The Smell of Scotland

I've decided to collect smells here on my little journey, as smell is the most direct route to one’s emotions and important way of assessing the environment (so says google). As a result of this, I will try to find a smell in each country visited to remember it by. [Don't hold me to that - I said I'd try]

So the Scotland smell is: Mashing Malt, Haggis, the air in Speyside when the breeze is just right, and the breath of one of the staff members at a hostel I stayed at. As far as I am concerned, it's all the same, and it's all Scotland.

I'll be leaving Scotland tomorrow morning and heading to Hadrian's Wall in Northern England. The weather has been great and the sky absolutely blue. There were only 2 days of rain in my 2 1/2 weeks here, and not a single day when I needed more than my fleece to keep warm.

I've been in Speyside learning about Whisky production for 3-days, and have sampled not just a few drams. Some I know not to have again, and others I'll scour the LCBO shelves for in June. I'm sure they won't be the same without the Highland spring water and the Scotland smell, but I'll just have to make-do. Recommendations include: TAMDHU, Glen Moray, and Aberlour. They do not include: Glenfiddich and Tomatin. You're welcome to disagree with me - I look forward to your comments..........

Cell Phones

It is illegal to drive in Britain while using a cell phone. at all other times; however, it is necessary to carry one with you and talk or text to whomever else is or is not driving. The man next to me on the bus this evening was texting on 2 cellphones simultaneously with both his right and left thumbs. That takes talent folks.

Tour of Scotland

I've been in Scotland for just under 2 weeks, and have just finished a guided tour of the highlands, the Isle of Skye, The West/North coast, and Orkney.

We learned so much about the history of the Country and the Scottish People.

Swam in Loch Carron, the North Sea & in Loch Ness - probably about an average of 3 degrees C.

We visited a village and burial site from 3100 BC (predating the Giza Pyramids by 500 years!) on Orkney in the north of Scotland. We also went to Glen Coe, Culloden and the Walace Monument and learned stories of Battles that occurred here shaping the history and people of Scotland.


It was a great tour with a great group of people - 14 of us plus our fantastic guide:
Before the tour I spent 3 days in Edinburgh. Saw Edinburgh Castle and went to the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. Walked around town and hiked up to Arthur's Seat for a nice view of the city. I arrived in Glasgow the other day and it has been raining. on-and-off since. Tomorrow I head for Inverness, and plan to spend some time in the Speyside Region.

Slainte Var!

And so it Begins.

Today I leave Canada for a while.

I'm flying from Toronto to London this evening, and will be in the air at approximately 8:30. Tomorrow morning when I arrive at Heathrow, I'll then get on a bus and go straight to Edinburgh where I'll begin with 2 1/2 weeks in Scotland. After that.............


It's a long trip ahead, and I want to hear what's going on with you while I'm away. There are internet cafes everywhere I am going, so the best way to contact me is by e-mail. My e-mail address is as follows:
sstefanyk 'at' gmail 'dot' com
Though I'll not be sending mass e-mails, I will be responding to e-mails as I go.

Cheers Everyone! Have a Great Year!

Sarah.