Hi, Charlie. Scotland is one of my favourite countries in the world. I've only been there once, but it was three weeks filled with adventure and about 60 miles of walking with one of my best pals from university. She and I both chose Scotland to celebrate our graduations. One of my best friends for over 30 years lives there now, near Inverness with his family. Another one just sent me a postcard from Glasgow, mentioning how much he likes it and wouldn't mind living there. He lives north of London, in Berkshire.
Need to visit Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle next time. On my only visit in May of 1981, it was "Sorry, Princess Margaret (Queen Elizabeth's sister) is in residence at Holyrood, no tours today." Next it was "Princess Margaret is inspecting the guard at Edinburgh Castle, no tours today." So I had to settle for one of the biggest "Refuse the Cruise" anti-nuclear missile protests I had ever seen in my life. That was much more exciting than old houses and castles... and they made their point. No US missile bases in Scotland, that can launch nuclear-warhead equipped cruise missiles, ever. And that was in 1981. Scotland has remained nuclear weapons-free for over 40 years. Long may it continue to be so.
Regarding your first point and the positive interactions with strangers, I remember hearing on Sam Harris’ podcast that there is scientific data to back this. People who have more conversations with stranger tend to report being happier. Such a simple, free thing that we can all easily do to make our lives better. These feel even better when it’s with someone in another country too!
I loved reading this! We currently live in a place without a lot of outdoor options and when we were on vacation last week, I noticed just how much I was enjoying having a porch and spending so much time outside. Also laughing at how late is gets dark in the north in the summer. I visited the Northeast for the first time when I met my husband and it was November, and I couldn't believe how it would only truly be light for like 3 hours a day 😂
Sounds like you’re having a wonderful time in Scotland, Charlie. What a tonic!
I’d love to visit one day so reading posts like these is just so exciting for me. Thanks for sharing! 😊
Hi, Charlie. Scotland is one of my favourite countries in the world. I've only been there once, but it was three weeks filled with adventure and about 60 miles of walking with one of my best pals from university. She and I both chose Scotland to celebrate our graduations. One of my best friends for over 30 years lives there now, near Inverness with his family. Another one just sent me a postcard from Glasgow, mentioning how much he likes it and wouldn't mind living there. He lives north of London, in Berkshire.
Need to visit Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle next time. On my only visit in May of 1981, it was "Sorry, Princess Margaret (Queen Elizabeth's sister) is in residence at Holyrood, no tours today." Next it was "Princess Margaret is inspecting the guard at Edinburgh Castle, no tours today." So I had to settle for one of the biggest "Refuse the Cruise" anti-nuclear missile protests I had ever seen in my life. That was much more exciting than old houses and castles... and they made their point. No US missile bases in Scotland, that can launch nuclear-warhead equipped cruise missiles, ever. And that was in 1981. Scotland has remained nuclear weapons-free for over 40 years. Long may it continue to be so.
Regarding your first point and the positive interactions with strangers, I remember hearing on Sam Harris’ podcast that there is scientific data to back this. People who have more conversations with stranger tend to report being happier. Such a simple, free thing that we can all easily do to make our lives better. These feel even better when it’s with someone in another country too!
I loved reading this! We currently live in a place without a lot of outdoor options and when we were on vacation last week, I noticed just how much I was enjoying having a porch and spending so much time outside. Also laughing at how late is gets dark in the north in the summer. I visited the Northeast for the first time when I met my husband and it was November, and I couldn't believe how it would only truly be light for like 3 hours a day 😂
Lovely read. Thank you ❤️