The highland tour 1

It was the highland tour that gave us the chance to experience the Scotland’s historical story to the full. On the second day of our trip, we had decided to go for a 1 day highland tour for the price of ++£20 per person. The highland tour covered the famous Stirling castle, Loch Lamond and Glangoyne Scots whisky distillery.

Throughout the highland tour, we were entertained by the tour guide. He is a young Scottish lad, with shoulder-long hair and great humor. We heard the stories about William Wallace immortalized in the film ‘Braveheart’, but the true story behind the freedom fighter was actually related to the legendary Robin Hood. Mr tour guide talked with such a zest and enthusiasm that it makes my adrenaline run wild while listen to the brave stories of the freedom fighters such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.

Mr Tour guide claimed that there are 3 things that must be done during the scotland visit. First, eat their famous local delicacies, Haggis (shown in the picture beside which taken from wikipedia). When i first know what it really was, it makes me felt like puking. Basically, it is made with ingredients such as sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with spices, and traditionally boiled in the animal's stomach. We even found some weird looking haggis keychain which looks like a pouch (Intestine), yucks!!! According to the history, the scottish do in such a way as the ingrediants which is conviniently packaged in a sheep's stomach allowing for easy transportation and last long during the journey.Well, i wasnt sure how it actually tasted cuz i only have a small bite, but Jiavern should know better than me as she finish the whole portion.

The second thing to do during the Scotland trip is to drink their very own scotch whisky while shouted 'Slaintemhath’. For Chinese, we might be familiar with ‘YUM SENGGGGG’ during the drinking session in those boring wedding reception dinner. English might be familiar with ‘cheers’, But for Scottish, they have a unique gealic term-‘Slaintemhath’ which means Good health.

And the last but not list, is to give a kiss to the Mr Tour guide. what a cheeky tour guide we had. (^.^)

On our way we passed by the Linlithgow palace where Mary the Scots was born. According to Mr tour guide, the story of Mary the Scots was the saddest in the history of scotland. She was one of the most fascinating and controversial monarchs of 16th century Europe. She lacked the political skills to rule successfully in Scotland which was mainly due to her bizzare love relationship. Her second and third marriage was unpopular and ended in murder and scandal. She fled to England in 1568, hoping for the help of her cousin, Elizabeth I, the famous English queen. However, the English queen, who feared Catholic plotting on Mary's behalf, and she end up imprisoned for the next nineteen years. She was executed in 1587, only 44 years old, by orders of the English government. However, the most interesting fact is that in 1603, upon Elizabeth's death, Mary's son became king of England as James I as he the only heir that left in the royal family.

It really made me amazed that what kind of story that hidden behind those solid, massive walls of the castle. Imagine centuries ago, how the blood had sheered and all these exciting historical story we hear today really happened. The realization moved me in an undescribable way.

Stirling Castle was said to be the grandest of all Scottish castle. Instead of going in for a rush visit inside the castle, we decided to spent the time wandering around and admire the scenery from the esplanade. The scenery from above was simply stunning. The hills and the sky were like inches away, and it feels like I never been so close to the nature before.

After that, we stopped for lunch at one small café, that’s when we have the chance to see the most amazing creature in the whole world. Hemish- the highland cow. I bought a pack of vegetables which consist of some carrots and potatoes to feed the creature. The massively big creature was surprisingly very tame and friendly. He even licked my palm and leave me a handful of saliva as the welcoming present.

To be continue....