30 April, Friday: Now I know exactly how long it takes me to get to work when I hurry. Nineteen minutes. For a reason unknown to me, I ran late today. Left home at 9 AM and arrived at work at 9:19.
The work day flew by and I came home to an evening of TV and Zuma. Zuma is not my new beau, but is a computer game. It’s the kind you can play free online but to get the full effect you need to get the free download. It lets you play free for one hour and then you either have to buy it or go back to playing the online version. Being the addictive personality that I am, I bought it. What a riot. I’m on level 13. That’s a level that you don’t even know exists until after you complete 10-12, which you didn’t know existed either. The game only shows 1-9 levels. Bad enough. But then the world opens up to reveal levels 10 through 12. I thought “how fun is this? More levels.” When I finished them last night and level 13 revealed itself, I was gutted. Will this never end? This level is in SPACE and is really cool. Really cool. But the addiction will never end as long as they keep giving me new levels. I must clean my house as I have company coming next Friday. END THE MADNESS!
Ahem
okay, back to being a 56 year old Grandma.
It’s been cold all day with just smatterings of precipitation. I’m waiting for SUN!
29 April, Thursday: Oh no, I’ve really enraged the weather gods. It’s winter again. I want SUN!!!!! Kev said we’re supposed to have a great weekend. I hope he’s not just being sadistic and getting my hopes up.
Stayed with my healthy eating plan for two days now. Am feeling like a …well, like a person who’s been on a healthy eating plan for two days.
There are lots of families here with four and five small children. It surprises me when I see the mum and dad walking down the street, pushing prams and pulling toddlers. The baby boom is alive and well here…guess that’s what they mean by “there’ll always be an England.”
All the baby strollers have huge plastic see-through covers because it rains so much. Every time I see one I wonder how the kid can breathe. (Okay, before anyone tries to explain that to me, yes I really do know how they can breathe, but it looks like they shouldn’t be able to.)
28 April, Wednesday: Raining. Same song, different verse.
Ate healthy food today. Okay, the day isn't over yet, but let me bask in the accomplishment of staying on the diet for 1/2 day.
I sent an email I shouldn’t have sent and hurt someone’s feelings a little. Luckily I found out and was able to apologize to her. Apologies are all well and good, but I’m reminded of the story of the little boy who always said things he was sorry for later. When reprimanded by his dad he said, “Well, I told them I was sorry. I took it back.” Then Dad took out a board, some nails, and a hammer. He said, “Hammer the nails into the board.” After the boy had done that the dad said, “Now take them out, take them back.”
After the boy was finished, the dad pointed out that even though the boy removed the nails, the holes were still there. Same thing with harsh or unthinking words. The damage remains, even when we apologize, or take back our words.
Do you think I could be more melodramatic? I just heard from this person, who is fast becoming a friend of mine, and she felt bad because I felt bad because she felt bad, ad infinitum. Enough obsessing on my faults. And I’ve also just found out that she has a website that is an absolute scream. It’s had 93,000 hits in a year, which is superb. I’ve heard of it before, it’s www.stillkissingfrogs.com. For anyone out there who is single, go to her site and laugh. Okay, even if you aren’t single you can read it and enjoy.
The weather got worse by evening. It got colder. Over the weekend I taunted the weather by wearing summer sandals in the cool rain. I think I pissed it off.
Rehearsal was fun as usual. Bron had a cold, so wasn’t feeling too good. But the rest of us had fun. I’m looking forward to “playing” on Monday at the pub in Chorley.
27 April, Tuesday: Raining again today. So what else is new?
Well, tomorrow I’m going back on my healthy eating plan through ediets.com. I’d lost a lot of weight last year and have gained back some while living here in the land of custard. So on the way home tonight I have to stock up on my menu items. My only complaint is that I don’t like the British peanut butter.
Some fun news: Our new staff member from Ireland will stay at my flat one night. (I have an extra bedroom and full bath.) I’m so excited since I haven’t had any overnight visitors. Chris is a great guy—probably about my son’s age. But he’s funny, and fun, and I know I’ll enjoy having a guest. I told him about my quest to bring home an “Irish lad” for myself, and he says if I come to the area he and his wife live in, all I’ll find are farmers. Guess they aren’t likely to want to be my “boy toy” in the US.
