ScotMoot Report!!
Oct. 4th, 2007 10:34 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dreamflowerWell, I'm finally beginning to see my way out from under the combination of jet lag, and either a very bad cold or a mild case of flu that I got home with. The trip was awesome!!
It was so very cool to meet all of my fellow Mooters, and to see the beautiful land of Scotland.
So, without further ado, my report of the full experience is behind the cut...
MY SCOT MOOT 2007 DIARY
THURS. 9/20, 8:50 AM
I'm on board and the plane is getting ready to take off. Already I've had two Adventures: I set off the metal detector and had to be searched (thanks to my hair barrettes!) and I nearly missed the plane due to going to the wrong gate!
The plane is moving now, and I should be in Houston in less than an hour.
Airborne! I haven't flown since the Easter of 1976. I forgot about the lovely feeling of being outside of time, neither here nor there. Nice!
THURS. 9/20 9:50 AM
I'm in Houston, and my jacket has already netted me one LotR conversation with someone. I walked all the way to terminal E with him, as we discussed LotR, both books and movies. He told me he has just finished reading The Hobbit out loud to his 10-year-old son, & that they are fixing to start on the trilogy next.
I have 3 ½ hours to kill until my next flight.
THURS. 9/20 6:55 PM (Eastern time)
Well, the flight from Houston to Newark was uncomfortable to say the least. I very carefully went to the restroom before boarding, but no sooner had I sat down than I began to feel the urge. I waited…and waited…and waited…for the "fasten seat belt" sign to go off, so I could go to the lavatory. I finally got the chance about a half-hour into the flight. I had not been back in my seat 5 minutes, until I felt like I needed to go again. 3 trips to the bathroom later, we landed, & the first thing I had to do was look for the restroom.
NOTE TO SELF: On my way home, do not take lasix (a diuretic) before flying.
FRI. 9/21 Who knows what time?
Somewhere over the Atlantic. I can't seem to wrap my brain around the time changes.
Nothing to see out the window right now but darkness; but before that, I enjoyed the take-off; had a brief glimpse of the NYCity skyline, and the ocean below. I'm sitting next to a mother and daughter. The daughter's heading to Scotland to go to school. Very sweet people from Atlanta.
FRI. 9/21 8:00AM (Edinburgh time)
I've gained (or lost--not sure which) about 5 hours.
The flight was shorter than I thought it would be, but I'm now in Scotland and my passport has been stamped! I found paid internet access in the terminal, so was able to let everyone know I'd arrived okay.
I'm getting really tired of my luggage. It's heavy.
LATER ON, SAME MORNING
I finally got up the nerve to leave the airport and catch the bus. I rode standing up holding on to the little hand thingies. I did this for two reasons: my bottom was very tired of sitting for all those hours on the plane, and also, I'd never ridden a bus standing up before. But when I change busses I decide to sit down, because awesome as the view is when I stand, I really prefer to keep my arms in their sockets.
The buildings are amazing--it's so clear that I am in another country now. I love looking at how old they all are, and the sorts of windows and roofs they have. It's very clear that they are made of real stone for the most part, and not brick. It's kind of a jolt though, to see "American" places right smack in the middle of things: a Subway, a KFC, a McDonalds! Kind of disorienting--I don't know why, I've always known they are international franchises, but it seems so odd to see them looking so out of place.
A sweet little Scottish gentleman who sat in front of me helped me to know when to get off at the right bus stop.
Well, I was on Minto street, but no sign of Thrums (the hotel), so I kind of pick my way down the street lugging my recalcitrant suitcase (whose wheels have decided to imitate those of a shopping cart) and trying to juggle my train case and my carry-on, which seem to be getting heavier and heavier.
I had nearly convinced myself I was lost. There was a little bench, so I sat down to rest for a few minutes, before moving on.
The very next building after that was Thrums, but I could not see the sign from where I was, due to shrubbery. I feel like an idiot.
They are very nice to me, and allow me to check in a bit early. Time for a nap.
FRI. 9/21 3PM
I wake up, and decide that I'm feeling just a little adventurous, so I decide to go for a walk. I head back up the street in the direction I came from--it's not nearly as far when I'm not dragging luggage along.
There are lots of *little* things that make me to know I'm in a new place, things more subtle than the buildings and the Scottish brogues and other languages I hear around me: I see pigeons walking along the sidewalk with the people, not flying away when anyone comes near; I see people walking their dogs without leashes, the dogs staying right at their heels; also dogs being allowed inside businesses that they wouldn't be in the States; or if they aren't allowed in, they will sit right down next to the door and wait till their owner comes out. I got to see someone's new Lexus being carted off for a parking violation--they didn't tow it, they lifted it up on a crane and lowered it onto a flatbed. Also, the sirens--it's so cool, the police and fire sirens have that sound that they do in the movies and the British TV shows. The taxicabs are *beautiful*--all painted with murals and other designs--very colorful.
