Random Points

So where does a Scot keep his mobile phone?  We were at World's End pub, so named as it was right at the city gate and any land beyond was strange territory so the pub was at the end of the world.  The  guy at the next wee table checked his mobile...it was in the leather purse that hangs in the front of his kilt.

We asked for help in a department store and the man had a real Scottish burr. I asked him to say my name and Marilyn sounded great with his accent.  We turned to go, and he said "Goodbye MARILYN." so I got to hear it twice!!!

We have seen many of the cute little English style cabs ferrying people about in Edinburgh.

Fred, our bus driver, told us that the Highlands have no trespass laws.  These people like to walk!  And no land owner has the right to stop them.  Of course common sense tells you not to tramp around some Laird's garden, but any hill or mountain or trail is accessible to everyone.  In fact land owners when they fence are obliged to provide a gate or stile for walkers.

 After over a month of using mainly Euros, it is too easily to equate one pound to one euro, without thinking about the difference of the true value.

All the Scots we have encountered have been so friendly, in sharp contrast to their supposed dour nature.

Victoria really is THE NANNY STATE when you see how councils and governments here don't have guard rails and warning signs or outright prevention.  We have been on so many edges and stairs and cobbles, etc. where you are just expected to use common sense.

Cabs are not reluctant to take short trips and in some countries it is legislated they have to do so.

When we are asked where we are from, invariably they have already or want to visit Australia AND KNOW some friend or relative living in Australia.

Old rivalries die hard.  Both Welsh and Scottish people have mentioned how the English outlawed speaking of their own language.  Also wearing of the kilt was banned by conquering English.  And the resentment of this suppressiion of national symbols appears to live on.

Now they have their own Parliament, the next step for Scotland is an upcoming Referendum on Independence.  One guide at Urquhart Castle said the vote may be skewed by English, escaping the ratrace and exhorbitant house values south of the border, who have relocated to Scotland.  These new-comers may choose to now live in Scotland, but still harbour emotional ties to 'Mother England'. 

What is hell-walking?  One young man at Reception on Tuesday night was going HELL WALKING after his shift on a hill in Edinburgh.  'It's brilliant!' he enthused.  (Luckily he didn't ask me to join him.)

The Mititary Tattoo we attended had more international spectators than local.  Sitting next to me was one old Scot.  When the announcer asked, 'Anyone from England?' he bellowed - GO HOME!  He was with his family, as his daughter and her family were over for the Olympics, as the daughter is the Team Leader for the CANADIAN Equestrian Team. 

Last night I discovered a pot of Scottish mussels is just as tasty as the pot I had in Brugge.  I even had Scottish porridge this morning, sitting in the fifth floor restaurant, overlooking Grassmarket, with the high walls of Edinburgh Castle soaring above just behind.  Such a spectacular sight to enjoy one's breakfast.