Exceptional!  Perhaps that is the single best word that I could use to describe the past two days I have spent in Scotland.  As I find myself sitting here in a extremely beautiful hotel, the Marriott Dalmahoy just outside of Edinburgh, I will attempt to share with you the events of the  past few days.  The Dalmahoy is the establishment where Amanda works, as the sales manager.   Today is the first day I have not put anything on my itinerary except for tying up loose ends and getting ready for the next leg of my three month journey across Europe. 

I believe I last left off writing about the wonderful dinner party at Amanda's friends house on Saturday night.  What an evening the two of us shared together at Lee's house.  Sunday was a very relaxing day, which started with a lovely breakfast in bed before we headed into Edinburgh for a day of sightseeing.  We had lunch on Sunday with another friend of Amanda's, a girl named Emma.  We also we joined by Emma's boyfriend, Duncan.  Our lunch was brief, but enjoyable none the less.  Afterwards, Amanda and I parted ways with Emma and Duncan and began our brief tour of Edinburgh.  I had thought the city would  be smaller than it is, but it seemed quite large.  For the most part, the tourist attractions seemed to be located in a relatively small area though.  I won't go into much detail about that particular day though, as I visited the city two days later, much more extensively and will write about that momentarily.  As I recall, Sunday evening ended with the two of us watching part of a favorite movie of Amanda's - "The Way We Were" with Streisand and Redford.  I had the feeling as the movie played that Amanda might of wanted to "cuddle" on the couch and share the movie together, but I was more intent on getting some things organized on my computer and editing the days photographs.  After about an hour, the movie got turned off, and was replaced by the news.  We ended up going to bed rather early, in comparison with the other nights we had been together.  It had only been a couple of days with Amanda now, and to be honest, I was feeling much more comfortable with her than I possibly could of hoped for. 

The next morning, Monday, the alarm went off at 5 sharp.  This was the day I was actually to arrive in Inverness, pick up a complimentary rental car, and drive to Edinburgh to meet Amanda.  But, as you may or may not know, I re-arranged my schedule to to arrive three days earlier.  I could of cancelled the car, but I knew I'd both need it for my return this coming Monday from Aberdeen and I wanted desperately to see the famed area known as the "Highlands".  I had seen the movie Braveheart with Mel Gibson several times and was awestruck with the scenery.  So, after getting myself out of bed and showered, off Amanda and I went to Edinburgh to the main train station.  A ticket to Inverness cost me 33 lbs, about $50 dollars. (one way)  We arrived just minutes before the train departed and said a brief goodbye.  We both knew I'd be returning that evening.  The train, as one might expect at that time of day, was quite empty.  I found myself feeling exhausted and barely paid any attention to the scenery passing by my large window.  There was an older couple from Canada nearby, a local Scotsman, and two younger girls whom Amanda later told me she was just so sure I'd be sitting near on the voyage and chatting with them.  If truth be told, they were sitting on the other end of the car and I was just not interested in chatting with anyone to be quite honest.  With the exception a few stops, the train went right on to Inverness.  I was really fortunate that the car rental agency (see the banner ad above) was located in the station, at the end of track 7.  I found it quite easily, and after going through the paperwork, I found myself behind the wheel of a rather small but nice compact car.  A Mazda I believe.  I waived any insurance from them as my Platinum credit card would take care of insurance.  I also had confirmed that how to return the car on Monday, after having spent a night in a city north of Inverness, called Nairn.  The airport is equidistant from both Nair and Inverness, right in the middle of the two. 

