tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49621957710827275702024-03-19T02:53:36.237-07:00-- Scotland for Americans --linking to: http://360.yahoo.com/scottish4ever1
. . .
This site is for those people
who want to get information, shop,
and get supplemental stuff
mentioned in the blog.
Check the blog, then come here.Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-78518489856000896832008-02-24T15:42:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:29.831-08:00Films: Local Hero<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD71_DhEkEJdSZX8fcYcQFUBQ4I0FfAYyTIQI0Rw2DEkoQ6eh9HtPo7qkHT3-jAsyDBXWi_QXrf8rn430vvLOGuhbutFadf4p0x_W9P7nYM5EslNj5o5kSYyOdFaMVVYTLPV0h76SsOSsx/s1600-h/VM__CR0,0,216,216_SS90_.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170697191432892162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD71_DhEkEJdSZX8fcYcQFUBQ4I0FfAYyTIQI0Rw2DEkoQ6eh9HtPo7qkHT3-jAsyDBXWi_QXrf8rn430vvLOGuhbutFadf4p0x_W9P7nYM5EslNj5o5kSYyOdFaMVVYTLPV0h76SsOSsx/s320/VM__CR0,0,216,216_SS90_.jpg" border="0" /></a> Local Hero: It is the 25th anniversary of a film that highlights the ecentricitries of Scotland. If you have not seen it you should. The phone booth in the film is a tourist attraction and many of the film locations are worth a visit. Here is a website to give you the location spots. <a href="http://www.scotlandthemovie.com/movies/flocalhero.html">CLICK HERE</a></div><div>And another site for even more location spots: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085859/locations">CLICK HERE</a><click></div><br /><p></p><br /><p>Check out the BBC's news story on the anniversary. <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7250000/newsid_7258200/7258201.stm"> CLICK HERE</a><click></p><br /><p></p><a href="http://www.inspiredbyrealplaces.com/local-hero-top-pick-for-scotland-locations/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170699502125297426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4YTLjznP4CGu3id1-D3VntHayYHZ3C1wicVAVC1QayJHa-wiKnVyWJiTXqEEBfPhXvGqj0P6_6x5LG4WWA53_WaHYeSqvossCJV_kb6P51DpqCNMVYS5nDJvIkYYMclJ8NoI1KnbF9Eo/s320/local_hero_pennan-phone.jpg" border="0" /></a>Click on the picture of the phone booth to learn more about the phone booth location.<br /><p>If you are a fan of Burt Lancaster you'll love the film.</p>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-77584947336296539842008-02-17T18:05:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:30.184-08:00Hiking: Ben Nevis, Scotland's Tallest Mountain<a href="http://www.visit-fortwilliam.co.uk/webcam/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168135771721805506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYlXTHUKPHqYIm2eC1g85uLBofVZagkOqx9-4IJjmHkCUCaG0P5heKFWJST6V0JSZ_bFzVxCy6Oh0Zm-IN_SqG62zjaweXXGQGHtQ06Upeek_h7JIj-NUko64xd02Y-f8yYXLsNPXHcCe/s320/ben+nevis.jpg" border="0" /></a> The tallest mountain in Scotland is Ben Nevis. In fact, it is the tallest mountain in the British Isles. The mountain is over 4,000 ft tall. Click on the picture and see a recent webcam of the mountain. <br /><br />The mountain is near Ft. William and many people hike it. It is possible but there are some safety concerns as the weather changes quickly and can strand hikers. <br /><br />If you click on the wikipedia account of the mountain you can read about all the rescues needed in the past ten years.<br /><br />Click and view the video below of a climb on Ben Nevis.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IsnXnIc4zJI&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IsnXnIc4zJI&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-86523224606224974252008-02-15T18:03:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:30.353-08:00Hike: Dunkeld<a href="http://walking.visitscotland.com/virtual_walks/fungarth_walk"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167393025847439026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hsSowQPnAaYnaA_Ig3GEuwsBnsNooPJuFrDOOUPilTKt4VScJJJFr4paf5zMCf3qv23wWfx7Niu0wjxcQAq7-WxwB3BM4QctOUIOTnWZXd5ZVMQPrtdgunJn4Z80fYhpbiyD1D9aPeUY/s320/walk+in+scotland.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Click on the picture and take a virtual hike in Dunkeld.<br /><br /><br /><br />Dunkeld is a great little town. We stayed there in 2003 and really enjoyed ourselves. Check out the video below:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="323" width="512"><param name="movie" value="http://d.yimg.com/static.video.yahoo.com/yep/YV_YEP.swf?ver=2.0.41"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="flashVars" value="id=5824974&vid=1750222&lang=en-US&intl=us&thumbUrl=http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sch/cn/defaults/default_576x324.gif"><embed src="http://d.yimg.com/static.video.yahoo.com/yep/YV_YEP.swf?ver=2.0.41" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="323" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="id=5824974&vid=1750222&lang=en-US&intl=us&thumbUrl=http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sch/cn/defaults/default_576x324.gif"></embed></object><br /><br />There is also a great pub where the legendary Dougie MacLean plays. If you are lucky you might be able to hear him or his mates give up a rendition of his tunes. See the video below to get a flavor of the good music you can hear in Dunkeld.