Rock and Roll and the Lovat Arms (Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - Inverness, Scotland)

Normally I prefer to give a run down of all of the interesting things that happened during the day, but today is the exception. For two reasons: 1. Last night was too...well...too much for some, but worth mentioning. 2. The Lovat Arms Hotel.

My fellow travelers decided last night that alcohol and high school band-camp worthy "truth" games are, (and after seeing the bags this afternoon, will remain) the order of the evening. I've managed to hide in the room so far tonight, as I feel I already know Much too much about Everyone and their Everythings on this trip. Yowza. And that's all I have to say about that.

The Lovat Arms Hotel is...basically a 'Bates Motel/Hotel from The Shining' combo package that I didn't ask for. Not only is there No Elevator, but my room is on the 3rd floor (2 suitcases and a backpack...you do the math), the furnishings are all bleeding red tartan, and I'm about 95% sure that the carpets are decorated with Jackelopes (Again, see photo evidence and let me know what you make of it).

Nice List:

1. Saw a real life 'Hamish the Highland Cow' in all of his or her glory on the bus ride over. Starting to notice a pattern with Scottish animals - anything with four legs and fur is shaggy in the extreme, and anything with wings is HUGE. I kid you not. One seagull here could probably eat 3 of our Texas seagulls for a light lunch, then wash them down with a Guinness. Aye!

2. Had my first "Kinder Surprise" today. I'm on a mission to eat every bit of chocolate deliciousness I can lay my hands on while here. What is a Kinder Surprise, you ask? WELL...it's a milk chocolate egg coated with white chocolate inside...but don't be fooled! It has James Bond-esque super powers. Meaning There's a TOY inside! Giggidy! Apparently all european children are expected to be genius-level engineers because there is also an instruction manual on how to put it together inside. I got a monkey. It's still not 100% complete.

3. Found an excellent quote on a headstone after wandering off in the Elgin churchyard. It's dated 1687, John Geddes Gloverburges tomb: "The world is a cite full of streets & death is te(the) mercat (market) that all men meets, If lyfe were a thing that monie could buy, the poor could not live & the rich would not die." Love it.

4. Finally got to see some megalithic sites... pretty neato mosquito, actually. The rocks here are quite photogenic. (not lying, see pics.)

5. Orkney islands tomorrow...which in anywhere but Scotland would mean warm, sandy beaches...drinks with little umbrellas, etc., but actually means cold, rain, and choppy waters. Not to mention the oldest village yet discovered in Europe...so...you choose.

Naughty List:

1. Stopped at a roadside cafe, much like our Cracker Barrel. Paid 5.50p (around $7 USD) for 2 pieces of bread, prepackaged shredded cheddar, and a couple large chunks of ham. Oh, and crisps and what they call a salad, but was really some mutated version of cole slaw. Really??...I mean, really? They could have at least melted the cheese.

2. The 2 guys next to me talked about comic books ALL day. No exaggeration needed. Literally, a play by play of which character has done what over the last 20 years. Thank you IPOD.

3. The Lovat Arms Hotel reception guy. Who was just sulking around while I made two trips lugging my suitcases up 2 flights of stairs. Nothing from Santa for you this year.

4. All of the people on the trip who are Not Showering. VERY naughty, bus-wise.5. Speaking of showers, The Lovat Arms "shower" is on my list. Is really a tub with some sort of gadget attached (see picture... had to take one so you all would believe me). We'll see how that works out (or doesn't, more likely) later.

Day 6 Evidence: http://s672.photobucket.com/albums/vv82/amj7348/Scotland%20Day%206/

Day 7 : http://s672.photobucket.com/albums/vv82/amj7348/Scotland%20Day%207/

I've seen sheep, bionic birds, even highland cows, but STILL no red squirrel.

Que Sera-

Ashley