antz's VirtualTourist Home Page

'A HIGHLAND WELCOME'
When Death's dark stream I ferry o'er
(A time that surely shall come)
A Heaven itself I'll ask no more
Than just a Highland welcome.
ROBERT BURNS

I don't think that anyone can better describe the people of Scotland than the famous Scottish Bard - Robert Burns. They are the friendliest bunch of people on this earth. No matter where you go, you will always be made welcome.

I am from the north west coast of Scotland, and although I spent 6 years in Glasgow and loved every minute of it, I felt the desire to return to my roots, and have moved back to the Highlands. If you ever do anything in your life, make sure it is to visit the Highlands of Scotland, they will capture your heart as they have mine.

I was brought up in a wee Scottish village - a very rural upbringing. I remember spending most of my time running about the hills, climbing trees and making dens in haysheds. I was very lucky, and if I have kids, I would love for them to be brought up in the same sort of surroundings that I was - able to play outside without the worries of them being accosted by strangers, or run over in the street. Free to use their imagination...

I started working when I was 12 (only part time - I was still at school) but because of that have always been a very independent character. I believe that independence is very important in life. I could never rely on someone else for everything. This independence has allowed me to travel on my own, and taught me a lot.

Also, I love to learn. I went to University where for some reason (which I am sure was a good one at the time - if only I could remember it?!) I decided to study Politics and Sociology, gaining a BA Hons. I then went on to study long distance to become a Microsoft Certified Network Engineer (which I have put on a backburner) and gained my CompTIA A+ qualification. Now, I just don't know what I want to do. I do believe that we learn new things every day - and that these are the most important things (although they may not seem to be of much consequence at the time).

Travel is an interesting thing. It can mean many different things, and everyone does it for a different reason. I never went abroad until I was 16, when I went to Russia on a school exchange. I had seen some parts of the UK when my parents had taken me on holiday, but going to Russia was a real eye-opener. That is what gave me the travel bug!

Since then, I have always tried to experience different cultures, and although so far I have not been to many countries, they do tend to vary quite widely. When I travel, I try to get the touristy things out of the way at the beginning. Although I enjoy visiting churches and castles, I really travel so that I can meet the people and see the way they live. This is what makes traveling for me. In 2004 for the first time, I went abroad on my own. It was the best experience I have ever had. I went somewhere that I had previously been with my family, where I had made some friends and had 'been there, done that'. This time, I lived almost like a local - eating in 'local' cafes and just enjoying myself in their company. It was great, and I really had to tear myself away to come home.

There is so much 'out there' to see, and I want to see it all. From photographing polar bears to diving in the tropics - one thing I am sure of in my life is that I will spend the rest of my time endeavouring to 'live my life'!