Just received a wonderful donation from a friend at work. Every year when he donates, I get teary-eyed. He gives in memory of his mother, and it always makes me remember when my own mother died, too.
Had a cheery end to my evening. After going to Tesco’s and buying healthy food and LUGGING it home and up the stairs, I made dinner and then saw an instant message from my daughter. I called her and spoke to her and Kayla. Hunter was napping and Todd was out of town, but we girls had a good conversation. And webcams are awesome. I got to see their smiling faces. Love it.
26 April, Monday: Today is my friend, Bron’s, 25th birthday. Happy Birthday, Bron.
A good day at work, I got a lot done. After work I came home for a quick dinner and then walked over to Stamford Park. This time I took my camera, but it’s dark and cold and looks like rain. I wore sandals today in defiance of the weather.
The park was still lovely, even without the sunshine. I went to the crown bowling green and saw Harold. He was playing a match so couldn’t chat. I took pictures of the match. It was amazing that on one green there were five games going on at the same time. The balls were crisscrossing each other all the time and I only saw one collision. I asked a bystander what happens then and he said they take it back (and bowl it over).
It was cool to listen to the “attaboys.” Wonderful shot, Gordon. Tommy, me lad, watch your pace. Tighten up, Harry, tighten up. And on and on and on. Very neat.
I took some nice pictures of the flowers too. They turned out well. When the rain started I came home and worked a while.
25 April, Sunday: The one day I took a long walk without my camera and wouldn’t you know it—I found a beautiful park.
First I went to Starbucks for coffee and loved it. Why? Of course the coffee is good, but people seemed to be in good moods today.
The sun was shining, it was so warm, people were smiling, and the day was full of possibilities. Today I knew I’d lose weight, finish all my work, clean my house, and live happily ever after.
Instead of just walking across the street to go home, I decided to walk a bit. And I’m so glad I did. A few minutes away, in a new direction, there’s Stamford Park. It’s lovely and quite large. Flowers bloom everywhere. So many people enjoying the spot. And there are tennis courts, football fields, and bowling greens. I saw a guy bowling alone, and a young couple sat on a bench and watched him. I asked them if they could help me. “Is that crown green bowling?” I asked.
They both just shook their heads. We just moved here from Poland two weeks ago, they said in unison. So of course I had to tell them my daughter was Polish and we became instant friends. They suggested I ask the guy who was bowling. So I did. He not only told me that I was right, he invited me to play. So that’s how I met Harold, a nice old guy who is an excellent bowler.
And he explained the difference between crown green bowling and regular lawn bowling on the green. I asked if the latter was similar to bocce, which my family plays. (Bocce is Italian lawn bowling.) Lawn bowling is similar to bocce, but crown green bowling is different. The “crown” in the title has to do with little hills (or crowns) on the bowling green. It makes it a lot harder.
The greens here are beautiful and well maintained. I caught on pretty quickly and Harold was surprised I’d never played before. The balls are different than in bocce too. One side of each ball is weighted and there’s a certain way you hold the ball to bowl it, and it always curves at the end of the pace. My brothers would really like this.
Harold invited me to watch a league match tomorrow evening after work, so I may go. Something to get me out of the house besides ComedySportz.
24 April, Saturday: What a beautiful day. The sun is shining and I can actually smell flowers. There’s no air conditioning and no screens on windows, so when I open the windows it’s like being outside.
On the way to get coffee I stopped at Maurizio’s (in Goose Green) to get a haircut. Lisa, the girl that cuts my hair, is going to Italy with her boyfriend in six weeks. We also talked about tattoos and she liked the one on my ankle that I got in Japan. I told her about my upcoming trip to Denmark to see Rob and Beata.
Then I started strolling through the town and took some pictures of the Town Centre. There are a few mentally ill people out on the streets. Hadn’t really noticed them when the weather was bad.
Finally got coffee and breakfast at 11 when I stopped at Club 41. It’s a nifty restaurant/pub. Took a picture of the breakfast menu to show people what I mean about a really HEARTY vegetarian breakfast.
