In the
highlands, nature and mysticism coexist to create a fantastical haven all to
its own. A collection of mountains whose
peaks fly high above the cloud lines complement the crisp green shrubs and
stalky pine trees. I found my nostrils craving to breath in what seemed as if
Mother Nature’s very own breath. The highlands were possibly the most
breathtaking place I have ever seen, and for that matter might ever lay my eyes
on. It is one of the few remaining places where you can feast your eyes raw
beauty.
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| One of our first stops on Saturday morning on our way to Isle of Skye. The greenery and and mountains extend for miles meeting the cloud lines. To the right is a loch that resembles none other than the map of Scotland! |
Friday
morning we left for the tour and headed, if quite possible, farther north. As
we made our way form the lowlands of Scotland towards the highlands,
apprehension of the cold and rain sunk in. Nevertheless, we lucked out and were
graced by sunshine almost everyday. Sometimes, I almost think that these
mythical ferries and creatures famously inhabiting the highlands are the
mastermind’s behind its fickle weather. What appears as rain is merely an
isolated shower unknown to the cattle 100 meters ahead. To truly appreciate the
nature of the highlands, you have to be able to be outside and smell the sea
salt air and pinelands, feel the contours of the shrubby and walk along ancient
paths. It is from this that your mind truly absorbs and wanders on its own path
in the highlands. Evermore, our tour guide was, in essence, a transcriber of
Scotland’s complex and mythical past. He truly knew the local legends and
history, so each adventure was accompanied by animated telling’s of local
ferries and creatures alike set along the most desirable sights at every
excursion.
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| A beautiful waterfall int he highlands! I loved the green and yellow hues of the grass and light lavender flowers. |
Not only
was our tour guide full of energy, but also our entire group was just as excited
as I was to explore the highlands. My friend and I met two girls, both from
Australia, who we ended up spending the majority of our highland experience
with. Together, we explored all the excursions and shared stories of home and
our travels abroad. Back at the hostel, we spent the nights in the pub with our
group and even tried a traditional Scottish dish Haggis-stuffed chicken! One of
my favorite aspects of traveling abroad, which each trip seems to share, is the
opportunity to experience all of these adventures with newfound friends. In
turn, not only do I learn about where we set out to explore, but also begin to
understand their very own slice of the world. To where and in what context is
always a surprise, but one that I welcome, and know will accompany every
journey abroad. While I may not see my Australian friends for some time, the
prospect of maybe, and moreover the memories we shared are always there. That
is the nature of studying abroad. By learning about life in other pockets of
the world, I can begin to reflect on my very own thoughts and experiences.
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| Waving the Scottish Flag on the Isle of Skye! It was the perfect sunny day to gaze out onto the mountaintops and see their reflection in the still of the loch. |
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| Amazing views from the hilltop of The Old Man of Storr. Each direction I turned, I gazed off onto an entirely fresh palate of sea blues and fresh greens. |
Some of my
favorite stops along the trip were a mountain at Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and
the seaside town of Portree. Each place had its own special curiosity, but
shared richness in the highland’s nature and culture. On Saturday morning, we
made our way to Isle of Skye passing by cascading mountains and crossing the
bridge to Skye. On Skye, we hiked various mountains and peaks stopping to enjoy
the views and crisp air. There is one particular excursion that I gravitated
to. Midway through our exploration of Skye we stopped at a mountain that many
travelers, such as ourselves, hike. This mountain stands as a focal point on
Skye graced by a peculiar distinction. On the right of the mountain two sharp
peaks stand bright and tall. One a bitter
taller than the other, but both
enjoying their very own contours and crumbles of the rock. On our hike, we
walked halfway towards these peaks, as making our way fully up the mountain
would have been quite an extensive journey for a large group lacking proper
hiking equipment. Once we made our way up the various twists and turns, we
rested upon a green hilltop that looked out onto the subsequent mountains and
lochs of Skye. This is nature at its origins- calm and serene among the land.
It was as if I was looking out onto world’s end, but an end that seemed to
extend into an abyss of mountain, sea and sky. While the views were exceptional
along this mountaintop, one of the main factors I really enjoyed were the
stories woven into these cliffs. This mountaintop is known as The Old Man of
Storr. Isle of Skye is well known for its ferries and Elephant, the king of
these ferries. They are known to play tricks on the townspeople and the source
for much of the magical brewing on the island. The story goes that there was an
old couple who would come everyday to enjoy these same we had looked out on.