Ok, so now the big test.  I had never driven on the right side of a car where the steering wheel was, nor had I driven on the opposite side of the road either.  What a challenge I thought to myself as I headed out of the train station, into a rather overcast day.  I didn't have far to go to find the ramp to the road that would take on my way, South of Inverness along the entirety of the famed Loch Ness toward Ft. Williams.  As I headed out of Inverness, I saw a Safeway and thought I'd grab a bite to eat.  Unlike many of the grocery stores where I am from, it is common to have Indian food counters instead of Chinese.  They also call their "take out" "take away" or something like that.  So anyway, there I sat in the parking lot eating rice and chicken curry for breakfast you might say.  Then, it was on my way.  The road I thought would of been more of a highway, was equivalent to one back home in California - River Road.  One exception other than the opposite direction of traffic, was very, very narrow shoulders, if there was any at all.  I found myself keep trying to overcompensate for oncoming traffic, and going off the road into the gravel or dirt.  Soon, I was alongside the Loch Ness.  How magnificent I thought, as I drew from my Cuban cigar and Van Morrison played on the car stereo.  The mini-disk walkman I had brought plugged in perfectly to the car stereo - and I was in heaven.  Not for one moment, did I think I was anything but fortunate for being where I was.  I kept thinking of the sacrifices I had made to reach this point.  All the endless hours pouring over the Trig books this past school semester and the work on the various web projects had been worth it!  I don't think I barely had a "day-off" between last September and this past May, but now I had three months to relax.  Aaaaaaaah! 

Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). After traveling a short distance, I saw a sign for a castle on the Loch.  I decided to stop and take some pictures of it.  I found out to walk on the castle, near the water, you had to pay 5 pounds.  I thought it best not, as was limited on time, and didn't think it worth it.  I took some pictures and then headed back on the road.  It was at this point, that I almost had a terrible accident.  I got back on the two lane road, but I was driving in the wrong lane, against oncoming traffic.  There I was, just as relaxed as could be, when I saw a very nice car, a Volvo I think, coming right at me, doing probably 50 MPH.  I almost shit my pants.  He started to brake hard and I was able to get back over to my side of the lane.  "What an idiot I am!" I thought to myself.  How could that happen?  Well, habit is the only explanation I could think of.  Ok, so now I knew I had to be ever so conscious of my driving.  Not only for my sake, but for those who shared the road.  Nearly the rest of the drive, I had two hands - tightly - on the wheel.  I reached point not too far ahead where there was a memorial to war veterans.  I had been told by a local that a road that went along side the main road would provide better photo opportunities for me.  I was to exit at the memorial and then enjoy the one lane road along rolling pastures of green, complimented with beautiful rivers and lakes.  At the Memorial, I was touched by an encounter with an older English couple.  As the old  man stood at the base with his cane, his wife was taking a picture of him.  He seemed ever so proud, standing there amongst the scattering of bouquets  on the ground.  I asked if they wanted me to use their camera and take a picture.  Sure they said.  After doing so, I asked him if he was a veteran.  He said yes, of WWII.  Then with all the sincerity my heart could provide, I said "Thank you Sir, for all you did for men like myself."  He seemed surprised by my expression of gratitude and commented that he wasn't sure it was worth it, with the way the world is today.  I then told him not to be silly, he helped make this world free - and of course it was worth it.  I always try to thank men (and women) who have served in time of war.  They really sacrificed so very much.  Perhaps I acquired that belief from the greatest man I ever met, my father.  For some thirty years, he has put up and taken down the flag at the local beach club each day, seven days a week.  Sometimes in the most terrible weather.   I asked him once why he didn't let someone else in the local beach club do this "chore", and his words I will never forget.  "A lot of men didn't come back for that flag, it's the least I could do."  Thinking of him at this moment brings tears to my eyes, as he is so very, very special to me.  I realize he will not always be with me, and hope to have him for many years to come.  He is in Alaska right now with my brother Bob and his boys, visiting my sister Mary.  (I have 9 brothers and sisters)  In case I can't call you Dad, have the best of Father's Days this Sunday and know I love you. 

It was on the one lane country road that another near disaster occurred.  I stopped to take some pictures only to turn to back to the car after having done so, to see the car rolling along by itself.  Lucky I saw it when I did, or who knows how far it might of gone and how many sheep it might of killed.  ;-)  What a site it was, all the grazing sheep laughing to themselves seeing this crazy American chasing his car down the road.  I caught up with it, jumped in, and was able to stop it.  Whew!  Another disaster averted.  Ok, so now I was going to be anal about my driving.  The time was getting on near 2 now, and I had to be back at Amanda's for a special dinner at a restaurant under the castle in Edinburgh.  With that thought in mind, I headed on my way.  I saw the road would take me through Glen Coe, a beautiful area of the highlands.  As I drove along, I witnessed scenery which was breathtaking.  It didn't matter that the weather was crap.  All I wanted to see now was a special kind of cow believe it or not.  I had seen postcards of these "shaggy" cows and really wanted a picture.  Not too long after that thought, there they were.  I stopped - put the parking brake on - and walked near the fence with my camera to take there picture.  It almost seemed as they were poising for me there, standing in the rain. 

