Hello from Scotland!

I'd like to start this blog with a witty post about everything I've learned about Scottish culture thus far, but more than anything I'd just like to get the word out that I arrived safely and I'm having an amazing time! Beth and I took off on our 9 day tour of Scotland on Tuesday and this is the first time I've had internet access since leaving. We've been in some very remote, very beautiful places. Everyone in the group is very nice and we're the only Americans, which is pretty awesome. Our guide's name is Danny and he is the epitome of a Scotsman. He picked us up wearing a kilt and immediately started swearing as we left Edinburgh. So far we've seen the incredible, heather-covered mountains of the Highlands, the shimmering lochs, rough seas, and rocky islands of the country. Right now, I'm at a hostel on the banks of Loch Ness hoping for a sighting of Nessy before we leave tomorrow. I've caught a wee bit of a cold unfortunately and I'm hoping to get a good night's rest so I'm ready for tomorrow. This is a very active tour that has led us up mountainsides and through bogs. I'm having an amazing time, but I'll be very ready for some clean clothes when I'm back in Edinburgh. Tomorrow we head up to Orkney to explore the island for a couple days! We're getting a new tour guide as half of our group is signed up for only 6 days, and the other half will continue on for three more days.

In my next post, I'll be sure to tell you all about hairy coos, haggis, midgies, and cullen skink!

Miss you all!