Wherever I wander, wherever I rove; the hills of the highland for ever I love. -Robert BurnsQuote borrowed from 50 Gorgeous Quotes about Scotland & Scotland Instagram Caption Inspiration - History Fangirl The Highlands. It's a mystical place of lore, brought to the world by a TV series about time travel. We were told it's currently the fastest growing city in Europe, and its energy and history create an incredible atmosphere confirmed this theory. We arrived in Inverness in the morning, catching a train from Edinbrough. Backpackers followed in behind us. They were excited to be heading north, seemingly having been on the move for a while now. The train filled quickly with more backpackers, shoppers, and a variety of travelers. We were surprised this early morning train out of town was so busy. When we arrived in Inverness, it was clear to see why. Tucked into a corner, the exit from the rail station opened onto a bustling main street. People were coming and going, while cars and buses navigated how to share the road between them. As we trekked to our Airbnb, we headed towards the river and passed shops of Scottish goods, from kilts to souvenirs. We passed restaurants of all types, each one busier than the next. After a few wrong turns, we dropped our luggage off and got directions to the bus that would take us out to Culloden. Up and down a few flights of steps and we found the bus depot. Inverness' depot is really interesting if you happen to be an experienced traveler in Europe. Due to the location, the trains do not continue onward to the North. For some places, Inverness is the end of the line. We saw groups of travelers headed out to all sorts of places in the Highlands, and it was fun to think about the adventures they were headed for. Our bus, however, was going to be about an hour later than when we arrived. We decided to explore the city and hopefully find some food. A few turns and we landed ourselves in the historic Victorian Market. Shops of all kinds lined the former open aired marketplace. The roof now encloses a time capsule of days gone by. The shops are open and friendly, standing in doorways and walking to the people of the city. We ventured to the center and found a food court. And one of the best meals we found in the UK. Gluten-Free fish and chips! The UK is famous for fish and chips, but it was difficult to find the last time we were across the pond. We found a small vendor in the corner of the food court serving and GF option and it was a must try. So we ordered a serving. It was so good, we ordered a second. Full and happy we made our way back to the bus depot and caught the bus to Culloden. Culloden was so incredible it will have a post of it's own following this one. We made a last minute decision to take a taxi to the Clava Carins. These ancient mounds continue to amaze us as we travel and find ruins of ancient civilizations whose history remains unknown. We headed back to town and changed for an evening of walking and exploring the city as we looked for dinner. While Inverness Castle was currently closed for renovations, we took time to peek in shops, learn about kilts, and take pictures of the city skylines. We came across St. Mary's Church and took a moment to explore the architecture. It was one of our favorite churches, as we felt the smell of old wood clearly set the ambiance of the space. Hungry, we found a restaurant of the main street that didn't require seating reservations. One thing we did learn in the Highlands was that finding food didn't come as easily as we hoped. Most popular places take reservations in advance and do not allow patrons to wait for available seating. While we ate we watched as those around us began to get into a Friday night spirit. The floor in front of us changed into a dance floor. Outside, other restaurants were slowly turning into nighttime destinations, and young and old travelers began to enter the doors for pints and night of music and fun. We headed out once more for a final stroll to catch the sunset over the river. As the city settled, we found a bar labeled "the oldest in the highlands" and joined the crowd inside. The musician on the stage played a variety of music from traditional too well-known songs while those watching sang along or danced in the natural space created in the front. We sat outside in a converted alley to listen and enjoy the night air before heading back for the night to prepare for our trek to the Isle of Skye the next day. Inverness was a city you want to stay in longer. While you know the highlands are just beginning outside of its city walls, you long to stay to learn more and become a part of its vibrant energy. As a traveler it draws you in to the experience, giving you the opportunity to simply become lost in its streets for a moment, even if it's not a very big city to begin with. It's the reason we travel. While we love to explore well known places, the draw to towns like Inverness continue to make exploration while traveling the center for our purpose. When you only know a little about a place, the city will open itself up to you, almost like a book, asking you to come and read it. You, in turn, become part of its story. You make your own mark, even if it's not historical. When people talk of towns, and only so many have been there, you have a shared experience within the city walls. Cities like Inverness connect us through its charm and beauty, waiting for us to come again for the next experience. And it does help that almost everyone watches one particular TV series. Losing my phone and my things was a regular experience on this trip. I also broke my sunglasses in Inverness. As you continue to travel, especially if you are someone that doesn't have a lot of pockets in their clothing, consider grabbing a small bag to wear to keep all your belongings in. The link below will take you to a page of suggestions for traveling, but if you want to avoid frustration during your tip, grab a small bag.