<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pMH0HlrccMs&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pMH0HlrccMs&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-38123524790718338512008-02-14T05:13:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:30.663-08:00TAKE A HIKE!!<div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166824483846598258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSnkXm9qwXXaGAZQWq83BD-iq3vDJ_rSi4ZlB9FbQ3QFzK5Fl1Xw8yRwXgeI82qCfFrT7jklop4NVca_j9Wrx0em40Fi53oPx3MR6K6a6bjLZjB9OWks-nRIKYXubAijuTSSWzrQIUgY8/s320/top.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div>With the discovery of the white stag, the interest to hike Scotland should increase. Anywhere you go in Scotland is a good hike. The best part of Scotland is that you can walk for miles, feel totally safe, and experience places you will never forget. Click on the picture and go to the link walkhighlands.co.uk.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>A hike through a small hamlet can be as rewarding as a hike through the highlands. However, the highlands and lochs offer views to warm your heart.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGEHdYrYLQy8MoE-VxQGZs6dZhuU4aViPv9PGLWBGM9swFao5MdBn4tZRxksNghF0ParKcYZAss2coMO8N8ZGmRO4utzE8ULcI9jzq3L1cwXd9mfJrU2G7a67RRmLaLfqD-qElp8gTun2/s1600-h/Loch+Linhe.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166826360747306626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGEHdYrYLQy8MoE-VxQGZs6dZhuU4aViPv9PGLWBGM9swFao5MdBn4tZRxksNghF0ParKcYZAss2coMO8N8ZGmRO4utzE8ULcI9jzq3L1cwXd9mfJrU2G7a67RRmLaLfqD-qElp8gTun2/s320/Loch+Linhe.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>A good place to start is Fort William. There should be plenty of B&Bs to make your hiking headquarters. Downtown Fort William has good pubs and shops. You can't go wrong. Loch Linhe is one of my favorite views. The hike along won't be for the escapist because roads line the loch, but it is a beautifully nestled place.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div>Just above Oban is a nature center with otters, sharks and stingrays.<br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/oban1.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166826897618218642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VlJl0ExRnJzUZplKStVpa9s-0JpH4_S52cb-ItS0deMgJ7TpLBn35Sl_x_o60hMP4xw5ye34GEMg7MLCoPWu1L98CMdd13Gpx_CZUprX1ODjZROhCPpfgJC8wc6cE2-C5eeRGKKqnOKZ/s320/2ottersstanding.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />At the center, there is a tank full of tiny sharks. You can feed the sharks with your own hands. It's very cool. There are also stingrays as well.</div><div> </div><div>It's fun and the kids will love it. When we were there some American students were guides. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>For the serious hiker, Scotland has many places almost too numerous to name but for me, I like traveling on the grounds where my bloodline started. It is hard to imagine the way of life in the 14th century. </div><div> </div><div>I will come up with a few good hikes for you in the next few posts.</div><div> </div><div>Get out your maps.</div><div> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div></div></div><br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/W3mRuXIG2e0&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/W3mRuXIG2e0&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-46286899387298391322008-02-13T03:58:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:30.929-08:00BBC America: It's a bit like New Coke.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUIcExzeisuel_7iEKfkOFZxHq-A6pqHnKZ6_6m-X9HyjzWt-cY7ORsO74i0dvRUD4iAhBJN5l8inWv1PgFgvJd6tLlfrxwavRyhHnd05a7Vz1_rvM4RsX2to_TYmjTgKYCOB71UUoqLi/s1600-h/home_header.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166434943197752834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUIcExzeisuel_7iEKfkOFZxHq-A6pqHnKZ6_6m-X9HyjzWt-cY7ORsO74i0dvRUD4iAhBJN5l8inWv1PgFgvJd6tLlfrxwavRyhHnd05a7Vz1_rvM4RsX2to_TYmjTgKYCOB71UUoqLi/s320/home_header.jpg" border="0" /></a> The BBC is great at many things. First, their attention to international news outweighs American counterparts. The reason of course is financial. American broadcasters did not see the benefit of the many foreign bureaus they use to have spread throughout the world. Americans just don't really care about news too far from home. At least in-depth news. When was the last time the networks did a story on Kenya or Darfur or Uganda? Been a while. Americans also love icons. And so it seems BBC America has to sell the hosts to the American people like the other American networks.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBvbeG2RVisEKvFoUkmgH-2JBeqEvbMjtsrWq-AafGJibKFGc10uyDgSt12HZvzM-V2g3cQaxxCywKR9qIxlNyYNrrYFmnCuzBHwpZEVLNGjUgGJi_tckAMW8dsCLXDTv5I50Zr1lHjOM/s1600-h/newworldheader.