It seems all of Altrincham goes out on Saturdays. I bought several books at a bookstore—I’ve gone through my stash of them. Then went to Marks & Spencer to get some gourmet food. Even though it was only a few blocks to my flat, I went home a different way and discovered the Altrincham Market that’s only open for a few days a week. It was crowded with shoppers and I’ll go back next weekend when I don’t already have my hands full of shopping bags.
It seems that tables and chairs have bloomed overnight and every square meter of outside space contains them. I love that and will definitely find my favourite little café for the spring and summer.
Worked on my website much of the afternoon and plan a quiet night.
23 April, Friday: Lots of people were gone today, so Kevin, Ruth and I took care of the office. Many customer phone calls, and I was on the database a lot.
The weather turned absolutely gorgeous. The UK has a Spring after all. Went home and finished adding more pics to the website.
22 April, Thursday: After work I put more pictures on my website. I’m so excited that I finally figured out how to do it. I’d bought Microsoft Front Page but was confused about the organization of folders. Now I finally understand that. And my nephew, Adam, is working on the website itself and will soon have the first page of it complete, so there’ll be buttons for the blog, photos, and my writing. Cool.
21 April, Wednesday: Rehearsal tonight was fun with two new members, Beth and Ian. Both have lots of potential. There’s a match (show) on the 15th of May but I’ll be in Denmark. They’re also having a kind of show at a pub on the 3rd. It’s another Bank Holiday to celebrate May Day. I don’t know if I quite understand the setup. Something about going from table to table and being funny. I suppose I could offer to do lap dances. That would get a laugh.
Got home late as usual, and stayed awake awhile to relax. (Like reading Dean Koontz is going to let anyone relax enough to sleep. I think not.)
18 April, Sunday-20 April, Tuesday: Nothing much. Rained all three days. I’m craving the sun.
17 April, Saturday: During the day I ran errands and relaxed. Around four I started the train ride to Chorley and arrived around 5:30. It had just started raining and I didn’t relish walking to the ComedySportz venue. I called Bron for directions and it turned out they were just leaving the theatre to drive to the hall. So she picked me up. Lucky timing.
Over 50 people showed up, so the seats were pretty filled. The troupe did a great job. I laughed all night. Took some pictures too, and will email them to Bron. Most were taken from too far away—drat! But some are really good.
I enjoyed myself thoroughly. Helped the group clean up the place afterward and Bron gave me a ride back to the train station. The trip back to Altrincham was uneventful with not as many drunks on the train and Metrorail as I usually encounter on the weekends.
Got home at midnight and stayed awake until 2 AM, winding down. Kind of late for me. (What do I mean kind of late? It’s LATE!) But I know I can sleep in tomorrow, so it’s cool.
14 April, Wednesday: Lots accomplished at work. Left a little early to take the train to Chorley. It’s weird that I travel 3 hours total (there and back) to rehearse for 2 hours. But it’s worth it. I have so much fun learning and “playing” with the troupe. They have a show on Saturday and I’m going, but it’s going to be hard to sit in the audience. I love performing with CSz, and will be a little jealous. I’ll get over it once the show starts though. The kids have such a wonderful spirit and I know they’ll keep improving in their skills. Bron does a good job with them. Bron, Ste, and Pij are coming to Milwaukee in early August for the International CSz Comedy Tournament (forgot the official title). So it will be wonderful to see them.
15 April, Thursday and 16 April, Friday: Worked hard on Thursday and also made sure my taxes were filed. Yikes. Left work early ‘cause I started feeling a little yucky. Friday I stayed home from work, a very unusual occurrence. But I worked even though I didn’t feel well. So many people in Scotland were sick when I was there, and even on the train. And that was awful in such close quarters.
But it was just a 24 hour virus and I’m back to my old self.
13 April Tuesday: Work just flew by. Amazing. Way too much to do in a mere 8 hours. Hope I catch up soon. My daughter Jill called and we had a great conversation. Talked to the kids too which always warms my heart.
Wednesday and Saturday I’ll be going to Chorley for ComedySportz and am stoked. Something fun to do…
12 April, Monday: Today’s a UK Bank Holiday, so some stores are closed. After breakfast at the hotel I checked my bags and roamed around—mostly at Central Railway Station. The train left at 11:40—Virgin Trains are really nice compared to others I’ve been on.
