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| Rest and Be Thankful, Scotland |
I don't think I will never know if it was the fresh mountain air that chilled my bones, or the dark waters rippled by the falling rain that stirred the stillness within me; but at some point over a period of ninety-six hours, Scotland changed me.
When I first arrived at Buchanan Bus Station, I knew I would be staying with my extended family which I was a little nervous about. I had met some of them before and had a great time but had not met the rest of their clan. I still don't know why I was so nervous because they are the most amazing people who welcomed me into their home and made sure I was always enjoying myself - even when some personal tragedy affected the family. I will never forget the hospitality and the friendship I gained with them.
They live in the beautiful coastal town of Gourock, which immediately blew me away. The views are stunning. I would wake up, look out the bedroom window and see mountains - how is this real life?
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I highly recommend visiting Gourock and smaller coastal towns while in Scotland. You get a completely different experience than if you were staying in a bigger city like Glasgow.
I was able to go up to Loch Lamond (in the mountains, about an hour or two from Gourock), as well as see Rest and Be Thankful, which is an incredible viewing area of the mountains and the lake with a fun little food truck at the top serving my new favourite drink; Irn Bru.
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| Drinking an Irn Bru over Rest and Be Thankful. Thanks, Graham! |
I was shown Glasgow during probably the best time to be there. The Commonwealth Games were on and taking place in Glasgow! I got to see the hustle of the city, the very cool Glasgow Green in it's festival like-food truck infested-prime, and managed to grab dinner with some very great people at a Tapenyaki restaurant. (Thanks Claire, Jamie and Mick!)
We then out for a few drinks...I saw few very lightly. Apparently I was "slow" but to me, drinking 5 pints and a nasty shot of Buckfast and Whiskey in about an hour is fast for me.
But, it was great fun surrounded by great people.
On my second last day in Scotland, I was able to meet the rest of the family (cousins, uncles, aunts, etc.) which I had heard so much about! It was great to finally put faces to the names!
I also tried Haggis with Black Pudding for the first time. Delicious. I can't understand why the myths exist. Try it, you won't regret it.
I think the best part of this trip was the feeling I had being there. I miss them so much and I miss the feeling I got being there even more. I will never forget you Gourock. (Literally, I have a travel journal where I write even the smallest details down each day)
Until next time. Rest and Be Thankful,
Kyle
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| Everyone I spent my time with (*minus Jamie and Graham!) |
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