I walk and walk and walk, and soon realize I'm kind of hungry. Since I'm all alone, I'm a bit wary about eating in a pub by myself; most of the places seem to be take-away. All the Indian and Chinese restaurants look interesting, but there are certain spices I'm allergic to…
Then--ta-da! I see another KFC! Well, maybe it's not very adventurous after all, but I'm hungry, and I know what I'll get there, so I go in and order a chicken strip dinner.
As I'm eating, this little old lady sits down next to me, and I suppose she can tell I'm American, LOL! because she starts questioning me all about American things--she's so sweet, she hops around from subject to subject, wanting to know about Hilary Clinton and OJ Simpson and Hurricane Katrina and so on. She also tries to tell me about all these cheap places to eat in Edinburgh--including where we are now. Then she asks me very nicely if we have KFCs in America! We had a lovely chat, and she told me her name was Margaret.
I walk back, and I'm really exhausted, but I'm not sleepy. My time's all messed up. I kill some time knitting and flipping the channels on BBC. I was hoping to see some of the cool shows I see some of my British friends on my flist talking about, but it seemed like all I could find were either news, sports, game shows or American re-runs. There was this one kind of cool show about a guy giving away restaurants…
I finally decide to sack out about midnight.
SAT. 9/22 6:10AM
I woke up early; I couldn't figure out how to make the shower work, so I wash up in the basin, and get dressed. I'm too early for breakfast, so I sit in the lobby and knit until it's time.
Breakfast was really nice, and the breakfast room is beautiful--a sort of sunroom sticking out into the back garden, which is green and blooming. When I finished, I took another walk, just about a block, to a shop I'd noticed, where I bought a Diet Coke, and headed back to see if any of our folks had arrived.
Sure enough,![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
ceshaughnessy and her friend Meghann had come. We greet one another eagerly, and sit and talk. Meghann falls asleep in her chair, and ceshaughnessy and I just keep on talking. We get a phone call from marigoldg. She and llinos, along with grey_wonderer and maniac1 and the Knitteds, are stuck in traffic and won't be able to arrive before 4 or 4:30. Even worse is the news that pippinfan1 and her niece, Katie, were bumped from their flight, and cannot arrive until tomorrow.
ceshaughnessy and Meghann and I decide to go get lunch. We walk up the street to a sandwich shop--I have a bacon and brie panneta--and by the time we get back to Thrums, grav_ity and
Amy have arrived.
ceshaughnessy and Meghann and I are sharing a room, so we go up to rest and talk for a while.
SUN. 9/23 Midnight
Wow! What an evening! Gradually, almost everyone arrived.thebeecharmer was a bit late, also having had a flight delay, so marigoldg and llinos went to the airport to pick her up. The rest of us head out to the famous Deacon Brodie's Tavern for The Birthday Party.
The place was jammed with rugby fans. I did mention this was a rugby weekend? It was *packed* to the rafters already, and we heard every sort of accent--Scottish, English, Swedish, German, Canadian. It was all we could do to get up to the room where our reserved table was.
marigoldg and llinos finally arrive with thebeecharmer and SockBoromir and SockPippin, and the Party is soon in full swing! pearl_took1, who was unable to come to the Moot had arranged a surprise for us all--a bagpiper, who came to pipe in the Birthday Cake, complete with sparklers on it, and candles (number candles: 144)! He was assisted by knittedpippin, who had his OWN BAGPIPES! I was very excited about that!
In the absence of Bilbo, KnittedFrodo blew out the candles, after *all* of us--including all the rugby players in the room--who didn't have a clue whose Birthday it was--sang Happy Birthday to Bilbo and Frodo!
We talked and ate, and ate and talked. (I had my first time for fish and chips--lovely, as well as a delicious tomato-and-mozarella salad! Other people had things like "cullen skink"--fish soup--and haggis and smoked salmon) And then we talked and ate some more.
Finally it was time to leave. A few of us were very tired, and went back to the hotel, while the others went off to par-tay some more!!
ceshaughnessy and Meghann and I went to our rooms along with thebeecharmer, and Meghann went to sleep while the rest of us talked about hobbits and LotR and fic until now.
Good night!
SUN. 9/23 7AM
Stupid alarm clock!
SUN. 9/23 10:30
Went down to breakfast, which was wonderful, and then afterwards,thebeecharmer and I went out to the back garden and talked. She's such a sweetie and so funny, and it was great to be talking to another "good ol' Southern gal". Between her Georgia accent and my Mississippi one, we probably sounded like something out of "Steel Magnolias"--except we were talking about hobbits and Boromir and fic…
MON. 9/24 1:05AM
We got a late start going on our sightseeing in Edinburgh, since we waited forpippinfan1 and Katie to be brought in from the airport. Finally,
ceshaughnessy , Meghann, thebeecharmer, pippinfan1 and Katie and I all piled into two taxis, which took us to catch a tour bus. We got to ride on top of a double-decker!! I tell you right now: there are *no* bad views in Edinburgh! The place has something amazing and beautiful to look at in every direction!
