SCOTLAND TO SHANGHAI

Saturday, 17 May 2014

Hobbit Huts, Landys & Ice-climbing

Alternative accommodation next to a Walkers Hostel, near Ben Nevis.

Ben Nevis is Land Rover country.

Need to turn computer on its side to look at this one- it's an Indoor Ice Climbing Wall!

Friday, 16 May 2014

Roamin' in the Gloamin'

Walked for miles up a rocky mountain track to see falls near Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland. This picture is of smaller falls along the way. Sun, snow on the peaks, happy walkers with happy dogs.

Then after a cup of coffee, walked some more, along a canal path. More happy walkers and happy dogs. Many of them have a relative who lives in Australia, or a neighbour who comes from Australia. Three degrees of separation.

Also went to a Matisse Exhibition, which happens to be travelling around Scotland. As you do, before climbing Ben Nevis.

The Mysteriously Deserted Holiday Village

Luxuriating in a 3 bedroom Caravan by Loch Linnhe near Fort William. Birdsong the only noise. Has Camel Flu swept thru' the camp, leaving only us? Never mind, it's peaceful, beautiful and warm. Yesterday we stumbled across an Indoor Adventure Centre that included Icewall Climbing.

When in Rome......dress like the Scots! Fine Merino.

Wednesday, 14 May 2014

ARROCHAR in ARGYL- near Loch Lomond

Arrived in Glascow yesterday in time to drive to our first destination before dark, despite the delay in Dubai. The sky was blue and clear. A smooth drive to our B&B where we have a snug dormer bedroom under the slate roof. The weather is cool to cold, but not VERY cold . Like a mild winters day in Perth. Very pleasant for walking. We drove past hills and lochs to visit the Belmore Botanic Gardens. Even had eucalypts and bottlebrush. Felt excited and remarkably fresh.

In Limbo: Dubai to Glasgow

Planes are so much the same, world over. There's a percentage of Earth's population living in the air, or in airport lounges, at any given time. Sue, my travel companion, and I have been in transit for an indeterminate time, which counts as Limbo, and bears no relation to Real Life. This is especially true of the Dubai Airport, where we boarded a plane for Glasgow twice, but different planes, several hours apart. Engine Trouble. Two meal vouchers later we are underway again. The Emirates service does not rival Tiger Airways, neither in efficiency nor good cheer. The back of seat entertainment screens only half work, which is why I'm subjecting you to this long post, instead of catching up on current movies!

The size of Dubai airport is best described by the 15 minute bus ride it took between disembarking and reaching the Terminal. Frustratingly all that was visible was more runways and construction- presumably of more terminals. There was no look-out at the terminal to allow a view of the surrounds or the city; rather it was inwards focused with the usual luxury goods shops and Souvenior shops with fluffy camels replacing fluffy koalas. On take-off, the view was obscured by a thick haze, which I suspect is perennial. Interestingly for such an international hub, getting the "free 30 minutes" wireless internet to work proved difficult. Neither were there any Internet kiosks. Asking at Information led us up several floors, along a deserted corridor, into a closed-door "Business Centre", where a young suited man led us to a deserted adjoining room with a few computers, where for a fee, we were able to send an email to out Scots B&B to prepare the Landlady for our delay. Most peculiar.

It seems ridiculous that we may be sleeping near Loch Lomond tonight, but that is the current plan.... Fortunately we have lost a few passengers and have a row of seats each to stretch out on:)