It only took 1 ½ hours to go from Glasgow to Carlisle. Sat by a young Canadian man, reserved seats and a full train. He’s in the 11th grade and going to a Virtual High School, everything on the computer. Originally from Scotland, he came back to visit for a semester and now connects to school via the internet. Interesting. Caught the next Virgin Train at Carlisle, this one is non-reserved. I got a seat to myself, at least temporarily. The English countryside is beautiful today. Clouds so low on the hillsides you can reach up and touch them. Tiny rivers everywhere, some so lovely with homes lining the banks, like a line that meanders following the water. So many newborn lambs—tiny and delicate. A few gambolling about, but some too small to gambol. The sun plays peek-a-boo with a few adventurous ones. Some hedgerows, but nothing like in the south. Lots of stone walls which I love.
At Manchester Piccadilly I changed to the Metrorail for the 20 minute trip into Altrincham. It felt really good to get home. I threw my suitcase down and turned on my computer to check in with family.
11 April, Sunday: Up early and finished packing. Got distracted by a show on TV that was all in sign language and since BSL is different than ASL I needed to read the subtitles most of the time. Interesting.
Walked to Easter Mass. On the way I met some handsome young men who didn’t speak English, but who were looking at churches, trying to find something. One came to me…the only one of them who spoke a little English…and he said, “Excuse me…” but that was about it. I asked, “Catholic?” He smiled and eagerly repeated…Catholic, yes. I told him I was going to Mass and he and four other friends went with me the last few blocks. The one who spoke a little English walked by my side. I asked where they were from and he said France. I happily told him my last name was French and he pronounced Dufresne as it should be pronounced. It was really pretty.
It was weird going to Mass in a place where there are few Catholics. I’ve NEVER experienced a church that wasn’t full on Easter morning. This one was small and wasn’t even half full. I had a whole pew to myself. Normally it’s standing room only on Easter. The Mass itself was interesting too. Lots of different accents followed the proceedings and the responded prayers. Since this is a tourist destination, I expected that. But there was NO SERMON! I don’t think I’ve ever experienced that before at a Sunday Mass. Never. I wanted to ask the priest afterward about it, but didn’t want to have him think I was criticizing, so didn’t say anything.
Then went for my final Internet sign-on at the TIC. It opened at 10 and I got there at 9:45 (yes, the Mass was only 45 minutes long—on Easter. This was probably my biggest cultural shock in the three months I’ve been in the UK.) Checked my email and looked at the news. Iraq is scary. ‘Nuff said about that.
Went to McTavish’s Kitchen for breakfast/lunch and had baked beans on toast. I know I’m a peasant because peasant food is so satisfying to me. Had my first cup of coffee of the day at 11 AM.
Then to Tesco’s to buy some snacks for the train. Saw my French friends and bid them au revoir and bought some crisps and a tea cake for the four hour journey.
Now I’ve just checked out of the hotel, it’s 1 PM and I’m sitting in the hotel parlour, catching up with the blog notes. Hope I have something fun to write regarding the train trip, or it will be a boring, boring day.
When I got in the cab there was football on the radio. Dundee vs Dundee United. I said, Kind of like when Celtics play the Rangers? He said, “Yes, but on a smaller scale.” I felt great that I knew something about local football.
Saw a sign on the door of the Fort William train station. Polite Notice: Please help keep the station clean and tidy by not throwing cigarette ends around the entrance.
Saw an American at the station who I’d met yesterday at the TIC. I think he’s from Maryland but I forgot and didn’t want to ask again.
The train was really full, and I hoped more people would get off before getting into Glasgow. But it wasn’t to be. Backpackers kept climbing on at every stop and it was really standing room only. I’m glad I had a seat.
Behind me sat a dad and his two kids speaking German. In front of me sat a husband and wife speaking French. Across from me were Swedish speakers (I think). Quite an interesting mix.
Now I’m in Glasgow at my home away from home away from home, the Quality Hotel at Central Station.
10 April, Saturday: Up early as usual. At breakfast there was a German family in the dining room. Teenage daughter didn’t like something Mom and Dad said. She stalked out of the dining room, turned around, put up the “talk to the hand” sign and said, “Whatever.” Seems like some things are universal.
