SCOTLAND

Yesterday I got back from my “spring break” in Scotland! I say “spring break” because it was only 4 days, and I’m spoiled and always have a four-day weekend but that’s beside the point.

The trip to Scotland was organized through my study abroad program so it was nice to not have to worry about hostels or transportation, they took care of everything for us, so this trip was pure relaxation (which was needed after midterms week). I must admit going into this trip I didn’t really have high expectations, I didn’t really know much about Scotland nor did I have an overwhelming desire to go there but I am so very happy that I did. To date, Scotland is my favorite country that I have been to. Words cannot describe how beautiful it was and the scenery/atmosphere was actually moving.

Day 1:

Our first day in Scotland was probably my favorite. After arriving in Inverness we took a little bus ride to the Cairngorm Mountain Reindeer Centre, which was absolutely phenomenal. Getting off the bus at the top of this mountain was breathtaking; I could not believe my eyes and all the white-capped mountains I was seeing. 

While still in awe over my surroundings, I hiked up the mountains a little further (very muddy trek) and at the top we were greeted by a herd of reindeer. As the guides opened their sacks of food all the reindeer emerged from over the mountain and soon covered the entire area, it was amazing. 

The reindeer were so friendly, I got to pet and feed them! I even got a killer selfie with one, it was awesome!

After feeding the reindeer we headed to Aviemore, where we would be spending the night. While the town of Aviemore is small and underwhelming at first glance it was my favorite because nature took the main stage here. After dinner we were hanging in the hostel and all of the sudden the clerk came to us and told us to go outside because you could faintly make out the Northern Lights. Upon looking up the sky was unlike anything I had ever seen before, so clear, covered with stars. While in the woods in total darkness we could see hues of green and red from the Northern Lights and I also saw a shooting star. Being out in the woods, looking at the stars was amazing, I can’t put into words how it made me feel or just how beautiful it was.

Day 1 was by far my favorite.

Day 2:

After checking out of the hostel we headed towards Oban but on the way we took a boat ride on Loch Ness and took a visit to the Urquhart castle! The water of Loch Ness was in rare form on Friday, it was so choppy and I had a weird feeling about going up to the upper deck…and luckily for me that I listened to my gut because the kids that went up there got soaked! 

Once the boat docked at the castle I ran to the top to get some pictures and see what it was all about, it was definitely one of my better decisions of the day. 

The castle was so awesome and provided some of the most magnificent views of Loch Ness and the castle obviously. After our visit to Loch Ness and the castle we headed towards Oban.

On our way to Oban we stopped at the Glen Coe visitor center and were able to see some amazing views of the mountains. We originally had a little nature hiked scheduled but it was raining so we only stopped for 45 minutes to check out the inside exhibition. 

As we made the 2-hour journey to Oban we passed through the Scottish Highlands and let me tell you,it  was a site to be seen. Thankfully the buses pulled over for a while a let us take pictures of the Three Sisters as well as the rest of the Highlands. The journey to Oban was scenic and amazing and made sitting on a bus for 2 hours feel like nothing.

Oban was very different from Aviemore, the town we had been in the previous night, it was a fishing town situated right on a port. There were boats and ferries as well as pubs and shops. After we checked into the hostel we explored and found the Oban Distillery (it was closed already) and the Oban Chocolate Company which as also closed (it was already 5:30 pm). That night we had dinner at the hostel as a program and it was really fun, after dinner a few friends and I headed out to the pub to end the night the right way.

Day 3:

After a nice breakfast we explored Oban for a few hours, this time everything was open. Naturally, I had my eye on the Oban Chocolate Company but Tiffany my voice of reason said we had to earn the chocolate so we hiked to McCaig’s Tower and I’m glad we did. McCaig’s Tower was reminiscent of a coliseum and provided an awesome view of Oban. 

After spending some time at what seemed the top of the world it was time for chocolate! The Oban Chocolate factory was awesome; I bought some truffles and hot chocolate enough to satisfy my chocolate craving. Oh Tiffany and I split a scone too...

Naturally, I ate to much too quick so I needed to walk it off. While walking around we ran into the cutest little man all dressed up, so we did what anyone would’ve done and took a picture! After that it was back to the bus, our next and last stop Edinburgh!

We arrived in Edinburgh in the late afternoon. Once again after checking in the hostel we went out to explore. This time we headed to a place called Arthur’s seat, which is a big hill with an amazing view of the city. The hike was pretty intense, it was about 1.5 miles or so uphill but it was so worth it. 

Once we were done there and walked back into the city we went to a pub for dinner . I was feeling adventurous that night and tried some traditional food...haggis, it was great surprisingly. I also had a meat pie, which was awesome!

Day 4:

At this point our time in Scotland was coming to a close, we spent the morning visiting the Edinburgh castle, which was pretty cool. 

After our visit to the castle we chilled in the city and got some coffee and mentally prepared for the 6-hour train ride home. 

Although being in the city was cool I really preferred the smaller towns that were engulfed by the trees and the mountains, they were so peaceful and beautiful. The train ride was long as expected but we arrived back to London Sunday night at 9 and it was back to reality.

I really enjoyed my time in Scotland and urge everyone to go if they get the chance. I’ve never been anywhere like it nor have I seen anything like the sites it had to offer, looking back I’m still in awe over how beautiful everything was!

-AMV