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166435110701477394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBvbeG2RVisEKvFoUkmgH-2JBeqEvbMjtsrWq-AafGJibKFGc10uyDgSt12HZvzM-V2g3cQaxxCywKR9qIxlNyYNrrYFmnCuzBHwpZEVLNGjUgGJi_tckAMW8dsCLXDTv5I50Zr1lHjOM/s320/newworldheader.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>For me, it doesn't work. The real BBC you can watch overseas is hard hitting, thorough and not watered down. The hosts are generic reporters who do not get publicity for sitting in a chair.</div><div></div><div>That's just my view on it but I like the BBC News I get overseas to the America version. They seemed to have crammed the two hosts into a closet in Washington and the news comes to us Americanized. We already get that. Why they don't just give us the news from overseas befuddles me. I think it would be a real wake up call and would provide better news.</div><div></div><div>Instead the weaker version is just as good as a local affiliate. Again, just my opinion.</div><div></div><div>However, at least we get the BBC. In any form it is better than nothing.</div>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-58150467863384813822008-02-12T04:39:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:31.234-08:00BREAKING NEWS: White Stag Spotted in Scotland<a href="http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/uk/white+stag+sighting+in+scotland/1539047"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166072520972414370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXcpoQ42GYV023IYFI1CLCuaMCnZa2uVi8brBfLpINKNM8htMSOZcMiSJPxnEzaelaDmJ8ZuUbTBHGsdw2mNWVbwt2l5UsKmANmEZcbvgsjaxba2eIBLuyunuqJnWDC7OvIvDjRKKqorm/s320/_44418301_whitestag2203jmt.jpg" border="0" /></a> A rare white stag was sighted in Scotland. It is a rare sight and I thought I'd bring it to your attention. Legends says they bring messages from another world.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It is legend that you see. Like Narnia or Lord of the Rings, this is the real deal. Of course, the last one seen last year was shot and killed.<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgzo4O7vPTuUOuZvz6GMEVbt1xb-icPDy3JZPWXHccWo4dWj8Zwf3GJr6d7-EuoRQcYVgPe843TPXxiWgkwtzwqK69zfb7EX8XDE49chECbg-TmAmOTToAgwAOWectLY3ZDo8rb4JpB8F/s1600-h/stag2710_468x332.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166074384988220850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgzo4O7vPTuUOuZvz6GMEVbt1xb-icPDy3JZPWXHccWo4dWj8Zwf3GJr6d7-EuoRQcYVgPe843TPXxiWgkwtzwqK69zfb7EX8XDE49chECbg-TmAmOTToAgwAOWectLY3ZDo8rb4JpB8F/s320/stag2710_468x332.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />In 2007, the only white stag believed to be in Britain was shot and beheaded by poachers. The decapitated 300lb carcass of the animal was found strung up from a tree. <br /><br />The White Stag is actually a variant of the male red deer. The one sighted in 2007 was kept secret for years. The people of the community where the deer was found considered the deer sacred.<br /><br />The deer is sacred in many traditions and in Celtic and Egyptian mythologies. <br /><br />Hopefully, the new white stag will remain alive. Unfortunately all the added press will bring out poachers who may repeat the acts of 2007. <br /><br />Check out the video below and see the footage of the stag. It is not a hoax, white stags do exist.<br /><br /><embed name="flashObj" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=" src="http://services.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f8/1137883380" width="486" height="412" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="videoId=1413450424&playerId=1137883380&viewerSecureGatewayURL=https://services.brightcove.com/services/amfgateway&servicesURL=http://services.brightcove.com/services&cdnURL=http://admin.brightcove.com&domain=embed&autoStart=false&" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" seamlesstabbing="false" swliveconnect="true"></embed>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-82489630639822875852008-02-11T03:18:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:32.472-08:00Golf Scotland: On the Cheap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5SVot1DJpvAvnQt31f0VCoc7scjcVRz_G-r21d_KPHE0kcbXFf92j5_9jJr7Il4N35htlnfPvepnhnATDSHlm9sXajCc5qOGAE9mRJUs2pQmOmB2oNTWGK4zhqLY3fn11phtquVxyRPO/s1600-h/golfing+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165680742645607666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5SVot1DJpvAvnQt31f0VCoc7scjcVRz_G-r21d_KPHE0kcbXFf92j5_9jJr7Il4N35htlnfPvepnhnATDSHlm9sXajCc5qOGAE9mRJUs2pQmOmB2oNTWGK4zhqLY3fn11phtquVxyRPO/s320/golfing+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><br />Okay, so you don't have the time or money to spend on a legitimate round of golf.</div><div></div><div>Well, here's a cheap alternative.</div><div></div><div>If you are traveling near Stirling. The Mrs. wants to see the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, which are both fine places, but you want to get out and enjoy the fresh air and hit a few golf balls.</div><div></div><div>Well, take a bus to the University or drive depending on what type of transport you have and check out their par-3 course. You'll only need three clubs to play. A seven iron, a pitching wedge and a putter. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB0R5Y1V9umebEeJxPtKccN4QIYvE9LcqBpZ1_QqosUhzuwqYAxMc_r2Px5DjjGHbmDqQhlHq3Jr6O-MAthV4ljI0xs5WtU9IMz3aCR_hXFQnZyMKzkwSbUuTU6I3Ws0pF4GLLl216lzB/s1600-h/golfing+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165681258041683250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB0R5Y1V9umebEeJxPtKccN4QIYvE9LcqBpZ1_QqosUhzuwqYAxMc_r2Px5DjjGHbmDqQhlHq3Jr6O-MAthV4ljI0xs5WtU9IMz3aCR_hXFQnZyMKzkwSbUuTU6I3Ws0pF4GLLl216lzB/s320/golfing+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It is a good place to practice your short game. I was lucky enough to play the course every day as a student. It only cost me $4 a round...and well, if you behave yourself and it is not crowded, you can go around again and no one will get upset. </div><div><br /><br />Stirling University has a very good Sports Management program and the course is used by the golf team as a practice facility. You can get lessons from the pro, but you'll have to ask in advance.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TDpIHF7RkSIzCzbeyq-O1dwFINiyme7hKvNrgkYpILLa_W_PIRSTgGLi9qHyAkrggHGm4asXSHKOxrujxY1IHC5WEriqxCQDcN2uiHQVzMZ-XOgRcHSsGYNz5tPOvoy1CEu9RzkwDWvN/s1600-h/golfing+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165680867199659266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TDpIHF7RkSIzCzbeyq-O1dwFINiyme7hKvNrgkYpILLa_W_PIRSTgGLi9qHyAkrggHGm4asXSHKOxrujxY1IHC5WEriqxCQDcN2uiHQVzMZ-XOgRcHSsGYNz5tPOvoy1CEu9RzkwDWvN/s320/golfing+006.jpg" border="0" /></a>The scenery is quite nice. The Wallace Monument is always in view, the loch provides a beautiful backdrop and the mountain of Dumyat gives it a special touch as well.</div><div></div><div>The Scottish Premiere League team from Falkirk practices just off the 2nd tee. There are football pitches and practices facilities for the team. The locker rooms for the team are part of the golf course pro shop.<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWLF1EFz7DP55wEtr_SasXhsXbIXFRf5r2-cy5AvLuBeMXVfF6Gjr-c3eKS7bp2yCtQgftsyuX8YlUV3lqY1cv0e5PR1L-C-vfHgJfNTHRAfv7Gah5PJreI97sY5iVPiCDiaaJdY_UWiV/s1600-h/golfing+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165681021818481938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWLF1EFz7DP55wEtr_SasXhsXbIXFRf5r2-cy5AvLuBeMXVfF6Gjr-c3eKS7bp2yCtQgftsyuX8YlUV3lqY1cv0e5PR1L-C-vfHgJfNTHRAfv7Gah5PJreI97sY5iVPiCDiaaJdY_UWiV/s320/golfing+007.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>If you want pristine greens and fairways, this is not your golf course. If you want to have a relaxing hour of golf crammed into your travels, this is the perfect spot.</div><div></div><div>You'll meet real Scots, play a few difficult pitch shots and face some mean bunkers. You won't be disappointed by the scenery either.</div><div></div><div>The staff at the pro shop are very nice and will probably chat with you for a good ten minutes before you head out the door. </div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHVC6IRytwi5jpQPMhYjOUbf_uprZQp6s8UvV4nP2wuGr5iEE_tiYqUyzMRMNm9d_MgdQushpqnYrs6krOPZabe47EfRvj0byguLg9m_tqHrjA9JQ2MjZoHAE_NClh6-ujq3v-SyyEd_B/s1600-h/golfing+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165681378300767554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHVC6IRytwi5jpQPMhYjOUbf_uprZQp6s8UvV4nP2wuGr5iEE_tiYqUyzMRMNm9d_MgdQushpqnYrs6krOPZabe47EfRvj0byguLg9m_tqHrjA9JQ2MjZoHAE_NClh6-ujq3v-SyyEd_B/s320/golfing+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I enjoyed golfing there because I saved money, worked my irons and practiced my short game.</div><div></div><div>There is one very challenging hole #7. It is a narrow fairway, into a valley with a hole on a steep hill. It's probably a 150 yard shot to the pin. With just a seven iron, it is a tough shot.</div><div></div><div>The course won't open until April and the wait can feel like forever when the sunny days of March come around.<br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JwY7m-d5nayIxIvnBR4wiHmCr5t-64yocBnQM1rt7GW8KJb3oqeVjWUJ7BP5P8Vf-C1Ef-55ArHkx4EQMaWnmupY9ObUcPJ_113y5MvdS3iqQ_yRLw82tTT5ROrChQIcFyANycKdL8GF/s1600-h/golfing+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165681146372533538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JwY7m-d5nayIxIvnBR4wiHmCr5t-64yocBnQM1rt7GW8KJb3oqeVjWUJ7BP5P8Vf-C1Ef-55ArHkx4EQMaWnmupY9ObUcPJ_113y5MvdS3iqQ_yRLw82tTT5ROrChQIcFyANycKdL8GF/s320/golfing+001.jpg" border="0" /></a>The greens are very slow and hairy. Don't expect world class greens. However, it is good training for the public courses in Scotland.</div><div></div><div>Most greens are the same throughout Scotland.</div><div></div><div>After the round there are numerous places to get a pint on campus. The MacRoberts Center probably is the closest. You can pick up the bus there as well. So go have a pint, then get on a bus and meet back up with the Mrs.</div><div></div><div>Cheers.