Went to the TIC after breakfast and did my hour on the Internet. Afterwards came back to my room and worked all day. Completed all the contracts for UK positions and copy-edited the US version of the new Employee Manual. Really got a lot accomplished.
Watching my favourite show, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway…discovered that here it’s the Easter Bird instead of the Easter Bunny. Maybe they were winding us up, but it seemed like they were telling the truth. Next week is the final show of the series. But that means something different in the UK than in the US. In the US it means the show is over forever. Here the word series means what we in the US would call season. So next week is the last show of the season and I won’t be able to see any more. I’m SAD! Hope they become internationally famous so I can see them at home.
After working all day, I’m tired. Will pack tonight, then read awhile before going to sleep early.
9 April, Friday: As I write, sitting here at the Ben Nevis Pub having a half-pint, it just hit me that it’s Good Friday. I found out there is a small Catholic church—St. Mary’s—near the Town Centre, so I’ll be able to go to Mass on Easter Sunday.
It’s only 1 PM and already I’ve had a full day.
Had toast and very weak coffee at the hotel at 8:30, then walked into town and got money, then to a café to get another cup. Got to the TIC at 9:01 and was the first person there again. Spent an hour catching up on emails (NONE from my family) and went to HW BB to “talk” to my writer friends.
Today is a Bank Holiday in England but only kinda-sorta in Scotland. All the stores are open, plus the post office and library. Just the banks are closed. Post office worker told me today is an English holiday but not a Scottish one. But everything will be closed Easter Monday.
Today was my Walk Day. Besides my usual up and down the hill and up and down High Street and up and down the loch (gosh, I’m tired just writing about it), I walked to the ruins of the Inverlochy Castle. The route begins at the far north end of High Street, behind a McDonald’s. It’s advertised as a three-mile hike (return), but felt like much longer. No matter because it was well worth it. Negligible elevation, which made it pretty easy going. Part of it was on the Great Glen Way so I met a few hardy souls walking the entire way. Some even older than I, but certainly in better shape.
Behind the McDonald’s I crossed the River Nevis and took some pictures. Following the River Nevis and the River Lochy, I passed a huge field whish was the site of part of the Civil War of Inverlochy. Then went over a stile and into a field full of sheep. Some of the rams were really big and they were the only ones that watched me walk through. I took several pictures. They all were marked with blue and yellow. Simon once told me what that meant, but I forgot and will need to ask again.
Went over a narrow footbridge by the aluminium smelter. Under a railway bridge and then I finally saw the ruins of Inverlochy Castle—built 1270-1290. How old! How cool! I took a lot of pictures. It was amazing. A lot of the castle is still there and you can walk among the ruins. I loved it.
On the way back to Fort William I walked through the village of Inverlochy. It is really something. All the houses are nearly the same. All made of stucco—except one had one granite wall. So clean and picturesque. All houses had front courtyards and people really expressed their individuality through the decorating of their courtyards and gardens.
After the walk I stopped for a pint at the pub where I wrote the above.
Worked a bit in the afternoon and then played a bit. Stayed in my room and just snacked for dinner.
8 April, Thursday: Up at 7:30. Had breakfast (included in the cost of the hotel room). The dining room was full of travellers, mostly from tour buses. Good coffee and also had cereal and toast. They had a full range of hot food too, but I didn’t feel like eating it.
Walked down to the TIC. Arrived at 8:55—it opened at 9 and I wanted to be first in line for one of the two computers.
Sent an email to work and to family saying I can’t be easily reached by email but that my mobile phone works, even though surrounded by mountains.
Went to Nevisport again and tried on hiking boots. I do need new ones but came to my senses. With the exchange rate I would pay almost twice as much here.
Then walked by the old Fort but will do more of that tomorrow. Walked along the loch—Loch Linnhe (pronounced Linnie). Then I came to the boat dock, where I’d planned to take a boat tour of the loch. Cost £7.50 for 1 1/5 hours. Really worth it. Cold as cold can be. Met Joan and Terry. Both are retired and on holiday. They live in the south of England in Oxfordshire, in Sonning Common. Joan does volunteer work with the police department and Terry is retired from British Aerospace. He’d helped build the Harriers. Was an electrician. Had also been in the Merchant Navy and was full of history and wonderful stories about Great Britain.
