The Essence of Scotland
I wrote an "Essence of India" page after my trip to India, and really enjoyed doing it. Take it for what it's worth - my most distinctive memories of the trip.
Narrow two lane streets lined with hedge rows or centuries-old stone walls. Everyone driving on the left side of the street, sitting on the right side of the car. Green grass everywhere, even on 45 degree slopes. Islay (pronounced "Eye-lah") single malts, with a peaty after-taste that defies belief. Pubs. Ancient beautiful churches, now theatres, community centers, even pubs. Try finding a new building downtown. The castle. Holyrood, with it's sense of vacated royalty. Sub-compact cars by the thousands, running on gas four times as expensive as it is in the U.S. I like haggis. I remember Scottish food, my grandmother fed it to me. Look right when you step off the curb. Riding on top of double-decker buses. Our fabulous hosts.
