"Scotland the Brave, or, "Wha daur meddle... " a Scotland Travel Page by flyingscot4

Scotland is known for the awe-inspiring and majestic desolation of her highlands, the civility and refinement found in Edinburgh and Glasgow, the windswept and wild West coast, the "Water of Life," the thrift of her people, the questionable embrace of what should be an inedible substance, the wind, the rain, her music, her oral and written poetry, prose, and history, and the friendliness and intelligence of her people. Scotland is all of this and so much more. Scots don't try be anything but what they are: a proud and hardy people with a glorious, and brutal history filled with heroes and villains (mostly English) and an ancient system of honor that has somehow been overlooked by the rest of mankind. The old mythology which has been handed down for centuries includes hauntings, murders, terrible battles (a few glorious wins and a lot of heinous losses), even a monster whose existence has yet to be disproved. While this country with a population of only five million is small in size and number, she has had a giant impact in both the technology and economics of our existing world. In all, Scotland is a country of paradoxes and parallels with her own distinct and independent personality, and a huge heart.

Scotland's weather is indeed character building. Edinburgh is said to have as many days without rain as Rome. That is very misleading. Scottish weather, especially in the West, is changeable so quickly that tourists are advised not to go to some places alone. The Cuillins Mountains on the Isle of Skye are considered as difficult climbs even though they are less than 3500 feet. The winds can blow at 70 mph when 15 minutes before, it was bright and sunny. I have personally experienced the two block walk from the hostel to the ferry on Kyleakin which took 45 minutes because of the wind. Seven of us missed the ferry by half an hour (and yes, the ferry, which has since been replaced with a bridge, was still running). Besides the wind, there is the "Scottish mist," a fog of great density that can come up suddenly and without warning. Climbers and trekkers, BEWARE.

While the weather is so changeable, it is indescribably beautiful. This photograph totally unenhanced.

The capitol of Scotland, Edinburgh is my favorite city in the world. It is a city with wonderful history, a magnificent palace (still in use by the Queen of England), one of the world's truly spectacular working castles, an Old Town filled with history, a beautiful Georgian New Town, and lots more. Edinburgh is a great example of a city of which one never tires. Most of all, it is a truly "fun" city to visit.

Edinburgh prides itself on its authenticity. The people are very friendly and love the "Yanks" best of all the tourists. Perhaps this is due to the fact the we can understand a little of the conversation. At times the Scottish "burr" (not a brogue, that's Irish) is so thick that it really does not sound like English. If you don't believe that, spend a few hours in a pub in the Kingdom of Fife or in Glasgow.

Edinburgh is a walking city. The Old Town and New Town are separated by the Princess Street Gardens. There is nothing difficult to reach by foot ("Arthur's Seat" and "Calton Hill" may be exceptions for some) and there is plenty to see. Edinburgh is a city to be savored. It cannot be truly appreciated on a whirlwind tour. It is a city of great beauty and art as well as wonderful history. You will see men who are always "in Kilt" and always ready to defend the garment. Mostly, Edinburgh is a city of wonderment to me.