Half Term break in Scotland

We have now just gone through another week long half term break, so I spent most of it in Scotland. Now I know some of you may be thinking what a lucky guy I must be to get all these weeks off to do travelling. Don’t forget that my school year goes until the end of July, and the last month is going to be tough. But that aside, I really did enjoy my last trip to the Highlands. It was a trip in which the people I met (local and other travellers) were just as a highlight as the landscape and history of the country. First, the places: I began my trip going to Iona, a tiny island 3 miles long and 1 mile wide steeped in spiritual history. Only a 10 minute ferry ride over a turquoise sea separates the white sandy shores of Iona from the nearest major island (Mull), but it really is a separate world, especially after the last ferry of the day has set off. There are about 110-115 residents on the island, but the days I was on the island, the population had probably doubled with the number of tourists. Despite that, it did not feel like a tourist trap at all, rather it was very down to earth. I hiked around the island, participated in some of the services at the Abby, and visited the graveyard of Macbeth and Duncan. I travelled back to the mainland after two short days on the Island and on the way to Fort William I went on a seal tour. Twenty-eight grey seals were basking on a rock, the pregnant females near the water’s edge ready to give birth in a week or so. Because I only arrived in Fort William at early evening, I didn’t have time to hike up Ben Nevis, the tallest Mountain in the UK, so I hiked up Cow Hill instead. Though only a fifth of the height of Ben Nevis, it was still a rewarding hike to the top. To celebrate by (minor) achievement, I treated myself with Haggis (I really enjoyed it!) and live Scottish music at a place called McTavish’s kitchen. I spent a (disappointing) day in Inverness – a city that has lost its rural connection, yet doesn’t know how to be a proper city yet. I spent the evening in my B&B watching a movie. I spent the last full day in Edinburgh, visiting the castle, a kilt making factory, and a tour of 17th century living conditions inside the walls of Edinburgh. I stayed in a really neat hostel – an Anglican church that was converted to a hostel. I woke up with sunlight lighting up the stained glass windows. Before hopping on to the plane, I managed to squeeze a couple of hours to visit Glasgow Science Centre.

Among the people I met in this trip, I got to know families on pilgrimages in memory of deceased family member, families on holidays, Canadians working abroad, Aussies travelling Europe, and even a Spaniard who personally knew Salvador Dali. During my trip, I was also in text contact with some Australian teachers I met in my last trip to Eastern Europe, so we met up in Edinburgh for the day.

This was the last major trip I will take while teaching in the UK. I am currently in the process of applying for teaching postings back home in Winnipeg and surrounds. It’s tough to do from out here, especially since most of the postings close in a week after they are up. I hope my applications get to Manitoba in time. I worry that school divisions are going to be hesitant to follow up on an applicant they won’t be able to meet in person until well after the interview process is completed. I fear I may have to start over as a substitute teacher for the first year again. I guess I have to present my best foot forward, never allow my mobile to run out of credit, and don’t worry about eating garlic. After all, they can’t smell my breath over the phone!
Shalom
Kevin