We alighted from the bus, and walked towards Edinburgh Castle, doing a bit of shopping on the way. We saw quite a few street buskers. One was a fellow got up in silver make-up and a costume to look like the statue of a knight. He stood perfectly still untilpippinfan1 put some money in his basket, whereupon he "came to life" and gestured for her to come near. He kissed her hand and "knighted" her, before turning back into a "statue". A bit further along was "Braveheart"--a guy in a great kilt, armor and make-up, who was demonstrating some swordfighting techniques. He was very funny, and told us he was a professional stunt man, who had worked in a number of movies and re-enactments. He also told us his "bum" paid for his mortgage, and treated us to the sight of the tattoo on his backside!! (And the reason he said that is because there's this postcard and also some mugs, with a picture of just what he showed us! He gets royalties on the picture, LOL!)
Once we reached the castle, we were joined bygrey_wonderer, maniac1 and goldenxyz. We wandered all over the castle, which was full of amazing things, and had lunch together there.
Finally we headed back, where we saw several more street buskers, including a couple of little kids who had a surprisingly good act, and "our" piper from the night before! He remembered us, and played for us--including Happy Birthday again--which was lovely, sincepippinfan1 and Katie did not get to hear him the night before.
Walked. And walked. And walked. And walked. And walked. And walked. And walked some more--all the way back to the hotel. I really and honestly thought at one point I wouldn't make it, but I did.
Went to the room wherethebeecharmer, pippinfan1, Katie and goldenxyz were staying; and yakked for a while, until marigoldg picked pizzas up for us. Then we went to *our* room to yak.
Now bed! Think I'll be stiff and sore in the morning.
MON. 9/24 5AM
I'm awake. The ibuprofen and the paracetamol I took before I went to sleep has worn off, & I'm definitely feeling the effects of all that walking.
I'm writing in the bathroom so I won't wake up my roommates.
Thinking about slipping into my clothes and going out on the landing to write if I can do it without waking anyone up?
MON. 1:40 PM
We all loaded onto the shuttle bus, and headed for Carbisdale Castle, where we will be staying all week.
We just stopped at a place called Pitlochry, where I've paid 30 pence for the privilege of peeing! (Culture shock!)
We also had fish and chips for lunch--even better than the ones I had at the party!
I love the road signs around here! They are so polite and so cute! They had one that was adorable, for "Elderly people crossing", LOL!grav_ity said it was the sign for "Old lady picking old man's pocket"! 8-D
MON. 4PM
The castle at last!! It's very beautiful and impressive!
OMG! Eight flights of stairs! If this does not kill me, I will be in better shape at the end of the week!
I share a room withthebeecharmer, magicalrachel, goldenxyz, Amy, pippinfan1.
TUES. 11AM
Woke up very early (before 6).thebeecharmer and I went for a walk around the castle and then came back and had showers and went to breakfast. We found a picture on the wall that we are certain is a picture of Wee!Pippin and one of his sisters, Pimpernel, I think!
Afterwards, I went for a walk on the castle grounds withgrey_wonderer and maniac1. GW tried to climb a tree, and we found some good rocks for painting.
I got too cold, finally, and wimped out and come back to the castle. I need to get things ready for the rock painting class.
3PM
The rock painting class was a success, though onlyceshaughnessy, pippinfan1, goldenxyz and Roz, who had joined us the night before.
TUES. 11PM
Just before supper, 2 busloads full of German students arrive, and the castle is suddenly *very* busy!
We had "macaroni cheese" for supper--(they don't say "and")--the best I've ever eaten in my entire life. OMG! It was delicious!
WED. 5AM
Stupid insomnia! I've been awake since about 3AM. Finallythebeecharmer and Amy get up to go to the bathroom, so I do too. Now I'm sitting in the toilet writing. I'm homesick and I miss my DH. We've never been this far apart for this long.
If it wasn't so far away, I'd go to one of the sitting rooms. I wish I wasn't so out of shape. *sigh*
8AM
After breakfast we are to load up and go to Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle.
Loch Ness is *HUGE!* No sighting of Nessie, but the views are spectacular! I am stunned by how beautiful Scotland is, everywhere you go, there is something lovely to see!
Urquhart Castle was v. interesting! It was fascinating to imagine it before it was all ruins. But it was freezing cold, andgrey_wonderer, goldenxyz and I were late getting back to the bus. *hangs head*
We went to a pub in Inverness for lunch. Unfortunately, I got a little bit sick, and wasn't able to finish eating. Found a really cool bookstore, but no time to explore it. *sigh*
Tomorrow at 11 we are going out again; I'm really tired and may stay here--I really need to do laundry.
10PM
Found out the laundry's off limits until 5PM, so I'm going ahead and doing it tonight. The dryer is 2 pounds for 6 minutes! But someone kindly shows me the "drying room". I hope everything's dry in the morning.
THURS. 5AM
Woke up with my back hurting, so I took my pillows to one of the sitting rooms and fell asleep on one of the sofas.
THURS. 6PM
Since my clothes were done, I went with everyone on the outing after all. We went to a place called Shin Falls, that were really beautiful, and then took our time going back--we just pulled over and piled out anytime we saw something we wanted to take pictures of.
