scotland Trip Report-Part 1

Thanks for all the feedback! Writing the trip report has been fun. It has allowed me to relive the trip in my mind. I have been putting off the last bit-a few random thoughts- as I am not ready to come home mentally. With Capercaillie in the background, here goes....

Driving-After a few days home, I realize I was not justified in blaming Scotland for having narrow roads. We do too, I just don't notice when they are my roads and I am driving on the right.

Food-Scotland is blessed with wonderful fish, seafood, game, fresh produce, ale, and whisky. It is a fine place to eat and drink. I love that free range eggs are advertised for sale so many places in the countryside. I wish that were true here.

Scenery-It couldn't get any more beautiful. What a gorgeous country! After reading over my report, I realize I barely mentioned lochs. they are everywhere and are beautiful. In the southeastern US, we only have man-made lakes. Glaciers didn't get this far south. The real thing is better.

History-Neil Oliver's *A History of Scotland* was helpful in planning and enjoying the trip. It is an entertaining and easy read. Most of the history that is covered I learned in college, but from an English or American viewpoint. It was great to read Scottish history with Scotland as the main character. It seems incongruous that a place with such warm, friendly people would have such violent, bloody history!

What next? The kiddo has two or three more years of university. During that time, the big ticket trips are likely to be Scotland and Ireland. The forum helped plan this trip. What about the next? Borders and Islay look great, as do Orkney and Shetland Islands, NW Highlands, castles of NE, Whisky trail, fishing trail, other recommendations?