traveltales: SCOTTISH MEMORIES

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

SCOTTISH MEMORIES

A Little Scottish Trivia

One day learning we were stopping at a wool center for a dog demonstration I did a ho hum saying to my pal, “How many of these sheep dog shows have we seen?”

But this one was quite different. At the end of a dog show and tell lecture/demonstration a Border Collie did round up some ducks out on the lawn. It was explained that a couple of years previous thousands of sheep were destroyed because of hoof and mouth disease, so ducks were used as a substitute and because they worked out so well it has continued. It was a real hoot to hear the ducks quacking as the dog herded them into a relatively straight line and march them out of the arena!

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On one stop in Scotland we were lucky enough to happen upon The Alex Walker Accordion Band. The impressive thing about this little band was the age span of the participants. There were a couple very elderly people and a little one 5 or 6 years old; the rest every age in between. What a wonderful intergenerational group
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After lunch in the delightful little village of Dornoch, we ventured out in the Scottish Mist walking through town to visit the 1239 Presbyterian Church. Inside we had a delightful conversation with a couple of elderly ladies who told us, “This is the church where Madonna had her son christened. Prince Charles also visited the church. The church was originally Catholic.”

One of the ladies proudly continued, “The hotel across the street was once the home of Andrew Carnegie.”

They forgot to tell us that Dornoch is the area where the last witch burning in Scotland took place in 1722. An old woman was accused of turning her daughter into a pony and riding it around town. She was sentenced to be burned alive in a pot of boiling tar.
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Leaving the Robert Burns home, our driver, stopped at Brigadoon for a great photo op. The word Brigadoon had been part of my vocabulary for years, but I never really knew what it meant. Our friendly guide said, “Remember brig means bridge, and this picturesque medieval stone bridge is over the River Doon.” Thus the light in my head went on!

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.