Kicked off Viking Day the right way...hiding under the covers until the very last minute because, in true Viking fashion, our space heater had been out all night. Yay, island! And while we're on the subject...i've been doing some field research the past few days, and i've come to a conclusion. In Scotland, there is no such thing as "warm." In the sink, there are 2 spouts...one for SCALDING hot water, and one for FREEZING cold water. I didn't realize how baffled I was by this until this morning, when I caught myself doing a little side-to-side quick hand shuffle between spouts to try and make "warm" water. It's a very good thing I played all of those video games in my youth...or else my reflexes would not be so 'cat-like,' and then where would I be?
Overall, I give today a 7. For a few reasons:
1. Viking helmet Mission Accomplished. I think its very fetching, actually, and I feel i've channeled my inner viking (see pic which i'd title, "thinking hard about which ship i'd like to commandeer"). I will wait on my beard purchase until i'm home... color, size, and texture are important, so i'll need time to shop around. (...THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!... couldn't resist).
2. Also, Brian the Bus Driver let me take a picture with him in front of the Beamer... and he called Aaron a "slut" right to his face...and he complimented me this morning by saying "yer' not wearin' yer hat! What's yer name again? I don' know it without yer hat on!"...I would vote him President of the Most Awesome Bus Drivers Ever in the World League. MABDEWL, they call it in the bus world.
3. Watched restoration being done on a church today...It was the "Twatt Cathedral"... a very moving experience...(why are you laughing?)...(yes, that's what the sign said, swear it on my life). It was located right across from a road sign that said "Loon's Reserve"... its like God left a present for anyone with a sense of humor out in B.F.E. Orkney, I tell you. To make up for all of the sheep.
4. Was a guest at a pretendy-wedding today. It was a classy affair. Location: the bus. Unlucky couple: Aaron and Isabelle (who, incidently, were the players in the "Real World, paying you to kiss me" incident last week). Apparently they decided to make it honest, so Aaron bought a "wedding in a bag" (i.e. gummy rings, gummy 'champagne bottles,' and gummy fish/bears for reception food). Brian the Bus Driver gave Isabelle away, and fake Sean Connery (aka. Daniel) officiated...wedding song? "All By Myself." This must be what Cabin Fever is.
5. So 1-4 seemed pretty fantastic, you say? Why was today a '7'? Because we did not see one historical site... all pre-history... and they didn't even let you walk into Skara Brae (the best preserved Neolithic village in Europe)... I feel cheated.
4. Was a guest at a pretendy-wedding today. It was a classy affair. Location: the bus. Unlucky couple: Aaron and Isabelle (who, incidently, were the players in the "Real World, paying you to kiss me" incident last week). Apparently they decided to make it honest, so Aaron bought a "wedding in a bag" (i.e. gummy rings, gummy 'champagne bottles,' and gummy fish/bears for reception food). Brian the Bus Driver gave Isabelle away, and fake Sean Connery (aka. Daniel) officiated...wedding song? "All By Myself." This must be what Cabin Fever is.
5. So 1-4 seemed pretty fantastic, you say? Why was today a '7'? Because we did not see one historical site... all pre-history... and they didn't even let you walk into Skara Brae (the best preserved Neolithic village in Europe)... I feel cheated.
Other edible food: An Orkney Cheeseburger and 'chips'... (it said angus beef on the label...i'm still crossing my fingers that 'beef' doesn't mean 'sheep'...one can never be too careful, on the island).
Also, I'm 87% sure that my fellow trip-sters think i'm fit to be put in the "Loon's Reserve"...we were at the Ring of Brodgar at a particularly cold, wet, and windy moment, and I let slip the following: "I now understand megaliths and sun-god worship. I would gladly sacrifice one of you if it meant the sun would come out and stay there." Is that wrong?...honesty is the best policy, so i've been taught. Sadly, this time it was a "miss."
Oh, and one of the friendly horses in the picture ate a corner of Krystal's jacket because she came too close. So...bonus points!
Oh, and one of the friendly horses in the picture ate a corner of Krystal's jacket because she came too close. So...bonus points!
Getting off the island tomorrow, which is good because I had a nightmare about being stuck in a sheep pasture last night...
Farewell My Vikings, On to Ft. William!
-Ashley
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