There were these really neat ruins--seems to have been a mill once, because there's a millstone. We also stop to look at someone's garden--a picturesque croft with this *AMAZING* garden in front!thebeecharmer and I can't get enough of it, and we take all kinds of pics. I've never seen broccoli so big, or such nice peas and leeks, and there were raspberries as big as my thumb!!
Then we go on to the North Sea, wheremarigoldg is able to talk me into taking off my shoes and socks along with everyone else, and wading in the icy cold water! The sea here is so different from the ones I'm used to at home--it looks very *wild* somehow. I love it!
Now we are getting ready for the Party downstairs at supper. We'll wear our hobbit costumes, because the ceilledh is tonight!
FRI. 5:30 AM
The paid internet in the library is out of order. *sigh*
Last night was so much fun! At supper, we were all in our costumes, andllinos performed Bilbo's Farewell Speech, which I thought a wonderful touch, and we all had genuine "crackers" to pull, with little prizes in them, and paper crowns!
Those busloads of German kids? They were a Youth Symphony Orchestra! So we were treated to a free concert before the ceilledh! They were so good--very very talented young people! And most of the kids joined us for the dancing afterwards!
I danced several dances, though the only one I already knew was "Gey Gordon" which they did just slightly different than I knew. But the steps were familiar enough for me to catch on, if not completely keep up! All of our "Persons of the Textile Persuasion" were there, andknittedmerry and knittedpippin led the musicians! I used my new digital video camera, and I am crossing my fingers that I did it right and that the pictures came out!!
Today we are going into Inverness for some shopping, and then to the battlefield of Culloden. Tonight we are going back out to the North Sea for some fireworks.
SAT. 6AM
Yesterday was lots of fun--we got to go back to Inverness, and we went to a mall there. You know, malls are malls, but this one was very nice! Then we went to the bookstore that I found the other day, and spent ages looking at the books. Since the castle *DOES NOT HAVE LOTR* we picked up some used copies to give to them there!
Culloden was very sad--it reminded me of some of the Civil War battlegrounds I have seen in Mississippi.
Last night I finally got a chance to talk tomarigoldg about fic and hobbits! We were also joined for a while by llinos and we talked until nearly midnight.
But I couldn't sleep at all. About 4AM I got up and went into the restroom and painted rocks! Then I came down to the Library to write in this journal.
SUN. 9/30 NEWARK AIRPORT
Wow! I'm getting a chance, finally to catch my breath and write in this again.
Yesterday was so weird. We had to say good-bye to several who were leaving us--Amy left yesterday, and Roz this morning. We drove on to a place called Kingussie for lunch, where we all took pictures together in a parking lot.
Then we drove on towards Edinburgh.angiet's sweetie Adi was driving, as he had been all week, poor guy! He was the only guy amongst all us women! But he was so patient.
Things were going swimmingly until we got near the bridge leading into the city, where we saw signs telling us of a 1 hour traffic delay due to construction work; then once we got into the city, we had to hurry, becausegrav_ity and magicalrachel had to catch a train for their destinations. We let them off with barely enough time to tell them good-bye!!
Lettinggrav_ity leave may have been a mistake--she was our navigator, and without her we were soon literally lost! Very, very, very lost! We drove round the city in circles, trying to figure out where we were, because without knowing that, the map was useless. Poor Adi! We were all completely hopeless. Finally we were able to get hold of marigold on her mobile phone, and after much circling, we found her and picked her up, and after a good deal more driving up and down, we finally found the B&B where ceshaughnessy, goldenxyz, pippinfan1, Katie, Meghann and I were to stay.
We were all pretty tired, and having to argue with the manager, who wanted to charge us nearly a hundred pounds more than the agreed upon price did not help any. That finally got straightened out, but not before it upset most of us. By now it's getting late, and we're all hungry, and it'spippinfan1's birthday. We decide to walk up and find a pub to eat supper. So we walked--and every pub we tried was either too crowded or too expensive; we tried a couple of regular restaurants, but they were also too crowded. We walked and walked and got more and more disappointed.
Finally we gave up and decided on take-away.ceshaughnessy, goldenxyz and I decided on pizza, and the others went for Chinese, and so we went back to the B&B.
I didn't sleep too well--had to be up at 5AM to catch a cab at 6AM for the airport.thebeecharmer decided to come with pippinfan1 and Katie and me, just so she could visit with us a little longer, but the others had later flights.
I couldn't sit with the others on the plane--they were a couple of rows back, but I think we were all pretty tired. We had a little time together in Newark, and had some root beer floats before they had to hurry to catch their plane.
Now I'm sitting here waiting for my plane to be called and catching this up.
MONDAY 10/1
Home at last! My plane came in right on time yesterday, and all was going very well until I got to the baggage carousel. They've lost my train case, with all my make-up, my toothbrush, my jewelry (nothing expensive, but special all the same). I've put in a claim for it, and they seem to think it will be found. I certainly hope so.
It was *very* good to sleep in my own bed with my husband last night!
________________________
And just to let everyone know, my missing luggage was returned to me yesterday afternoon.
I hope that I will soon be able to show all of you some of the many pics that were taken!