Ok, now it was getting late and I found myself feeling pressed to get back.  I knew this dinner was special for Amanda, and I didn't want to let her down.  Everything went fine as I located the M9 freeway headed out of Perth towards Edinburgh.  Only 42 miles I thought.  I got to the main bridge over the waterway when I realized I was not sure how to get to Amanda's town of Mid Calder.  It was rush hour traffic and I could not afford any mistakes.  But, a mistake I made.  I got on the road heading into Edinburgh, instead of the one headed out west of the same towards Amanda's village.  I then pulled over, studied the atlas she had bought for me (she is so sweet) and saw a possible route.  It took me some time, and a hell of a lot of frustration, but I made it there safely. 

I quickly showered and ironed a double breasted navy blue suit for the evening.  Amanda wore a nice lavender pair of pants and nice blouse.  She looked lovely.  She wanted to drive, but remembering the previous evening when she had said I should drive so she could enjoy some wine, I insisted on driving.  Drive I did, if only driving her crazy.  Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). We came to round about intersection, and she flipped as I headed into it without stopping at all.  She told me she had never been so nervous in a car in her life.  I laughed as I sang along to Aaron Neville song "Can't stop my heart from loving you...".  I don't think Amanda appreciated this at all.  When we arrived safely, she kept telling me that in her entire life, she had never met such a man as me.  I didn't worry about her being mad though, as she had a wry smile on her face as she said it.  Up to the restaurant we went.  Located on top of a hotel called Apex I believe, the restaurant "Heights" was fantastic.  The chef, Steven Fitzsimmons, was the husband of one of Amanda's colleagues, and I was certain we were in for a great meal.  I think that Amanda knew she would end up driving home that night, as my first request was a nice glass of scotch. In hindsight, I was very inconsiderate to her, as I knew she wanted to have some drinks.  I thought as usual, I would have some drinks and drive, but Amanda would have no part of it.  No wonder us men live longer with a good woman by our side than without.  With dinner finished we returned home for a nice relaxing evening and retired to bed.

Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). The next morning arrived and Amanda headed off to work, with me following behind in my rental car, in the direction of Edinburgh.  I followed her on her way to work, which happened to be in the direction of the city.  I honked at her as she pulled into work and off I went.  Of course, the trip into the city couldn't go without a hitch.  I got somewhat lost as I neared the city.  Perhaps it was the BBC news on the radio that kept my mind from concentrating.  I saw a young girl walking and pulled over to ask for directions.  After several attempts at describing how to get to the city centre, she said why don't I hop in and take you there, as I am going that direction.  Lucky me I thought, unaware that she was the first of two such passengers I'd have in my car this day.  We came to the car lot near the castle and I accompanied a goodbye with a heartfelt thank you.  Once in the city, Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). I found myself on the Royal Mile, just at the base of the castle.  I stopped into a Scotch Whiskey tour facility, and went in.  I told the girl at the desk that I was "with the press" and asked if I could have free passage later in the day.  She told me she'd check and if I wanted to come back later, perhaps my wish would be granted. ( it was..)  I then walked to the cathedral and was pleased I could have free will of taking pictures.  I shot some nice shots of the stained glass windows and then headed out for a Starbucks with spectacular views of the castle.  I was to meet Duncan to talk about business topics, as he is into computer as I am.  We chatted for some and then he agreed to accompany me on my tour of the sights.  First stop was a hotel nearby where I supposed to stay, but had cancelled because of my arrangement at Amanda's home.  They were glad to see me and I did a couple panoramas for them before we headed back out.  I told Duncan I had arranged for a free lunch at a restaurant called Bann, several blocks away.  We found the vegetarian restaurant and proceeded to have a Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). wonderful meal.  The manager, a very lovely and attractive girl named Andree joined us for some great conversation.  I allowed her to order for me as I usually do, and she ordered a wonderful "duck" dish.  One might think duck at a vegan restaurant, but it was delicious!  After lunch, Duncan and I walked toward the Scott Monument which would allow me access to the top for some memorable photos.  Up 278 stairs I climbed as my friend Duncan waited for me at the bottom due to an uneasiness for heights.  As I climbed step after step, I thought the countless hours in the gym prior to my departure had paid off.  None the less, I had to stop occasionally to catch my breath.  Once at the top, I was greeted by breathtaking views of the city.  The downward descent was much easier and I found Duncan outside an upscale store where I had planned to buy Amanda a nice thing to wear for our weekend on the island.  (she loved it by the way and looked quite nice in it later that evening) 

