Navigating is not my strong suit. If I must be absolutely honest, I have no directional skills at all. However, after getting a guide to school and following the landmarks I frantically noted, I was able to get back and forth to class and around the University of Glasgow fairly well. My flat mates and I found Discover Scotland Tours, which had us with about 10 other people on a rather nice van across the West Highlands, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Loch Awe, Oban, and many other quick stops. I absolutely loved the hairy coos (Scottish Highland cows) and the seaside town of Oban! I think if I ever had the chance to have a second home, Oban is it! I had tea and scones in Scotland’s oldest pub The Drover, over 317 years old and supposedly haunted. Our driver Dave introduced us to Scottish tablet, a favorite candy. It is most delicious and you simply must try it if you’re in Scotland.
I was only slightly homesick about two weeks in, but schoolwork soon took precedence, and we had another trip to the Isle of Iona. If I thought navigating the botanical gardens to class was hard….we took the subway, the railway, the ferry, a double decker bus, another ferry, and then hiked to our destination. It was more than worth it with the most phenomenal fish & chips from George Street Fish & Chip Shop. There’s no need to ever try any other! Be sure to wear good shoes and bring a rain jacket- not umbrella! The wind will blow the umbrella away and you’ll be drenched. It’s all worth it.