And to all my fellow Mooters: I miss all of y'all already! (((((hugs))))) to all of of you! You were *so* awesome, and it was wonderful to finally get to meet you!
It was so very cool to meet all of my fellow Mooters, and to see the beautiful land of Scotland.
So, without further ado, my report of the full experience is behind the cut...
MY SCOT MOOT 2007 DIARY
THURS. 9/20, 8:50 AM
I'm on board and the plane is getting ready to take off. Already I've had two Adventures: I set off the metal detector and had to be searched (thanks to my hair barrettes!) and I nearly missed the plane due to going to the wrong gate!
The plane is moving now, and I should be in Houston in less than an hour.
Airborne! I haven't flown since the Easter of 1976. I forgot about the lovely feeling of being outside of time, neither here nor there. Nice!
THURS. 9/20 9:50 AM
I'm in Houston, and my jacket has already netted me one LotR conversation with someone. I walked all the way to terminal E with him, as we discussed LotR, both books and movies. He told me he has just finished reading The Hobbit out loud to his 10-year-old son, & that they are fixing to start on the trilogy next.
I have 3 ½ hours to kill until my next flight.
THURS. 9/20 6:55 PM (Eastern time)
Well, the flight from Houston to Newark was uncomfortable to say the least. I very carefully went to the restroom before boarding, but no sooner had I sat down than I began to feel the urge. I waited…and waited…and waited…for the "fasten seat belt" sign to go off, so I could go to the lavatory. I finally got the chance about a half-hour into the flight. I had not been back in my seat 5 minutes, until I felt like I needed to go again. 3 trips to the bathroom later, we landed, & the first thing I had to do was look for the restroom.
NOTE TO SELF: On my way home, do not take lasix (a diuretic) before flying.
FRI. 9/21 Who knows what time?
Somewhere over the Atlantic. I can't seem to wrap my brain around the time changes.
Nothing to see out the window right now but darkness; but before that, I enjoyed the take-off; had a brief glimpse of the NYCity skyline, and the ocean below. I'm sitting next to a mother and daughter. The daughter's heading to Scotland to go to school. Very sweet people from Atlanta.
FRI. 9/21 8:00AM (Edinburgh time)
I've gained (or lost--not sure which) about 5 hours.
The flight was shorter than I thought it would be, but I'm now in Scotland and my passport has been stamped! I found paid internet access in the terminal, so was able to let everyone know I'd arrived okay.
I'm getting really tired of my luggage. It's heavy.
LATER ON, SAME MORNING
I finally got up the nerve to leave the airport and catch the bus. I rode standing up holding on to the little hand thingies. I did this for two reasons: my bottom was very tired of sitting for all those hours on the plane, and also, I'd never ridden a bus standing up before. But when I change busses I decide to sit down, because awesome as the view is when I stand, I really prefer to keep my arms in their sockets.
The buildings are amazing--it's so clear that I am in another country now. I love looking at how old they all are, and the sorts of windows and roofs they have. It's very clear that they are made of real stone for the most part, and not brick. It's kind of a jolt though, to see "American" places right smack in the middle of things: a Subway, a KFC, a McDonalds! Kind of disorienting--I don't know why, I've always known they are international franchises, but it seems so odd to see them looking so out of place.
A sweet little Scottish gentleman who sat in front of me helped me to know when to get off at the right bus stop.
Well, I was on Minto street, but no sign of Thrums (the hotel), so I kind of pick my way down the street lugging my recalcitrant suitcase (whose wheels have decided to imitate those of a shopping cart) and trying to juggle my train case and my carry-on, which seem to be getting heavier and heavier.
I had nearly convinced myself I was lost. There was a little bench, so I sat down to rest for a few minutes, before moving on.
The very next building after that was Thrums, but I could not see the sign from where I was, due to shrubbery. I feel like an idiot.
They are very nice to me, and allow me to check in a bit early. Time for a nap.
FRI. 9/21 3PM
I wake up, and decide that I'm feeling just a little adventurous, so I decide to go for a walk. I head back up the street in the direction I came from--it's not nearly as far when I'm not dragging luggage along.
There are lots of *little* things that make me to know I'm in a new place, things more subtle than the buildings and the Scottish brogues and other languages I hear around me: I see pigeons walking along the sidewalk with the people, not flying away when anyone comes near; I see people walking their dogs without leashes, the dogs staying right at their heels; also dogs being allowed inside businesses that they wouldn't be in the States; or if they aren't allowed in, they will sit right down next to the door and wait till their owner comes out. I got to see someone's new Lexus being carted off for a parking violation--they didn't tow it, they lifted it up on a crane and lowered it onto a flatbed. Also, the sirens--it's so cool, the police and fire sirens have that sound that they do in the movies and the British TV shows. The taxicabs are *beautiful*--all painted with murals and other designs--very colorful.
I walk and walk and walk, and soon realize I'm kind of hungry. Since I'm all alone, I'm a bit wary about eating in a pub by myself; most of the places seem to be take-away. All the Indian and Chinese restaurants look interesting, but there are certain spices I'm allergic to…
Then--ta-da! I see another KFC! Well, maybe it's not very adventurous after all, but I'm hungry, and I know what I'll get there, so I go in and order a chicken strip dinner.
