Messages from Scotland
Some final thoughts about Scotland
I have now been back from my trip for several months and have had time to reflect on the land and people of Scotland. Before my trip I knew very little about the country and I came away with an active amazement for the daily variety around me. We saw a city with one foot in the Middle Ages and the other in modern times, deep forests with cool rivers, peaceful green fields dotted with sheep and cattle, blue, blue oceans, and barren hills and mountains. At least one day we saw all of those within a 24 hour period. Such a lovely place!
Ah, the people of Scotland. They were formed by a long history of struggle and strife, a rugged terrain and many conflicts defending the land. As a result they are tough and resilient and reserved. I found the clan history fascinating as well as the modern personality. They were reserved upon initial contact but friendly and sometimes chatty if I made an effort to engage them. I could feel the angst in the music I heard and the stories of the clans and wars across the rugged land. I was glad to see bits of the old culture--kilts, bagpipes, Gaelic words, and tales of highland games-- still holding on in modern times.
And, did I mention all the castles? It was funny, it seemed like there was a new one each day (a bit of an exaggeration, but not a lot!). Somehow each was different and had its own charm. Older, newer, ruined, isolated, in town, royal and clanish. Scotland could be called Castleland. Shows how the feudal times were---leaders needing a stone fortified dwelling to protect themselves and their people.
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Message to Martha
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