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"I don't have my cell phone". It had been a busy 48 hours. After landing in Dublin, taking the train to Galway, driving and hiking for hours the day before, we were making our way back to Galway to meet friends. On the way we decided to stop at a small town on the map. Ennis, Ireland. Ennis is one of those towns you immediately fall in love with. Small streets lined with bright colors and busy shops, it was walkable and had things to see. We needed food to start, so we found an excellent sandwich shop where we parked with gluten free bread. With missing dinner the night before, and not finding much in the way of breakfast, it was a welcomed find. Fueled up and feeling better, we head over to the Ennis Friary. As one of the oldest buildings in Ennis, this was the attraction that drew us to the town. The old friary had been built by the O'Brian Family for the Catholic Church. It was taken over by the English to become a place for tax collection. It was then left to ruins before the city took it over to begin restoration. The grounds were peaceful and the architecture stunning. The sun streamed through framed windows long without their glass. We spend time just wandering and taking in the moment. From the Friary, we headed towards the museum, recommended by the staff. Unfortunately, they were closed for lunch, and we had a timeline we were on. We opted to take the next recommendation and walk down to the church. Along the way we checked out the American candy shop, that had some interesting finds! Churches are fantastic stops when traveling. The reveal so much about the history and culture of a community. Not to mention, being Catholic, a stop in to see Jesus never hurts. (Which we clearly found out shortly after.) As we headed out we stopped at a bench in the parking lot across from the sandwich shop we had found earlier. We took a moment to take it all in, sort out our things, and get set for our next destination. Ready to go, we jumped in the car and headed out of town. "I don't have my phone". I'm sure my words were full of anxiety. We were about a mile away from where we parked and I couldn't locate it. Driving was difficult, so DC suggested I jump out and run back while he tried to make his way back to park. Running, we made it to the lot about the same time. When I got to the bench to see if it was there... no phone. DC was pulling apart the car by now, and I quickly joined him. I was now in full on panic mode. All of our tickets, connections, and the way to contact the friends we were meeting in an hour was on my phone. In full tears, I decided to walk back towards where we were parked. No phone. I thought about the sandwich shop. DC had made a comment that maybe there's a place for things to be turned in. I walked toward the shop to see if there was someone I could ask. The line was long with a lot of people, and I was now nearly a mess in tears. I took a breath, said a prayer, and decided the next couple I saw I'd ask to see if I could borrow their phone to call mine. On a picnic table a few doors down from the shop was a couple eating with their cell phones on the table. I went for it. (remember, I'm in full tear mode) "Excuse me, I'm sorry, I've lost my phone and I...." The woman cut me off. "No, love, you haven't! Come with me. I know where your phone is." She walked me back into the sandwich shop to the counter. The she and the cashier didn't even have to exchange words. The cashier caught my face, looked at her, and pulled my phone out from behind the counter. To say I was relieved is an understatement. I couldn't thank her enough. She said to think nothing of it, to take a breath, and enjoy our vacation. She said an American and found it and didn't know what to do so here it was. Full tears. "Oh yee of little faith" Faith is an amazing thing. It may not mean the same thing for all of us, but it holds the belief that no matter the circumstance, the problem, the difficulties, the outcome will be ok. When we travel, so much of the time we leave things up to faith that the day, weather, times, among other things will all work themselves out. There is so much out of our control, we have to simply have faith that we will be in the right place, at the right time, to see and do the thing we were meant to. So it is in life. We have no idea where we are going. We have ideas, we have dreams, hopes, wishes, obstacles, good days, bad days, and everything in between. And somewhere, somehow, in the middle of it all, we have to carry the faith that it's all going to work itself out. It may not work itself out the way you planned, or the way you wanted, or the way you expected, but it will work out the way it was meant to be.
And along the way, the right people, at the right time, will be there to guide you and help you when you need it the most. To that wonderful couple in Ireland, I didn't get your names, I didn't get a picture, I don't know anything about you. But you were meant to be where you were when you were needed most. Thank you for being a part of our story! So thankful for faith. And a maybe next time a cell phone holder. Just saying.
The classic line came to mind as we were able to reflect on our time at the Cliffs of Moher in Clare, County, Ireland. We returned to Ireland this year specifically to see them, as our plans did not allow for time on our last trip. Sometimes, places call to you and ask you to return. The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland is one of them. Driving ourselves to the cliffs, late in the day, we found the roads to be narrow and busy with buses leaving. However, the parking lot was full (it does cost about 12 euro to enter) and people were still finding their way to the edge to catch a glimpse of the sights. The visitor center had plenty of information as well as a bathroom. A short walk from the visitor center, and you get your first look across the edge of Ireland as it meets the Atlantic. And at first, they were a little underwhelming. Having walked the Dover cliffs the year before, the Cliffs of Moher had a more formal feel to them. O'Brian tower is well renovated and provides historical insight to the cliffs draw. Between warriors and travelers for both a weekend and afar, the cliffs have been calling people to them for years. But why? So we began to hike. We followed the paved path across the visitor center, and then stepped onto the costal hiking trail that asks you to leave the visitor center behind. And as we hiked, the vast landscape spread out before us. The cliffs began to take shape across the Atlantic, with different points providing a different view. Inconceivable. It's really the best word to describe it. The hike is challenging, with steps and slopes that are easier to go down then to return back up. The trail becomes narrow in places, with the edge of the cliff directly to your side. There are postings for which trails to stay on, and which to not enter. Anyone that hikes you assume your own risk, so please manage accordingly. It's challenging, both mentally and physically, and breathtakingly beautiful the more you accept the challenge. As you journey through your own life, you're going to encounter moments like these. Like starting at the visitor center, where you are in life may feel like just another site, another day, day in and day out. Yet when we continue to walk, and embrace the challenges that come before us, with easy downhills and difficult uphills, we begin to see our own life in it's own vast reality. Our lives are cliffs and valleys, highs, and lows, with edges that are sharp and some that gently roll. Life continues to mold and shape us, much like the Atlantic along the edge of Ireland. Shaping us and molding us into our own breathtakingly beautiful life. And you may not see it in the moment, as you experience it. Yet as you reflect, as we did, you'll find that what you encounter was meant to be. Life called you there, much like traveling calls us across the world, to experience it's wonder and awe and let it transform you. So, wherever you are in life, take it in. Make a plan forward. Reflect on where you've been and what you've seen and continue to let it form you.
In reality, it really all is Inconceivable! Hopefully, the Cliffs of Moher call to you and you're able to go. We highly recommend really great walking shoes. The ones below I cannot recommend enough. They were brand new, out of the box, and did over 12 miles of walking within the first 36 hours with no issue. Also, we highly recommend a great rain jacket. Both can be found below. We are Amazon Associates and receive a small compensation for qualifying purchases so that we may continue to travel and teach about the world as we go. |
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March 2024
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