Our last leg of the trip was joining a 3D2N tour with Timberbush to Isle of Skye. And I guess I was most excited about this trip cause I was finally going to see the real beauty of Scotland! I don't even know why I decided on this tour, as I normally don't join tours. I don't even know anything about Isle of Skye when I booked the tour! It was just something I've perhaps heard off in my subconscious mind. Another theory could also be, I thought it was the island that Luke Skywalker was stuck on in Rogue One.....
So on the day of the tour, we got up early, and took a Uber to Castle Terrace where the tour company would meet us. An Uber! I was surprised that my account was still active! And it was surprisingly quite affordable and helped solved the issue of how to transport our luggage with us going up and down the roads of Edinburgh! At Castle Terrace, we were met with our guide Jada, and off we went when everyone was there. Day 1 was only going to be driving all the way to Isle of Skye! Lovely gloomy weather to set out! It was slightly drizzling when we set off.
It was our first time leaving Edinburgh. It was exciting! To see the country side!
We drove passed a few famous landmark along the way. I think above here is Stirling Castle. I read it's one of the best castle in Scotland. Yet somehow, nothing seems to draw me to visit it (yet).
We also drove passed the Kelpies, two horse metallic sculpture we saw by the highways. It was also a famous sight, but it was way out of Edinburgh and also never drew my attention to spend time visiting it. I think I would only go out of my way to see natural sights, or maybe something of special interest to me. But again, it was a bonus that I managed to see this on my 1st day with the tour! Also a special mention, there are no tolls to use the highway in Scotland, isn't that something?
We were all given a map of the Highlands by our guide. As the ride was going to be long, we were told to study it and let the guide know which point of interest we would like to visit. I was shocked. I thought this tour was going to follow the itinerary specified? But since I was already on the bus, no refund for me now! We will just make do. Hopefully those in the group also wanted to see the same thing as me. Hopefully....
The first town we pulled into for a toilet stop was Callendar. I remember the name cause it sounded so much like 'calendar'. And this was a small town before we cross over to the official "Highlands' of Scotland. They made it sound like the Highlands was a different country than Scotland. Or at least, that was how I felt. Above was a hotel found in the town as we made our way to the toilet.
We got some time to wander around the town area too, which was really just one street. I saw this cute show above. Rob Roy was a famous character in Scotland. But all I saw was Rob Anybody, which was a famous character from Terry Pratchett's Free Wee Men book. And really, the two have their similarity! If you know, you know.....
Me and my husband walked from the bus stop all the way to the church before turning back. It was just a short toilet break, so we didn't have the luxury to wander further. This was just the first taste of the country side of Scotland for us.
We saw some shops selling sweets and ice cream too. But I guess it was still too early for desserts. We didn't even have time to go browse the shops! I think we were given maybe just 15 - 20 minutes.
Saw this chair with their weird pricing outside a barber shop too. I think Scottish people have a weird sense of humour, or perhaps a better word with be 'good nature'? Some of my favourite comedian are Scottish! Hint, you can zoom in on the photo to read the hilarious menu and their pricing :P
Last souvenir shot of Callendar, the sign above by Oscar Wilde. It actually reminded me of a scene from Good Omen. Here, I found a clip of it to share :) In multiple language too! Ah! Don't you just love the internet!
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