As I'm eating, this little old lady sits down next to me, and I suppose she can tell I'm American, LOL! because she starts questioning me all about American things--she's so sweet, she hops around from subject to subject, wanting to know about Hilary Clinton and OJ Simpson and Hurricane Katrina and so on. She also tries to tell me about all these cheap places to eat in Edinburgh--including where we are now. Then she asks me very nicely if we have KFCs in America! We had a lovely chat, and she told me her name was Margaret.
I walk back, and I'm really exhausted, but I'm not sleepy. My time's all messed up. I kill some time knitting and flipping the channels on BBC. I was hoping to see some of the cool shows I see some of my British friends on my flist talking about, but it seemed like all I could find were either news, sports, game shows or American re-runs. There was this one kind of cool show about a guy giving away restaurants…
I finally decide to sack out about midnight.
SAT. 9/22 6:10AM
I woke up early; I couldn't figure out how to make the shower work, so I wash up in the basin, and get dressed. I'm too early for breakfast, so I sit in the lobby and knit until it's time.
Breakfast was really nice, and the breakfast room is beautiful--a sort of sunroom sticking out into the back garden, which is green and blooming. When I finished, I took another walk, just about a block, to a shop I'd noticed, where I bought a Diet Coke, and headed back to see if any of our folks had arrived.
Sure enough,
ceshaughnessy and her friend Meghann had come. We greet one another eagerly, and sit and talk. Meghann falls asleep in her chair, and ceshaughnessy and I just keep on talking. We get a phone call from marigoldg. She and llinos, along with grey_wonderer and maniac1 and the Knitteds, are stuck in traffic and won't be able to arrive before 4 or 4:30. Even worse is the news that pippinfan1 and her niece, Katie, were bumped from their flight, and cannot arrive until tomorrow.ceshaughnessy and Meghann and I decide to go get lunch. We walk up the street to a sandwich shop--I have a bacon and brie panneta--and by the time we get back to Thrums, grav_ity andAmy have arrived.
ceshaughnessy and Meghann and I are sharing a room, so we go up to rest and talk for a while.SUN. 9/23 Midnight
Wow! What an evening! Gradually, almost everyone arrived.
thebeecharmer was a bit late, also having had a flight delay, so marigoldg and llinos went to the airport to pick her up. The rest of us head out to the famous Deacon Brodie's Tavern for The Birthday Party.The place was jammed with rugby fans. I did mention this was a rugby weekend? It was *packed* to the rafters already, and we heard every sort of accent--Scottish, English, Swedish, German, Canadian. It was all we could do to get up to the room where our reserved table was.
marigoldg and llinos finally arrive with thebeecharmer and SockBoromir and SockPippin, and the Party is soon in full swing! pearl_took1, who was unable to come to the Moot had arranged a surprise for us all--a bagpiper, who came to pipe in the Birthday Cake, complete with sparklers on it, and candles (number candles: 144)! He was assisted by knittedpippin, who had his OWN BAGPIPES! I was very excited about that!In the absence of Bilbo, KnittedFrodo blew out the candles, after *all* of us--including all the rugby players in the room--who didn't have a clue whose Birthday it was--sang Happy Birthday to Bilbo and Frodo!
We talked and ate, and ate and talked. (I had my first time for fish and chips--lovely, as well as a delicious tomato-and-mozarella salad! Other people had things like "cullen skink"--fish soup--and haggis and smoked salmon) And then we talked and ate some more.
Finally it was time to leave. A few of us were very tired, and went back to the hotel, while the others went off to par-tay some more!!
ceshaughnessy and Meghann and I went to our rooms along with thebeecharmer, and Meghann went to sleep while the rest of us talked about hobbits and LotR and fic until now.Good night!
SUN. 9/23 7AM
Stupid alarm clock!
SUN. 9/23 10:30
Went down to breakfast, which was wonderful, and then afterwards,
thebeecharmer and I went out to the back garden and talked. She's such a sweetie and so funny, and it was great to be talking to another "good ol' Southern gal". Between her Georgia accent and my Mississippi one, we probably sounded like something out of "Steel Magnolias"--except we were talking about hobbits and Boromir and fic…MON. 9/24 1:05AM
We got a late start going on our sightseeing in Edinburgh, since we waited for
pippinfan1 and Katie to be brought in from the airport. Finally, ceshaughnessy , Meghann, thebeecharmer, pippinfan1 and Katie and I all piled into two taxis, which took us to catch a tour bus. We got to ride on top of a double-decker!! I tell you right now: there are *no* bad views in Edinburgh! The place has something amazing and beautiful to look at in every direction!We alighted from the bus, and walked towards Edinburgh Castle, doing a bit of shopping on the way. We saw quite a few street buskers. One was a fellow got up in silver make-up and a costume to look like the statue of a knight. He stood perfectly still until
pippinfan1 put some money in his basket, whereupon he "came to life" and gestured for her to come near. He kissed her hand and "knighted" her, before turning back into a "statue". A bit further along was "Braveheart"--a guy in a great kilt, armor and make-up, who was demonstrating some swordfighting techniques. He was very funny, and told us he was a professional stunt man, who had worked in a number of movies and re-enactments. He also told us his "bum" paid for his mortgage, and treated us to the sight of the tattoo on his backside!! (And the reason he said that is because there's this postcard and also some mugs, with a picture of just what he showed us! He gets royalties on the picture, LOL!) Once we reached the castle, we were joined by
grey_wonderer, maniac1 and goldenxyz. We wandered all over the castle, which was full of amazing things, and had lunch together there.Finally we headed back, where we saw several more street buskers, including a couple of little kids who had a surprisingly good act, and "our" piper from the night before! He remembered us, and played for us--including Happy Birthday again--which was lovely, since
pippinfan1 and Katie did not get to hear him the night before.Walked. And walked. And walked. And walked. And walked. And walked. And walked some more--all the way back to the hotel. I really and honestly thought at one point I wouldn't make it, but I did.
