Thursday, September 26, 2013

land of tartan and whiskey

and so we've come to he place I was waiting for most...

we're in scotland now and it is just as i hoped it would- so many things i've been wanting to see, and now to finally see them in their right and natural place

they call it provenance... the truth of where a thing originates


inverness

a beautifully situated city, the river running through it, hills in the distance

to see the castle, with the scottish flag flying straight and true was a grand thing


today we went to culloden battlefield


to see the clan stones, and walk the moor, and imagine what it takes to fight for what you believe in, dream of, and to wonder what we are doing now, that people might care about in 250 years' time


it took a long time, almost the whole of the battlefield, but i finally found one last, lone thistle blooming

even though all the rest of the plant was long dead, this one tiny, sturdy flower was brilliant in it's bloom


i was so happy to find it - it seemed sad to me that i could come all this way and not see a thistle... thankfully shortbread isn't a seasonal thing...

this trip has been so wonderful in so many ways, on so many levels...

the food has been fabulous - from the mushy peas, to the fish and chips, cakes, yorkshire pudding, and b&b breakfasts, we have enjoyed it all - except marc ate haggis - ick

travelling by train has been brilliant - sitting back, sipping on hot chocolate, and enjoying the countryside

but the best part, by far, is the wonderful understanding that has come from seeing the place that shaped my grand-patents... so many things, from what they wore, to how they talked, to what they ate; how they lived, really - it all came from here

it's like finding them again...

a ways back, right before i left i announced a wish list give away for those who commented before my feet landed on english soil

the winners are lynne and deanna - so please send me your addresses and i'll do my best to get your parcels sent by royal mail!

10 comments:

Createology said...

Hello Jillayne Dear. I could sit and read your writings forever. How you put words and photos together is simply magical. I am so happy for you that you are having the trip of a lifetime and finding your roots. One lone beautiful Thistle...just for you to enjoy. Continued Bliss and Safe Travels my friend...

deanna7trees said...

oh how exciting. the pictures and stories were gift enough but thank you so much. i will e-mail you my address.

Shirley said...

Hi Jillayne, The journey you are taking me on is amazing. The countryside and taking the train was wonderful. That is something I have always wanted to do in my lifetime is take a vacation by train. It is exciting to find the roots of your grandparents. I know you are having a wonderful trip. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend

Unknown said...

Hi Jill. Your trip back through time is amazing! The scenery is incredible. I hope you are capturing some in your sketch book too. Following you adventure has been a delight. I will send my email along to you. Thank you so much and a continued safe journey.

Marj Talbot said...

Now grandparents that farmed on the prairies would not think the thistle is pretty - but it really is and my favourite colour. Great photos of fields and buildings and countryside - enjoy your time left and travel safe.

Wendy said...

I have really enjoyed going on your journey with you through your pics and posts...going to Scotland is on my dream trip list for the future...my great grandfather was Scottish, and I so want to see the land he came from...the lone thistle is so beautiful among all the brown...showing just how hardy everything in Scotland is...enjoy your continued travels and arrive home safely.

Suztats said...

The photo of Inverness is beautiful with its layers of green fading into hills, then to clouds! It whispers to me....
Enjoy!

Dorthe said...

Dear Jillayne, I so admire your photoes of this most beautiful places you have visited, and enjoyed. What a green landscape , and fantastic surroundings, where you can see so very long, and as long your eyes reaches !!-I`m happy you found the place from where your grand parents came, where they lived and worked..it must have been kind of owerwhelming for you. Such a beautiful vacation, I would love to see Scotland, too.
Hugs,Dorthe

Mosaic Magpie said...

When I read the title "land of tartan and whiskey" I had to think, now your talking! I pictured you fingering a bit of tartan cloth with a bottle of whiskey close by for a swig now and then. Here you are being very respectful and having hot chocolate on the train. I am not sure what it was that Marc ate...but, I will be googling it.
Speaking of Royal Mail...wonderful thing the stamps, the postmark seeing them just makes you feel like a queen!
The photo of the lone thistle...it was like it waited for you to come,
waited to share its' beauty, waited to share its' strength, just like the land where it grows.
xo,
Deb

Karen said...

I am enjoying your holiday soooo much!!! and I love haggis...I craved haggis when I was pregnant with my daughter...it's delicious.
http://karenannruane.typepad.com/karen_ruane/