The boat took us by a salmon farm and also by a really small island where we saw two grey seals. I think I got some good pictures.
I asked Joan and Terry if they’d like to have lunch after the tour. They were agreeable, so we walked to the Ben Nevis Pub, the oldest pub in Fort William. Really neat, pub atmosphere, but they had vegetarian food. Joan drank some wine, I had a McEwen 70 (Scottish beer), and Terry had Cider and Guinness which he said was a poor man’s Black Velvet. A proper one is made from Guinness and champagne. He also said a lager and cider is called a snakebite and can make people out of their head in no time.
We had a lovely conversation over lunch and they were heading out to the aluminium plant, while I headed up to my hotel room to get some work done. Instead, I took a nap first…drinking in mid-day did me in.
Had dinner at the hotel, and it was decent. After coffee I came back to the room and relaxed a bit, caught up on my blog-writing, and did a little work.
7 April, Wednesday: The Quality Hotel had no note on my direct bill and no reservation for me on Sunday night. Crazy. The guy finally trusted me about the direct bill and made a reservation for Sunday. Took a cab to the Queen Street Station to catch a train. No rubbish cans anywhere. I mean anywhere. Yet the place was surprisingly clean. People left their trash in their seats. I found someone cleaning inside a closed restaurant and walked in and deposited my trash. There wasn’t even a trash can in the bathroom. After paying 20p to get in there, I searched everywhere for a wastecan. Finally found a cardboard box and used it. Amazing.
(Writing on the train…) The train is nice with several tables in the car so I’m able to sit and write easily. The seats are narrow. Jill, Beata, and Kelly would fit easily. Most of the rest of the family—even the fit ones—would feel a little “stuffed in.” As for me, omigod. Other than that, the train is nice (it’s ScotRail). Dogs are allowed and there are a few small ones walking up and down the aisle. Looking forward to the scenery, four hours worth.
When I go from Glasgow back to Manchester I’ll take a Virgin train (I can already hear my brothers’ wisecracks). They’re cool because they have electric sockets at each seat, so I’ll be able to use my computer.
Sent Easter cards to Rob and Beata, Jill and Todd, and Kayla and Hunter. Wrote them on the train.
Lots and lots of people (young and old) who are backpackers on the train, going north too.
Just borrowed a map from a young man and saw that the body of water we’re passing is Loch Lomond. (You take the high road and I’ll take the low road, etc.) Lovely and so close to Glasgow. Tried to get a booking there but because of Easter weekend everything was full in my price range. Now I’m glad it turned out this way. I’ve heard lots of good things about where I’m going.
Stopping at little Scottish villages (Arrocher and Tarbet and I write this) and they are just as I imagined they would be. Craggy peaks as a backdrop, small cottages tucked into hillsides, snow on the very tops of the peaks, lush plant life even some flowers, then barren hills. Amazing differences. Old cemetery, stone cottages, small stone church, another loch. View is breathtaking. Even my guidebook says taking the West Highland train offers the most scenic beauty.
Tired. Up since 5:30, but I don’t want to close my eyes and miss any of this. I am so lucky. As Kayla would say, “You are one lucky bug.” She got that from the movie Mulan.
Just rode by a ruin. Don’t know what it was but it was cool.
In the lochs there are little islands full of bare trees. I definitely sat on the right side of the train.
My guidebook says, “The timeless landscapes of the Highlands…are unrivalled in Britain. This land, etched from the brutal forces of nature, will sear itself in your mind. It is the last of the great European wildernesses, dominated by soaring peaks, unforgiving terrain, a stunning coast, and miles and miles and miles of empty, exhilarating space.” All forge from the last Ice Age.
Along a footpath I noticed a red phone booth. Once a staple everywhere in Britain, they are now a rarity and seldom seen.
Trees growing out of rocks.
Lochs all joined by a canal and the canal looks like a river.