Went to the room where
thebeecharmer, pippinfan1, Katie and goldenxyz were staying; and yakked for a while, until marigoldg picked pizzas up for us. Then we went to *our* room to yak.Now bed! Think I'll be stiff and sore in the morning.
MON. 9/24 5AM
I'm awake. The ibuprofen and the paracetamol I took before I went to sleep has worn off, & I'm definitely feeling the effects of all that walking.
I'm writing in the bathroom so I won't wake up my roommates.
Thinking about slipping into my clothes and going out on the landing to write if I can do it without waking anyone up?
MON. 1:40 PM
We all loaded onto the shuttle bus, and headed for Carbisdale Castle, where we will be staying all week.
We just stopped at a place called Pitlochry, where I've paid 30 pence for the privilege of peeing! (Culture shock!)
We also had fish and chips for lunch--even better than the ones I had at the party!
I love the road signs around here! They are so polite and so cute! They had one that was adorable, for "Elderly people crossing", LOL!
grav_ity said it was the sign for "Old lady picking old man's pocket"! 8-DMON. 4PM
The castle at last!! It's very beautiful and impressive!
OMG! Eight flights of stairs! If this does not kill me, I will be in better shape at the end of the week!
I share a room with
thebeecharmer, magicalrachel, goldenxyz, Amy, pippinfan1. TUES. 11AM
Woke up very early (before 6).
thebeecharmer and I went for a walk around the castle and then came back and had showers and went to breakfast. We found a picture on the wall that we are certain is a picture of Wee!Pippin and one of his sisters, Pimpernel, I think!Afterwards, I went for a walk on the castle grounds with
grey_wonderer and maniac1. GW tried to climb a tree, and we found some good rocks for painting.I got too cold, finally, and wimped out and come back to the castle. I need to get things ready for the rock painting class.
3PM
The rock painting class was a success, though only
ceshaughnessy, pippinfan1, goldenxyz and Roz, who had joined us the night before.TUES. 11PM
Just before supper, 2 busloads full of German students arrive, and the castle is suddenly *very* busy!
We had "macaroni cheese" for supper--(they don't say "and")--the best I've ever eaten in my entire life. OMG! It was delicious!
WED. 5AM
Stupid insomnia! I've been awake since about 3AM. Finally
thebeecharmer and Amy get up to go to the bathroom, so I do too. Now I'm sitting in the toilet writing. I'm homesick and I miss my DH. We've never been this far apart for this long. If it wasn't so far away, I'd go to one of the sitting rooms. I wish I wasn't so out of shape. *sigh*
8AM
After breakfast we are to load up and go to Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle.
Loch Ness is *HUGE!* No sighting of Nessie, but the views are spectacular! I am stunned by how beautiful Scotland is, everywhere you go, there is something lovely to see!
Urquhart Castle was v. interesting! It was fascinating to imagine it before it was all ruins. But it was freezing cold, and
grey_wonderer, goldenxyz and I were late getting back to the bus. *hangs head*We went to a pub in Inverness for lunch. Unfortunately, I got a little bit sick, and wasn't able to finish eating. Found a really cool bookstore, but no time to explore it. *sigh*
Tomorrow at 11 we are going out again; I'm really tired and may stay here--I really need to do laundry.
10PM
Found out the laundry's off limits until 5PM, so I'm going ahead and doing it tonight. The dryer is 2 pounds for 6 minutes! But someone kindly shows me the "drying room". I hope everything's dry in the morning.
THURS. 5AM
Woke up with my back hurting, so I took my pillows to one of the sitting rooms and fell asleep on one of the sofas.
THURS. 6PM
Since my clothes were done, I went with everyone on the outing after all. We went to a place called Shin Falls, that were really beautiful, and then took our time going back--we just pulled over and piled out anytime we saw something we wanted to take pictures of.
