Scots--and Americans

Judy. We have been overwhelmed by the friendliness of the people we have met in Scotland. As Ted says, if Google Maps says a walk will take us an hour, in reality it takes us an hour and a half, because people stop to talk to us, welcome us, and suggest things we MUST see. Most of these folks we'll never see again:  the gentleman at the table next to us at a local cafe, or  the four walkers (and three dogs) we met on our first outing on the West Highland Way, but some have really stood out.

Ciara has a big smile and a warm heart

The night we flew from London to Glasgow, our flight was two hours late, so we parked ourselves in a restaurant to wait it out. Eventually, the woman next to us introduced herself, and said she was on the same flight. Ciara had just returned from two months in South Africa, working on a documentary she's producing, and had basically been up for well over 24 hours. But she was cheerful, interesting (small world--she was an au pair in the town near where we lived in Georgia!), and kind. We exchanged contact info, and, when Ted said he was concerned that we'd not get to the car rental place before they closed, said, "Well, you can stay at my place in Glasgow and I'll drive you to the airport tomorrow." WHO DOES THAT??? We got there in time, and later, when we met up for dinner in Glasgow, she gave us two pages of information about places to see. She is definitely someone I'll keep up with. 

Elaine and Gerry, hosts with the most!

Elaine and Gerry are our Airbnb hosts and have gone above and beyond, leaving us coffee, tea, wine, a dram of whisky, sweet treats, eggs, and more food upon our arrival. They've brought fresh linens every week so we don't have to wash our sheets and towels. A couple of days before we left they stopped by again--with more wine and whisky, and with wishes for safe travels.

John in his natural habitat

John is our downstairs neighbor who keeps the yards and cuts the grass (edging by hand with clippers!). When he sees us, he checks up to see if we need anything.

Duncan the karaoke star!

We've taken the train several times. Sometimes Pat is the ticket agent, but the one we've dealt with most is Duncan, an absolute joy to talk to. He wants us to know he's five months short of retiring, and has invited us to hear him sing karaoke--an invitation we've yet to accept. When I asked to take his photo, he ran out and stood on the train and took his glasses off. What a hoot!

Robin isn't smiling here, but he usually does!

We've only been able to attend St. Andrew's Scottish Episcopal Church twice, but the parishioners have been so welcoming! Tim has great stories about hiking and WWII. Robin makes sure we understand various traditions, and shares great jokes.

Ann--big smile, big heart

When we went to the Highland Games, we had a Servas visit with Ann, who has a ready smile and a big heart. We had a marvelous walk around the city of Dunblane, where she told us some of its history.

Olena and her son Roman

When refugees began arriving from Ukraine, Ann took in Olena. As she put it, "I was just rattling around in this big house." She gives Olena space and encouragement, and welcomes visits from Olena's son, Roman, who lives a few towns away. The two of them went with us to the Bridge of Allan Highland Games, and, with the help of Roman and Google translate, Olena explained some of the finer points of the tossing of the caber! Her English is not bad, but like many immigrants, she's embarrassed. I can't imagine learning English in my 60's! And yes, I know she doesn't look 60+!

Not only does Máiri have a beautiful name; she's beautiful as well!

Next door to our apartment building is the Lillie Art Gallery. A week or so ago we popped in to see their temporary exhibit of Alistair Strathern's collages, created during Covid lockdown in Glasgow. We were moved by his work, and spent some time talking to Máiri, whose friendly smile and demeanor welcome you to the gallery. I was also intrigued by some of the youth exhibits and some of the artwork for sale. She took lots of time talking both about Strathern's work and the local artists who show their work there. Like so many others we've met, she takes great pride in her part of this Scottish world.

Graeme and his Harris Hawk

One afternoon we took a "Taste of Falconry" class at Strathblane Falconry. We got to interact with owls, a falcon, and a hawk. Graeme was professional and a good teacher, reminding us several times about the proper stance so the magnificent birds felt safe landing on our arms. 

Debbie (L) and Haley

I signed up for several yoga classes at Yoga Jo's, and was delighted with the instruction from Debbie and Haley, very caring teachers. If I struggled to understand their charming brogues, it wasn't their fault. They always seemed to have time afterwards to say a few words to me and check up on how I felt.

My talented friend Brad

It wasn't just the friendly Scots, though. I found out through Facebook that a former student, Brad, was bringing his college students to the Edinburgh Fringe to perform a show he wrote! So we hopped a train to the big city, caught his creative show, and had some time to talk. I was as proud as you can imagine.

Alizay (L) & Saamia

On one of our John Muir Way walks, we met two young women, Alizay and Saamia, pre-med students at Baylor who are in England for their semester abroad. (Alizay was born in the town where we used to live in Georgia!) They had taken a day trip to see Loch Lomond and take the bus a bit further to see the Highland Cattle. The bus never showed, but, being parents and grandparents, and hating to see them miss part of their one day, we drove them up to Luss. We're not that cool--it was only fifteen minutes.

There are others, and I'm sure there'll be more in our last few days, but once again, these people will stay with us for years to come.