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-15198022069947816352008-02-10T06:16:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:33.224-08:00Golf: A Hidden Gem of a Course<a href="http://www.falkirkgolfclub.co.uk/course.htm"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165355703815613650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUarte_hpy8ZSJMsDBc7cyYoXOu0DMp2PBBbNOFmdSZBiYzfOzujMvnMOeW5-ZL-JBudRaDYPAkurEEfV2QOps1ncB3l2_gW7HTJkoPqo7iOn8i1VqXO2xFFDLViWkw6hgvchQmFDXEhZI/s320/top.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Falkirk Golf Club is one course for the tourist who does not want to pay a fortune to get a good round of golf but wants to play on a good quality course.<br />It is conveniently located between Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can take the train and get off close to the course. It makes it easy for those who send their wives shopping and the boys want to go out for a day's round.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.falkirkgolfclub.co.uk/course.htm"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165355609326333122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-p_5maiFRqrOeqSNKQfSogZFfLHYDBsKB-HWhIrMZfBgxsJs2ZzfbxuRkGVmp_VgQzdFERzAu23OGZR4K7d6QLZOg67YVFal0I7dAoCj5R2ZRxrdZV2G6bPcDr_E5sxUur5254fChUto/s320/plan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I have never golfed the course, but have passed by it frequently. In seeing the course, I inquired about it and the locals gave it good reviews.</div><div></div><div>The layout reminds me of many US courses but what sets it apart is the rough. You won't be able to slice the ball in many places without losing your ball for good.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.falkirkgolfclub.co.uk/news.htm"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165355540606856370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhrlyWi1gv_XnsueKgZGGdNzvT_lL001xry2hguEzdaamil89Z9MSL0oBURGXE9tC2jmbHyOtS05pYEpRqwPPpOf_ghunhOWXFrmLoD2CAkx8GjQ5D9VEftZdJK5C_UagCjtkRYsxfIIt/s320/green.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>The first thing you should learn about Scottish golf is the rough is tougher than anything you've ever experienced. Once a ball goes into the barbed wire like shrubbery, it's as good as gone. Or if it is high grass, good luck with your feet because you will never see it. You'll have to feel it with your foot.</div><div></div><div>But that's what makes the Scottish game so tough.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.falkirkgolfclub.co.uk/proshop.htm"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165355476182346914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6BkwRipVSLhEcp5EblGrIVlHZ7pMA3V8MD4U0_rsW6RByYzaT8uBRxMMPzOTd_ACGOWuUy7DXrW_A2F7ZwkVQvJvCAGOtd9XH1hMiZvg4FVS0f7ZJ7zvXk6ZHnHM_8Z6u8XAQfN1F59B/s320/18th_back.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>The greens are not spectacularly trimmed like many posh US courses. It can either benefit you or not, depending on your putting stroke.</div><div></div><div>And the sandtraps and bunkers are a bear. They are legendarily difficult at any Scottish course.</div><div></div><div>I give you Falkirk as a good place for a decent round. Click on any of the pictures and you can go to the course website.</div><div></div><div>A round is $60. Best of luck.</div>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-81335396516197088462008-02-09T05:10:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:36.255-08:00Golf: Scotland's Game<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSatH1shYahVeiGAtrEzY03_8Ffy3Mmspw5vSh8jiGBy1WvJXJdiux5SDqdWkQUIscVH0MLQI5BNFF1SfHBy3h5otJ5de6G2mEsxKtuR85Ap7AJ1kqqgESwsH8kWWQ9DoSnY4cCNT1qveW/s1600-h/smallchampionshipmap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164973911287770210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSatH1shYahVeiGAtrEzY03_8Ffy3Mmspw5vSh8jiGBy1WvJXJdiux5SDqdWkQUIscVH0MLQI5BNFF1SfHBy3h5otJ5de6G2mEsxKtuR85Ap7AJ1kqqgESwsH8kWWQ9DoSnY4cCNT1qveW/s320/smallchampionshipmap.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Scotland and golf is like saying America and baseball. Many Americans go to Scotland to golf as if they are on a religious pilgrimage. The scenery at most Scottish golf courses beats what you see in the United States. Like many things in the United States, we make things a bit more sterile, commercial and of course, we must drive instead of walk.<br /><br />Before you go to Scotland to golf the first thing you need to do is get in shape. You will have to get rid of the motorized cart and walk. It's a sacrifice but golf was made for walking and is part of the game. You're going into the heart and soul of golf and not a trip to Walmart. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMz40NNsiZXADS47YJhBx0K_ksRIoazg8Gdpxia1z39UfGNdUu8rUYyfaZMfG5Yf351hMPC0rK7lVilxHuFtE3BLm5jJtkF0hgiGkUnMwEYsUkld2IbvvGRAVeLtc6zPMzc3GvVllQxg3/s1600-h/hole2-2-190.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164974435273780338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMz40NNsiZXADS47YJhBx0K_ksRIoazg8Gdpxia1z39UfGNdUu8rUYyfaZMfG5Yf351hMPC0rK7lVilxHuFtE3BLm5jJtkF0hgiGkUnMwEYsUkld2IbvvGRAVeLtc6zPMzc3GvVllQxg3/s320/hole2-2-190.