Originally written on 08 July as a note on Facebook, I'm publishing it here now... enjoy!
As I sip on my coffee (my first since I got here because I've been doing the proper thing and drinking tea) and look out my cousin's flat to see the old church and a view of the Loch and surrounding green mountains in the distance, I realised that I'm living out what was merely a dream three years ago.
When I was on holiday in the Philippines a few years ago, my cousin Michelle was in the process of completing her paperwork to migrate to the UK. She needed tremendous support, and while I was there, I helped how I could. She would eventually come and a year later, managed to bring her husband and daughter.
Michelle has always extended an open invitation, and finally, I'm here.
After a layover in London, I arrived in Glasgow to what the locals call, "bloody hell Scottish weather." I thought it was brilliant! Temps hovering in the 60s (Farenheit) and a light drizzle. I also learned something that's way cool... because Glasgow is so far north (closer to the Arctic than it is to Paris), it doesn't get dark here until 10:30 pm! There's light starting unfortunately at 4:30 am.
From the airport, I had a typical Scottish cuinary delight.... Chinese food. It shouldn't be surprising, since even in the small town I'm in where there are no golden arches and a burger has no royal lineage, there are nearly Chinese and Indian resties and take-away spots lining the Helenburgh landscape. Honestly, my Chinese food was quite bland, in spite of the "caution" signs over spicy food. What does that say of the British palate?!?
Matching those restaurants, though, are the chippies... "fish and chips." Yeah, they're everywhere, and I never realized how many ways you can have your fish and chips. I've been asked if we had anything similar in the US, and I tell them about the fish basket with fish, fries, and hushpuppies. I grew up on the mullet baskets. Some are amazed by the idea of fried cornmeal goo with bits of onion and pepper.
Helenburgh is a cute seaside town, about 45 minutes by rail from Glasgow. I love stromping about town and just exploring the history and shops. I haven't gotten completely nutters, but I do like the grocery store. I just can't buy much. Aside from the small fridge and kitchen in the flat, imagine paying twice or nearly three times the price of groceries! A litre bottle of Coca-Cola is £1.55, which is $3.00. I'm sticking to tap water. However, I've indulged in some great local strawberries and cream. God bless a country that still cherishes full fat sweet cream!
On Monday, I traveled through the countryside and found my most favorite place on earth. It is called Rest and Be Thankful. Yes, that's the name. It's a valley that I can hardly describe in words, but seeing it was truly a spiritual moment. I can only describe it as a place where God kissed the earth that moved the mountains and created this paradise. Next time I head here, I want to go hiking and camp there. Anyone interested?
I visited the small towns of Lochgiphead (try saying that ten times without spitting) and Inverary, home of the Duke of Argyll. I visited the castle and ancestral home of the Clan Campbell. So, if you know someone with the family name Campbell, I have been to their homeland.
Anyway, that's it for now. The weather is clearing and the plan is to barbecue tonight. My future plans include a trip to Edinburgh and a ferry ride over to Belfast, Northern Ireland.
I'll share more soon.