I envy the backpackers, carrying everything you need on your back really simplifies your life. Everything boils down to necessity. Luxuries are dear and agonized over. When backpacking in the Tetons in the 80’s, our guide would say stuff like, “That gadget may seem important and may weigh only a few ounces, but it will feel like a ton after carrying everything on your back for a day.” And he was right.
Now I look at my suitcase, full of stuff I don’t need and clothes I probably won’t wear.
At each train stop, more and more people get on. More and more backpackers. Probably I’ll soon get a seatmate at my luxurious four-seater table. Nope—not this time—at Crianiarich. And this is where the train separates—the first two cars going to Oban and the last two cars going north to Fort William and then on to Mallaig on the coast. Upper Tyndrum is the next stop, followed by Bridge of Orchy, such cool names.
Now more people are getting off the train than on, so my place is secured. Cool. Having a cup of coffee and enjoying the scenery. The coffee sucks, but the scenery doesn’t.
The train passes backpackers on trails. It’s possible to walk the entire 104 miles from Glasgow to Fort William. Trails are everywhere and well-maintained.
Unbelievable that for £33 return, I get this luxury. I finally found a bargain.
Just went under a tiny arched bridge—maybe for pedestrians? But it was really old and the sides were lattice-worked metal. Almost missed it. Don’t know how the train fit under it, it looked so small.
Almost an hour until we reach Fort William, but I’m honestly in the moment and not anxious about getting there. I’ve been to so many mountains, but these are different. Not majestic like the Rockies, exotically lush like the ones in Hawaii, or eucalyptus endowed like the Blues. These are just different and have their own special beauty.
A German traveller sits across the aisle and his Baedeker’s says “Schotland.”
Now in Tulloch and it’s 11:30. The train has been absolutely on time at every single stop. I keep checking the timetable for fun.
A dad and his seven-year-old daughter sit across from me. She and I shared the wonder of a glorious rainbow. It looked like we would ride right under it. She wears all purple and is surprised when I ask her if purple is her favourite colour. “How do you know that?” Even her pen and paper are purple.
She’s Errin and he’s Stuart from Fife. On a holiday. Mom (Fiona) couldn’t get off from work. We passed Commemoration Hill at Spaen Bridge, a memorial to the fact that commandoes were trained there during World War II. Stuart says, “See that statue of two men, Errin? That’s where I proposed to your mother.”
“She said ‘yes’ didn’t she dad?”
It was really cute.
I took a cab to the hotel. Only £3. The hotel is ancient and beautiful, standing like a majestic matriarch overlooking Fort William. Only about three blocks from Town Centre, but it’s straight up. One can access it on foot by climbing torturous stairs or by walking along the road which is cut as a switchback into the hill. I took the stairs up ONCE. Enough.
Taking the stairs down is fine.
To backtrack. When I arrived at the hotel they had no reservation for me. I showed them my sheet from Prestige bookings and the woman said they had no record of it. Luckily a tour group was leaving and they had space for me. My room is charming. A king-sized bed with a window cut into a dormer. I love it.
Walked down (DOWN) to High Street—ironic, huh? And looked for a place for lunch. Went to Nevisports, a place to buy all sports equipment but which also has a restaurant. Then went to buy an umbrella because I’d given mine away in Glasgow to someone who needed it more. (Did I write about that already? Oh, well…)
Then back to my room where I played computer games, worked, caught up on some email (but I couldn’t send it).
Went to dinner at Highland Star. Excellent Chinese restaurant. Should have had a Chinese beer but I knew the climb up the hill to the hotel would kill me.
6 April, Tuesday: Another fun day. After the training, Mandy, Simon, Randy and I went to dinner at an Indian restaurant. Food was superb. And three of us had a Bombay Beer. It was so good, but the glasses were the real stars. Beautiful, with gold trim around the top. Randy begged to be able to take one home with him. After Mandy gave the guy a big tip, he brought over a sack and put the glass in it. Randy will have a nice souvenir.
5 April, Monday: A good day. The candidates all performed well. We went to dinner together…the four of us from CPI and the three candidates. I took them to the Republic Bier Halle. Had such a fun evening. Drank a few Arran Blondes. When I ordered the first one I told the server, “I’ll take an Arran Blonde and I want his name to be Joe.” That cracked me up and I hadn’t even had a beer yet. She sent over Cameron, another server. He was such a little cutie that I gave him a cheesehead.