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another thing you might need to do is get a letter from your local course. Some of the better courses in Scotland want to make sure you are not a hacker. They want to know your handicap before you play.<br /><br />I will give tips on if you want a serious golf trip or just want to say you played a round in Scotland.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk/index.php"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164979198392511634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf41fBFesmTPymXCTHZDKE7uHia3K4KjMjxXsHZUcYqCIb5Jw7oXYfuERG2w8OUgwoZVpJSv7mhCKNRAjOISwginCFBiW2Kre47mrjfG6xJV_qQ3g_6vNHd9OXtYYkIf7tb7D_EOmLe7_k/s320/CARNOUSTIE.jpg" border="0" /></a>Today, we will start with a difficult course and one worthy of good golfers. <a href="http://www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk/index.php">Carnoustie Golf Course.</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />With the ocean in view on every hole it is a stunner. It is also very easy to get to. Take a train from Glagow and there is a train stop near the course. You probably don't even need a cab, depending on if you have brought your own clubs. As a tourist, I don't think you need clubs as you can rent them.<br /><br /><br />There are three different courses at Carnoustie and depending on your ability and your check book, you may find one better than the other. You <strong>must </strong>contact the course before you get there. You won't be able to just walk on. A simple email can solve those problems from arrising. Also, the three courses have three various rates.<br /><br />The Championship Course will cost you $250 for a round.<br /><br /><br />The Burnside Course will cost you $68 for a round.<br /><br /><br />And the Buddon Links Course will cost you $60 a round.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQdoi2GayZYy_-iFovPZxK3tuLSwBnaUtvLXVV4NtJ00ZUbONH9bFl_blwUiWmAb0Uaeizv5sIRGu0a_2HgQy9TZ2eXlzSUA7vRWtvhzrDXWA6lhRXOtZuJ58OXc7u79EJHVbFam9JnNw/s1600-h/images_georgeandmartin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164976724491349122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px" height="300" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQdoi2GayZYy_-iFovPZxK3tuLSwBnaUtvLXVV4NtJ00ZUbONH9bFl_blwUiWmAb0Uaeizv5sIRGu0a_2HgQy9TZ2eXlzSUA7vRWtvhzrDXWA6lhRXOtZuJ58OXc7u79EJHVbFam9JnNw/s320/images_georgeandmartin.jpg" width="216" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Club rental is $60.<br /><br /><br /><br />Shoe rental is $20.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A caddie will cost you $80<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>President George H. W. Bush </strong><strong>at Carnoustie with Caddie </strong><strong>Master Martin Roy.</strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br />As you can tell a golf trip to Scotland can be very expensive. If you are planning on going to many courses, bring your clubs as your expenses for rentals will climb.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Don't get depressed. If you just want the experience of hitting a golf ball in Scotland, I'll give you some cheaper alternatives. One of my best experiences in Scotland was the first time I hit a golf ball and realized I had finally made it to the golf mecca. And the day I went to St. Andrews, I didn't even golf and I was moved to tears.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you love golf, you will fall in love with Scotland. You may play on better courses but you will never experience the game the way it was meant to be, in any other place.Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-10268801146965893122008-02-08T03:28:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:36.550-08:00Shinty: A Unique Scottish Sport<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4PazN8C98zajri0xFwyg5UkHZrFwmLhpabZrQh94DQDujMakfHZBotK2Qo2YCiBAlQej6h51mqNtXBMHYMgi10EMip-vsufgdGhwNTLTZVSJ8pn_PGW9_ukctcRHouRvX2rSsY9oYD7k/s1600-h/0207.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164575302578521890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4PazN8C98zajri0xFwyg5UkHZrFwmLhpabZrQh94DQDujMakfHZBotK2Qo2YCiBAlQej6h51mqNtXBMHYMgi10EMip-vsufgdGhwNTLTZVSJ8pn_PGW9_ukctcRHouRvX2rSsY9oYD7k/s320/0207.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Shinty is a game similar to hockey and lacrosse. However, it is different from hockey and lacrosse in that the feet can be used to stop the ball but not the hands (unless you are the goal-keeper). You can carry the ball on your caman (stick) which can be swung above sholder height. It is a fast moving game where being physically fit counts.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NTCNB6aQDmn5FwP1p0Y7Mxb4GlSFO4Do_qqQH6dMJ8em4dvHTz_EmDAdCH2mvxaLTS9cKdy_P1PmR2H6uwGuielhb0Lp4g6VPdeu22XZJeB2fe8JTzxCIES7r0igFPKFKuSc0wUS3hz5/s1600-h/w7471.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164573859469510418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NTCNB6aQDmn5FwP1p0Y7Mxb4GlSFO4Do_qqQH6dMJ8em4dvHTz_EmDAdCH2mvxaLTS9cKdy_P1PmR2H6uwGuielhb0Lp4g6VPdeu22XZJeB2fe8JTzxCIES7r0igFPKFKuSc0wUS3hz5/s320/w7471.