There were these really neat ruins--seems to have been a mill once, because there's a millstone. We also stop to look at someone's garden--a picturesque croft with this *AMAZING* garden in front!
thebeecharmer and I can't get enough of it, and we take all kinds of pics. I've never seen broccoli so big, or such nice peas and leeks, and there were raspberries as big as my thumb!!Then we go on to the North Sea, where
marigoldg is able to talk me into taking off my shoes and socks along with everyone else, and wading in the icy cold water! The sea here is so different from the ones I'm used to at home--it looks very *wild* somehow. I love it!Now we are getting ready for the Party downstairs at supper. We'll wear our hobbit costumes, because the ceilledh is tonight!
FRI. 5:30 AM
The paid internet in the library is out of order. *sigh*
Last night was so much fun! At supper, we were all in our costumes, and
llinos performed Bilbo's Farewell Speech, which I thought a wonderful touch, and we all had genuine "crackers" to pull, with little prizes in them, and paper crowns!Those busloads of German kids? They were a Youth Symphony Orchestra! So we were treated to a free concert before the ceilledh! They were so good--very very talented young people! And most of the kids joined us for the dancing afterwards!
I danced several dances, though the only one I already knew was "Gey Gordon" which they did just slightly different than I knew. But the steps were familiar enough for me to catch on, if not completely keep up! All of our "Persons of the Textile Persuasion" were there, and
knittedmerry and knittedpippin led the musicians! I used my new digital video camera, and I am crossing my fingers that I did it right and that the pictures came out!!Today we are going into Inverness for some shopping, and then to the battlefield of Culloden. Tonight we are going back out to the North Sea for some fireworks.
SAT. 6AM
Yesterday was lots of fun--we got to go back to Inverness, and we went to a mall there. You know, malls are malls, but this one was very nice! Then we went to the bookstore that I found the other day, and spent ages looking at the books. Since the castle *DOES NOT HAVE LOTR* we picked up some used copies to give to them there!
Culloden was very sad--it reminded me of some of the Civil War battlegrounds I have seen in Mississippi.
Last night I finally got a chance to talk to
marigoldg about fic and hobbits! We were also joined for a while by llinos and we talked until nearly midnight.But I couldn't sleep at all. About 4AM I got up and went into the restroom and painted rocks! Then I came down to the Library to write in this journal.
SUN. 9/30 NEWARK AIRPORT
Wow! I'm getting a chance, finally to catch my breath and write in this again.
Yesterday was so weird. We had to say good-bye to several who were leaving us--Amy left yesterday, and Roz this morning. We drove on to a place called Kingussie for lunch, where we all took pictures together in a parking lot.
Then we drove on towards Edinburgh.
angiet's sweetie Adi was driving, as he had been all week, poor guy! He was the only guy amongst all us women! But he was so patient.Things were going swimmingly until we got near the bridge leading into the city, where we saw signs telling us of a 1 hour traffic delay due to construction work; then once we got into the city, we had to hurry, because
grav_ity and magicalrachel had to catch a train for their destinations. We let them off with barely enough time to tell them good-bye!!Letting
grav_ity leave may have been a mistake--she was our navigator, and without her we were soon literally lost! Very, very, very lost! We drove round the city in circles, trying to figure out where we were, because without knowing that, the map was useless. Poor Adi! We were all completely hopeless. Finally we were able to get hold of marigold on her mobile phone, and after much circling, we found her and picked her up, and after a good deal more driving up and down, we finally found the B&B where ceshaughnessy, goldenxyz, pippinfan1, Katie, Meghann and I were to stay.We were all pretty tired, and having to argue with the manager, who wanted to charge us nearly a hundred pounds more than the agreed upon price did not help any. That finally got straightened out, but not before it upset most of us. By now it's getting late, and we're all hungry, and it's
pippinfan1's birthday. We decide to walk up and find a pub to eat supper. So we walked--and every pub we tried was either too crowded or too expensive; we tried a couple of regular restaurants, but they were also too crowded. We walked and walked and got more and more disappointed.Finally we gave up and decided on take-away.
ceshaughnessy, goldenxyz and I decided on pizza, and the others went for Chinese, and so we went back to the B&B. I didn't sleep too well--had to be up at 5AM to catch a cab at 6AM for the airport.
thebeecharmer decided to come with pippinfan1 and Katie and me, just so she could visit with us a little longer, but the others had later flights.I couldn't sit with the others on the plane--they were a couple of rows back, but I think we were all pretty tired. We had a little time together in Newark, and had some root beer floats before they had to hurry to catch their plane.
Now I'm sitting here waiting for my plane to be called and catching this up.
MONDAY 10/1
Home at last! My plane came in right on time yesterday, and all was going very well until I got to the baggage carousel. They've lost my train case, with all my make-up, my toothbrush, my jewelry (nothing expensive, but special all the same). I've put in a claim for it, and they seem to think it will be found. I certainly hope so.
It was *very* good to sleep in my own bed with my husband last night!
________________________
And just to let everyone know, my missing luggage was returned to me yesterday afternoon.
I hope that I will soon be able to show all of you some of the many pics that were taken!
And to all my fellow Mooters: I miss all of y'all already! (((((hugs))))) to all of of you! You were *so* awesome, and it was wonderful to finally get to meet you!
