How many ways are there to pay for the bus? Cash; not on some. Card, at entry, at a kiosk, or there’s tap on tap off; you scan your visa when you get on, and again when you get off. The bus company computer works out what you owe and charges automatically. Last but notContinue reading “Oh oh”
Tag Archives: travel
The unmarried case
In civilised York, a few hundred years ago, an unmarried woman who became pregnant could expect corporal punishment, forced abortion, or even death. The pregnancies were all immaculate conceptions, as accused members of the male population assured judges they were definitely never involved. Saints apparently, victims of scheming wenches. During the same period, in remoteContinue reading “The unmarried case”
Shetland extra bits :)
Some photos from Shetland museum etc.. you should be able to expand them for easier reading. Official sheep colours: Sheep ear notching patterns for recognising who they belonged to in crofter days (no plastic tags then) Above: even the flax doesn’t get over 1m tall. Once a year a devil figure would visit every houseContinue reading “Shetland extra bits :)”
They were there…
Walking the land, smelling the sea, watching the wildlife where my hardy Unst ancestors crofted and fished; absolutely incredible. Home and Unst are almost polar opposites, and not just geographically. The hills are low, there’s no trees to interrupt the views, but there are quite large farmable areas. Sheep mainly. Across the Hebrides I’ve beenContinue reading “They were there…”
Yell!
Thick peat bog, combined with wind, equals no trees on Yell. Walking across country is fraught, with bog hidden under grassy or other plants. Yet Yell is breathtakingly beautiful. Ferries run from Toft to Yell, then you get the bus, which could be a car, van or actual bus, to the other end of Yell,Continue reading “Yell!”
I didn’t know it was wool week…
Wool week; Shetland’s biggest annual event. Folk from all over the world attending workshops, crafting together, buying local fibre and produce…. and sightseeing. Startled looks every time I had to admit I wasn’t there for the event; apparently I fit the profile. My host text ahead of time, offering to store my bag until check-in.Continue reading “I didn’t know it was wool week…”
Cullen skink, virgin money and fishermen’s kisses.
I’ve seen several buildings advertising virgin money; the mind boggles! A wee man got on the bus in a small village between Stromness to Kirkwall, in his once-dapper blue jacket and faded walking cane. Deafness wasn’t going to prevent a conversation. He was off to town because the village shop was a wee bit dear.Continue reading “Cullen skink, virgin money and fishermen’s kisses.”
Snippets
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”
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”
Stories for you - Enjoy! 