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The game is played with 2 teams of 12 players. Each player has a curved stick called a Caman (pronounced ca-man). Each game lasts 90 minutes. it is a community gamed played in some of the most remote parts of ScotlandStudents at Stirling University played the sport on a regular basis. They would carry their caman's with them throughout the day and then play in leagues at night.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The one thing noticeable between field hockey and shinty is the rough nature of the sport. You can use the stick above your head. Some players were able to toss the ball upward, using their stick, and then whack it like a baseball to forward the ball.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Very impressive when seen in person.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Here's some video with Gaelic commentators...</div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8HWwHnhnE-4&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8HWwHnhnE-4&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jit4myvKzlU&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jit4myvKzlU&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-86887772872615388972008-02-07T04:39:00.001-08:002008-12-10T10:30:38.098-08:00Cricket - An Aquired Taste<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gLt8HjtqUGp2BU9sn0LHmGe_j06cf4Nqf1UbKH4gSw5fsT0rAPBABsUq3hiChVUEcsvAvpp8a-8FgbM_F9PJGDHA4tHHV3F_Ykbj-TF5TMDbHrO0H6cXreWfQFN6a2eOR3jzvMB1LyNN/s1600-h/101211.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164217325644334802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gLt8HjtqUGp2BU9sn0LHmGe_j06cf4Nqf1UbKH4gSw5fsT0rAPBABsUq3hiChVUEcsvAvpp8a-8FgbM_F9PJGDHA4tHHV3F_Ykbj-TF5TMDbHrO0H6cXreWfQFN6a2eOR3jzvMB1LyNN/s320/101211.jpg" border="0" /></a> Let's be frank, at first glance cricket is about as exciting as watching paint dry. It also seems to be a sport without any rules or too many rules or just bizarre rules.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After awhile, once you start to understand the sport, you gain an appreciation for it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidu0-v4RxrplaUNiOsXDE_CC0ASitDYIi0u1QS9PMjZyk-HkPd8amko8ExyGlXyG6HasOFiftafUTTVlblsa9lXOhlDyz0BarBSRlGaljeiFUFz1hxxe9xO3nDSt_EEABSTLnTHkHm87gc/s1600-h/2007scotlandshirt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164217029291591330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidu0-v4RxrplaUNiOsXDE_CC0ASitDYIi0u1QS9PMjZyk-HkPd8amko8ExyGlXyG6HasOFiftafUTTVlblsa9lXOhlDyz0BarBSRlGaljeiFUFz1hxxe9xO3nDSt_EEABSTLnTHkHm87gc/s320/2007scotlandshirt.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />In the United States, it is very difficult to see a cricket match. In Scotland, the highlights are on television. Instead of quick snippets of action, you can see long segments of matches. Considering that some of these matches can last hours or days, a long television segment may be required to fully describe the action. It is in watching the highlights at night where I learned the game. I'm still a novice but I can describe to you what I believe.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKodo77F6fnQpVSMrsjUUPwgFSa1613sPS88ugFjHFuQbhMTIoyheGfJqIVrFzDPo12JNjihxpeEQ_FggH3bMk2YM00H71FhLehadc5cP66C8-b1CZN1vMuA0j0TbVkN2NLP0n1rWOSVsk/s1600-h/19382.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164217136665773746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKodo77F6fnQpVSMrsjUUPwgFSa1613sPS88ugFjHFuQbhMTIoyheGfJqIVrFzDPo12JNjihxpeEQ_FggH3bMk2YM00H71FhLehadc5cP66C8-b1CZN1vMuA0j0TbVkN2NLP0n1rWOSVsk/s320/19382.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To start with, imagine baseball where instead of three outs and you change sides, you let one team play all of their outs (27), all their innings (9) at once. So let's say they have all their at bats and score 11 runs. I only use the MLB numbers for a comparision...but in cricket a player is allowed only one out, and basically they play only one inning. However, matches last for hours depending on the skills of both bowler and batter.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now imagine if our Yankees had all their at bats, then the Red Sox come up and bat and they have to either tie the 11 runs or best the 11 runs with 12.<br /><br />That's cricket in a nutshell.<br /><br /><br />The biggest difference is the scores. A cricket player can score points for ground balls, foul balls, home runs, and singles. In the end a good day for a cricket player is 100 points. It is called the century mark.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1jYcHiqGh7NRBevc4en9_QEVAaEuDQjA8L7tKVj1DZZsP6cdPwZ_O9sT00gNB7BM06Naz4tmNHvJVn9a871EUrTrjUvUj7NriO8Wiu8ObQAWrL9ng-0P-kkuJqdkJ4pp7g9gdXJg-w8G/s1600-h/positions.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164220448085559010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1jYcHiqGh7NRBevc4en9_QEVAaEuDQjA8L7tKVj1DZZsP6cdPwZ_O9sT00gNB7BM06Naz4tmNHvJVn9a871EUrTrjUvUj7NriO8Wiu8ObQAWrL9ng-0P-kkuJqdkJ4pp7g9gdXJg-w8G/s320/positions.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The field is a circle, so a "baseball foul ball" could be a home run.