Laundry is available in Stromness… at 15 pound ($30) a wash! Fish and chips in Stromness 8 pound a piece of fish ($16) . Traditionally wrapped in newsprint, but what’s this? Inside is a perfectly good recyclable box… maybe the newsprint tradition is too strong? Bus drivers… stopping at a terminal to have a quickContinue reading “Snippets”
Tag Archives: #ThegreatOE
Time-warped in Orkney!
The first clue was the sight of the grand old Stromness Hotel where I was booked. It sits fair on the harbour, centre stage, unchanged since it was built in cobbled-street days. No modern ramps or disability services here. Steps up to the front door, then just inside the lobby, wonders of wonders, an oldContinue reading “Time-warped in Orkney!”
Questions; so many questions
Inverness to Thurso and on to Stromness left so many questions! As the train travels north, the scenery transforms from rich farmland to the endless pink heather of hard ground. Writers and poets have used words like ‘bleak’ to describe the miles of flowering groundcover, but I saw vast areas of natural beauty. But then,Continue reading “Questions; so many questions”
Fairies, monsters and illusions
In about 525ad, a group of weary Irish monks, traveling across Scotland, came across Loch Ness. When one went to rejuvenate his legs in the loch, Nessie turned up. The head monk wasn’t having any nonsense, engaging Nessie in a lengthy conversation. The upshot was a promise from the monster that she would never harmContinue reading “Fairies, monsters and illusions”
Great-aunts and blessings.
Peebles. A town long-associated in my mind with treasured relatives and all that is good. Great-aunt Anne would write to me from here; long letters about her childhood in New Zealand, and the family history as she knew it. Photocopies of book pages, with her notes added alongside, newspaper cuttings, and photos. Peebles was alsoContinue reading “Great-aunts and blessings.”
Adventurers; bravery isn’t just for backpackers.
Eight years ago a lovely lass from England came to stay with us on the farm. She was, and is, one of those special folk who have a gift of fitting right in with a warmth that can’t be manufactured. Dearest Emily was exploring New Zealand on her own, and having fun along the way.Continue reading “Adventurers; bravery isn’t just for backpackers.”
Dreams do come true
Ever since I can remember, the Royal Yacht Brittania has been a dream of mine; just to stand on her decks for a moment would suffice. I had no desire to be a Princess, or sail the world in her (where would I fit my pony), but just be there, for a moment. The problemContinue reading “Dreams do come true”
Who will remember us (and does it matter?)
On 5th May 1662 my Great x 11 grandfather was consecrated at Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh. Almost 400 years later I entered the inner courtyard, following in his footsteps, though without the consecration. It is the strangest feeling. I bet he never gave a thought to me during the day of his highest honour…. yet hereContinue reading “Who will remember us (and does it matter?)”
Standing out
Sitting in Edinburgh railway station today, I was struck yet again with how kind and generous the folk of this city are. With just one spectacular exception (which I’m bound to write about at some point), the people of Edinburgh have really stood out. Today the sandwich bar had run out of my kind ofContinue reading “Standing out”
York
York; if you believed the tour guides all that’s ever happened in York involved blood, deceit and family break-ups! And yet they have lovely places like the Judi Dench riverside walk. Then there’s the city walls with the archers slits… how they ever saw anyone attacking beats me, as there were huge blind spots. TheContinue reading “York”
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