Scotland

---

"It will all be ok in the end.
If it's not ok, it's not the end."

For sometime now, I couldn't stop my gut from wanting to see the castles along the coast of Scotland. This gut decision wasn't the most "logical idea" (as if any of them have been). It came with a pretty pricey plane ticket and an ungodly transit from Vietnam: 4 planes, 2 taxis, 1 bus, and some gold old fashioned time and patience got me here in about 2 days. Still say this is not a bad deal, going across the globe in a weekend.

It was the 3 mile hike along the edge of the Scottish coast to Dunnottar Castle, when I realize, it wasn't so much the castles that my gut was after, but what was around them. There are answers in the winds and in the breaks of the waves of the North Sea, and the most calming sense of peace can be found in the silence and solitude on top of the cliffs. I'm reassured that it's about seeing and believing in strengths, not weaknesses, seeing a gain where there has been a loss, being happy with what/who you have, instead of wanting what/who you don't... and along the way, learning to be grateful for it all.

---

Photos

Sketching
There's something nice about setting out to do something, than doing it. I said I'm drawing castles in Scotland on my holiday...so here I am, drawing castles in Scotland on my holiday! Could do without the dozen layers, although it's a good excuse for LOTS of hot chocolate...um, or whisky.

Dunnottar Castle
Thanks Deirdre and TK, what a great recommendation!

Nice touch!
Hey! Who put that rainbow there?

Stonehaven
The pretty and very quiet little town of Stonehaven

Sketching On The Chapel Stairs
"By the way, you have the place to yourself, so if you want to smoke or anything I won't tell." - Mary, Dunnottar Castle Groundkeeper

Look Ma, I'm Going To Church!
Inside the castle chapel

Crathes Castle
Can anyone say CINDY??!!

Slains Castle
Buit in 1597 but now in ruins, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's "Dracula". Thank you to Brian (Aberdeen) for the recommendation, the walk wasn't TOO dangerous!

Slains Castle
Entrance to Courtyard

Slains Castle
The hike from Cruden Bay. Off the beaten path means no tourists!

Tower
Note to self: Don't climb the tower

Pigeon Scares Squirrel
The most frightening thing in the Craigmillar castle was the fat pregnant pigeon that scared me half to death. She totally snuck up on me. The fright rates as a close second to the motorbike ride back from Danang with Ghi.

Craigmillar Castle
Another castle to myself!

Comments

[leslie jane]

such serenity. just beautiful! i LOVE your spirit drawing...and YES cindy LOVES the castle tour, how could she not!!!!! :) :) :)

[Lauren]

Peace
What a great way to finish up an amazing trip! I know the commute must have been tough, but it seems well worth it. You look so happy and fulfilled. :) I can't wait to see you and hear about all the amazing stories and see your pics. Did you fill up that journal? Get busy only a few more days. Travel safe love! ~L xo