4 April, Sunday: Didn’t get to sleep until after 2 AM. You wouldn’t believe the drunken singing that went on in the streets. (Yes, I wish I could have joined them.)
Woke up at 7:30 and by 8:30 went down to breakfast. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many hung over people in one spot, not even the day after a Bozarth wedding. The smell burned my nose. Alcohol fumes wafting out of men’s pores, coupled with cigarette smoke. And some of them lit up in the lounge, where we had to wait to be seated. A definite no smoking area, but no one but me seemed to care.
I left the hotel at 10 to start walking. My first goal was the Barras, a group of buildings and warrens holding hundreds of stalls and mini-shops. I got there about 10:45. Interesting and fun. Unbelievable, the types of things that were being sold. In one stall, there were marijuana pipes, but also the redolent aroma of dope. A little kid was talking to the operator about something, and the clerk just kept giggling. I thought, okay buddy, you are so loaded, but don’t say something stupid to the kid. He didn’t. In fact he couldn’t say anything. Just kept giggling.
Building upon building, decrepit and “condemnable,” full of people from all walks of life—all white. That surprised me. I did end up seeing a few people from India, but they were running a couple of stalls.
Just when I thought that everything was brand new, although junky, I found a huge building full of used stuff that would be sold at a flea market in any country.
There were lots of food stalls as well. I didn’t buy anything, but enjoyed reading the signs—whelks and mussels, mushy peas, hamburger, sausages, and donuts. Everyone else seemed to be eating as they walked around.
On the way back I saw huge signs that announced the International Comedy Festival was here up until April 3—yesterday. Too bad. I could have watched a show last night.
Stopped at St. Enoch Mall, located in Town Centre. Nearly every store was open on Sunday. I was glad I had 20p with me to use the loo. Most nice places cost money. I did see a public toilet on the street and took a picture of it.
At the mall I ate my favourite thing—a spud with beans and cheese. Then came back to the hotel and wrote an article for my church newsletter. Walked around the hotel and saw the three candidates for employment. They’re the reason I’m here this week, to watch how they interact with other participants and how they do in the course itself.
Played a few computer games, did a little work, then called it a night—early.
3 April, Saturday: Did some chores around the house, ran some errands (Post Office and dry cleaners), then went to Starbucks to enjoy coffee and a muffin. I brought along a book and spent a relaxing 20 minutes or so.
The flight to Glasgow was bumpy. A pilot was sitting next to me, so I kept looking at him to see if he was concerned. He only looked up once, when the turbulence got so bad that the flight attendants had to sit. I nearly spilled my coffee several times, but I couldn’t stop laughing. Jan and John, remember “tickle-belly hill”? That’s exactly what it felt like, only over and over again. I liked it.
The cab driver from the airport to the hotel was adorable. We had so much in common and talked non-stop. Made the ride so much fun.
The hotel is the same one I’d been at earlier in the week. So old. But really cool. This time, in advance, I’d asked for a refurbished room. It’s certainly nice. Only down side is this one doesn’t have an ironing board and iron, so I’ll have to call down for one so I can get my work clothes in order.
Again it’s a football day, and people are here from Ireland. Being surrounded by both Scottish and Irish brogues at the same time is a bit confusing, so of course I started giggling. Both Scots and Irish folk are pretty good natured (except for football) and so no one took offence (note UK spelling).
I’m looking forward to exploring tomorrow.
31 March, Wednesday—2 April, Friday: Not much to report. I worked late each day, came home and watched TV, crashed early each night. Friday at work was a day from hell. Unbelievable stress, and the bad part was that we had a new staff member start on Thursday. I asked if she was coming back on Monday. She promised she would.
She’s taking my desk and that’s a good thing. I moved into another room and will be able to have a quieter environment. Perhaps I’ll get more done. I’m so spoiled and am used to having my own office with a door I can close when I need to think.
Tonight am packing for Glasgow and Fort William. Am SO looking forward to my holiday. But if I don’t get a lot of work done, it won’t be a successful vacation. That’s one of the reasons I’m going, to accomplish what I need to do to get our action plan on schedule.
