Guest Writer

Hi everyone,

This isn't Liza--it's her Mom! I arrived in Scotland and Liza was waiting for me exactly as planned. Scotland is beautiful and Liza has been a fantastic tour guide. So far we've walked all along the beach right by her house. I can't believe I'm looking out at the North Sea! She said there were no steps leading down to the beach so we had to jump off a wall (about 6 ft.) down to the sand. Well I did it but I made an imprint in the sand sort of like the Olympic long jumpers! St. Andrews is the most charming little town ever. We've toured the ruins of the cathedral and the castle--both fascinating. We climbed down into some ancient tunnels under the castle where we were almost crawling to get through--wet walls, dripping ceiling, and a warning to enter at your own risk! Sat. we took the train to Inverness and hiked along Loch Ness--yes, the subject of my youthful research paper! Although we didn't see Nessie, we are sure there's something out there!! The lake is unbelievably beautiful and then we toured Urquhart Castle, which stands on a point of land sticking out into the water.

Images of Scotland so far: green grassy hillsides dotted with sheep and their baby lambs--bright yellow daffodils everywhere--old stone walls winding through fields--shaggy, sharp-horned highland cattle, compact cars speeding along on the "wrong" side of the road--I love it!

I have to go get ready for our trip to Edinburgh tomorrow.

-Mum of Liza