Here, they would tell stories about their past in. However, they were becoming
too old to make the climb and decided this would be their last time savoring
the view. Elephant and his ferries so enjoyed the stories this old couple told
that he offered them the opportunity to eternally enjoy these views they had
been enjoying throughout their lives. Elephant proceeded to offer this couple
the opportunity to gaze onto these views for eternity. Puzzled at the mysticism
of this offer, the old couple sat and pondered. As they took one look out
towards Skye the began to head back down the mountain until at one moment their
bodies started to transform into cliffs. Soon enough they were mounds perched
alongside the mountain forever gazing upon the views they so enjoyed. This is
in fact those two distinguish peaks alongside the mountain. After hearing about
this tale, I am now graced with the face of an old man on the perched cliff and
women, whose bones could no longer take the pressure and started to crumble
alongside mirroring the neighboring sliding peak. This tale proved so powerful
that the mountain, like many other parts of Skye is now named after this couple
as The Old Man of Storr. Geography or tales who really knows, but both are the
part of the livelihood of the mystifying Isle of Skye. Faces appear and shapes
fold among mountain cliffs and a whole new setting suddenly strikes me. |
| My friends and I waving the Scottish Flag on top of the Old Man of Storr. We loved hearing the tales of the mountain and the chance take on this famous hike! |
Another one
of my favorite adventures along this trip is our excursion to the seaside town
of Portree. It is actually one of the last towns before crossing the bridge to
the Isle of Skye and, like the island, holds its own special virtues and
enticements. The village smells of sea salt and fresh caught fish- one of my
favorite and familiar scents! As we ordered lunch, we passed by charming little
shops inviting us into this little world located in the highlands. We sat along
the harbor and enjoyed our lunch. Sea salt smells and anchored sailboats paint
portraits against a background of ocean and mountain cliffs. The buildings
alongside the town were stucco buildings decorated in pretty pastels and
blanket whites. It was as if an artist found inspiration for a seaside village
and transformed it into this town. I was actually quite surprised to find such
a quaint fishing village in the highlands. My preconceptions left me with an
image of countryside cottages and grazing cattle along hilly mountaintops.
Nevertheless, it was an excursion well received and one bringing me back to my
enjoyment of the sea!
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| The perfect place to enjoy a seaside lunch! We could smell the fishy sea salt air as we ate. Yum! |
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| The famous and beautiful Loch Ness. If only Nessie had woken up for a Sunday morning greeting. |
One of my
other favorite stops was Loch Ness. The iconic loch is known for the tales of
the Loch Ness monster, Nessie. Beyond the stories, though, is a valley of
mountains that extends along this endless body of water. This is one of the
four lochs and is so big it is actually thought that the entire world’s
population could fit in it ten times over! While it may be large, its features
are well defined and culminate a distinct sense of natural beauty that is
almost incomprehensible to the human eye. I found myself gazing at the aligning
mountains fixating upon this loch. The first day we arrived, we passed by Loch
Ness. However, it was rather late at night and my mind was left to sort through
my own Loch Ness fantasies and the eerie slices poking between pine trees. I
was left with a depiction based upon urban legends, which although fantastical
does not do justice to Mother Nature’s mystifying beauty here. Continuing along
the spooky and dim-lit road, we passed by a local town named Drumnadrochit. I
cannot seem to rid this name from my brain- I simple love it! I feel as though
I am singing a special Scottish tune while saying the name. Apparently, I am
also not the only one. It is also the hometown to one of the Simpson characters.
In one episode, this character travels back to Scotland, dresses in traditional
Scottish attire with his bagpipes and head down to Loch Ness for a lovely
conversation with Nessie. If only this was my reality. Sunday morning, we went
on our true exploration of Loch Ness. We stood at what appeared as the focal
point of the loch. The mountains and pine trees patterned the background of the
loch. Together, they focused inward creating a central place where this body of
water, greenery and rock cascaded to some timeless mythical virtue ahead. As we
walked to one of the most amazing views of the loch, our tour guide attempted a
little morning adventure. We were to summon Nessie, but by doing a chant that
more readily resembled Michael Jackson’s thriller. Quite the morning site,
especially since our tour guide was wearing a kilt. Nonetheless, if there was
one way to wake up Nessie on a Sunday morning that was it! I think all Loch
Ness explorers can’t help but hope to feel the ripples in the loch and see the
emergence of Nessie. Such creature is left to imagination of our minds alone. Loch
Ness is a haven of mythical tales and an aspiration to one-day share a moment
with Nessie. Until then, I think I will enjoy the view.
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| So much happiness on the trip to the highlands! The sights, the smells the stories everything was just amazing. |
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| Sweet little Harry Coos! I couldn't believe they actually moo too! |
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| Amazing views of Scotland on the Isle of Skye! It really is a like looking into a mythical world. |
The highlands certainly hold a very
special place in my heart. It was a chance to explore a region that houses so
many of my very own interests and an opportunity to learn about the country in
which I am studying abroad. It is not everywhere you can see the adorable Harry
Coos, while also standing on the battleground of ancient clans and Celtic
groups. One does not have to travel far to experience adventure and fantastical
sights. It exists in my very own backyard of Edinburgh and up in the highlands.
I envision routes of exploration living in all pockets of the world. Sweet
smelling baguettes warm the cool fall air in Paris and crushed candy canes snow
at a Christmas Feast in New England. I hold the key to open the door and unlock
a world of adventures. Oh, the entry to exploration!