Duncan and I parted here, and I then headed back to the Royal Mile for my whiskey tour and some more sightseeing.  After completing the same, I then prepared myself for my trip "home".  Upon leaving the parking lot, I asked a man in a suit for directions.  Like the girl in the morning, he made several attempts to describe how to find my way to A71 headed west to Mid Calder.  And like my earlier encounter, I then found him sitting in my passenger seat telling me to go this way and then that way, getting me in the right direction before exiting my car to return to the busy streets of Edinburgh.  He was an attorney for the government and specialized in criminal law.  After several wrong turns and a few more stops to ask directions, I found myself back at Amanda's just minutes before we were to attend her daughter's play at the elementary school just a block away. 

What a treat I thought as I sat there amongst the proud parents watching the play unfold.  It was such a nice treat for me, watching these young children perform so wonderfully in front of their ever so proud parents, to include Amanda of course.  At one point, I found myself captivated by a child who was not on the stage, but rather in the arms of a nearby woman.  He was a baby of about  a year and I couldn't help but to think if perhaps I might have one of the same.  I didn't think much of the moment, but later Amanda commented that she saw me looking at the young baby and she thought I had such a loving and desirous look in my eyes as I looked at the baby.  Perhaps I did I thought.  I could go on with thoughts of these topic, but will refrain for another journal entry perhaps.  When the play was over, the two of us left for a Chinese take out restaurant and got our dinner.  We ate at nearly ten as we watched the news.  Then, we retired for the evening for a peaceful slumber. 

All that brings me to today, which began with me crawling out of bed at nearly 9.  Amanda headed off to work and I decided to do some work I had been putting off.  I sent some emails in anticipation of some upcoming travels, sent some emails to friends and business acquaintances, organized my belongings, backed up some files, and yes, flooded Amanda's kitchen.  I forgot to turn off the sink faucet as I went back upstairs to do something on the computer.  Upon my return, the sink had over filled and a large puddle was on the floor. Well, aside from straightening her house I thought, I "washed" the kitchen floor to boot.  After all of that, I then went out to travel to where I now sit, the Marriott Dalmahoy.  I am now sitting in the bar amongst various business travelers, golfers, and tourist having there evening cocktails.  I myself had a nice encounter out near one of the tees as I sat with a cigar and scotch in the rain.  As I was sitting there, and older man approached me and said "Young man, I used to love to smoke myself."  Wondering why he was telling me this and if a lecture was about to ensue, he said that he had to come over and tell me "You have got it cracked young man!"  I begged his pardon as I was not familiar with the expression, and upon explaining it to me, he said I looked ever so peaceful and content he just wanted to say hello.  He then told me he was the captain of the golf club.  I then joined his golf foursome for some small talk as they waited for a break in the rain so they could begin there round.  When the latter happened, off they went to the green and I to where I now sit. 

Amanda will be off shortly and we will stop for a bite before heading home.  She needs to do some work at home and I need to finish this journal entry which I hoped you have enjoyed.  She will then pack for our trip to the Shetland Island tomorrow night, a 14 hour ride across the ocean where we will have what I am sure will be an unforgettable experience. And yes, I brought my medicine for sea sickness just in case - bon voyage!