<br /><br />Here is the field and how the field is covered by the pitching team. A short stop would be the "Stiff Cover" position.<br /><br />The "Bowler" is the pitcher. He throws the ball overhanded and is allowed to run up to the line. To see how it is done check the scottish highlights: <a href="http://www.cricketeurope4.net/SCOTLAND/DATABASE/VIDEOZONE/4.shtml"><click></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJtDGGTlqJIjS48B2Nuc2ZKRbO5u4quJZHCD-kScIBjDo95ahky99j_ywtcV6zRoeGpNsrMVuHWXLzOmrUcJzJeMiN1RKi4kRy_Fagyj5FL9p2BimL56DQkYhpep-jkPq69Y2u-vIiCBh/s1600-h/crease.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164220761618171634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJtDGGTlqJIjS48B2Nuc2ZKRbO5u4quJZHCD-kScIBjDo95ahky99j_ywtcV6zRoeGpNsrMVuHWXLzOmrUcJzJeMiN1RKi4kRy_Fagyj5FL9p2BimL56DQkYhpep-jkPq69Y2u-vIiCBh/s320/crease.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is where most of the action takes place.<br />The objective of the bowler is to hit the wicket. The objective of the batter is to protect the wicket and hit the ball to score points.<br /><br /><br />Two batsman run back in forth from the Popper's End to the Knacker's End and vice-versa to score points. Each time they cross the line they get a point.<br /><br />For more rules go to <a href="http://www.allworldknowledge.com/cricket/index.html"><click>.</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDoEmgbhWW80AJF1fluvGB5QbH8j6OjVOrOUJ_PGZ5JJPCQw9a4POD6ZNgSpUn6bhlMdbYM9D-PWvOLzsbp2YehU4ARGXMajt_t-oNz6Mdz1TgJI270wUCaq5dpyUJzSwn7si295Sd17g/s1600-h/19381.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164217235450021570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDoEmgbhWW80AJF1fluvGB5QbH8j6OjVOrOUJ_PGZ5JJPCQw9a4POD6ZNgSpUn6bhlMdbYM9D-PWvOLzsbp2YehU4ARGXMajt_t-oNz6Mdz1TgJI270wUCaq5dpyUJzSwn7si295Sd17g/s320/19381.jpg" border="0" /></a> Scotland does not have the best cricket team, but England, Australia, South Africa and Pakistan are the best in the business. Australia has been very good lately and their bowlers are first rate.<br /><br />I gained appreciate for the sport when I realized how the batters must hit every pitch. If they let it get by them, it hits a wicket and they are out and done for the match. So, imagine Randy Johnson running at you, throwing a ball in the dirt and you have to hit it? That's cricket.<br /><br />Before you toss it off as being a weird sport with no athletic prowess, think again.<br /><br />Here's a few videos of what I mean:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Anw6E8mLi9E&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Anw6E8mLi9E&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FRXmPe8I7QQ&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FRXmPe8I7QQ&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-1700283843243390492008-02-06T04:11:00.001-08:002008-12-10T10:30:38.663-08:00Rugby Rules in Scotland<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkf2tIPXNG8xyP0pz7mDgC2nSQJ2aJ3L5j-1TbGcjRTS4sP2x2eaxpnA7RcOItyT6n97dcFasqvLvx4CAw_iP9vhSNjNnWc8-7gL_v-VyTYsxQzvHx73mPOlMb8_cjivc7L9uRrBA7fF4w/s1600-h/logo-sco.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163839007745033858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkf2tIPXNG8xyP0pz7mDgC2nSQJ2aJ3L5j-1TbGcjRTS4sP2x2eaxpnA7RcOItyT6n97dcFasqvLvx4CAw_iP9vhSNjNnWc8-7gL_v-VyTYsxQzvHx73mPOlMb8_cjivc7L9uRrBA7fF4w/s320/logo-sco.gif" border="0" /></a><br />Every year Scotland participates in the Six Nations Rugby Tournament. It is the sporting event that takes the headlines. The fans react to it similar to how we react to March Madness. Scotland is struggling lately to do well in the tournament and unfortunately England has a very good team, which can get upsetting.<br /><br />The six teams are: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.<br /><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa0FEdJlIhcNuGOb1vYeqd86Lx9BEQgYRnHoE_84psE6g8A1rUHrifSYncdmSoAW-IVRotGNeTF4pR-aQbhv73nfWTVjEGPKCG2cZU9ES_qL7Ps9NfcmQQB4E4BOr_60bR0GGYhiVHOvz/s1600-h/NickDeLuca.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163838904665818738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa0FEdJlIhcNuGOb1vYeqd86Lx9BEQgYRnHoE_84psE6g8A1rUHrifSYncdmSoAW-IVRotGNeTF4pR-aQbhv73nfWTVjEGPKCG2cZU9ES_qL7Ps9NfcmQQB4E4BOr_60bR0GGYhiVHOvz/s320/NickDeLuca.jpg" border="0" /></a> If you have never seen a rugby match then you may not appreciate the athleticism and brute force of the matches. The game is very similar to American football however, no one wears pads and even the big defensive guys have to run up and down the field all the time. There are no substitutions every play. These guys are fit and the game is brutal. Blood and broken bones are common each game.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUP37IibYLLZmN897brlsKaT9U5kP9Akurekk05Zdz_DbaZ3C6_8_6slIBnd4aawfRSUkjlyfJGnRz_eJTIdjSXXuN4TOScKBglplIss4o6vEKMLaThagWOkpBAcgb1_X12W_mZbpyd6E/s1600-h/ChrisPaterson.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163839145183987346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUP37IibYLLZmN897brlsKaT9U5kP9Akurekk05Zdz_DbaZ3C6_8_6slIBnd4aawfRSUkjlyfJGnRz_eJTIdjSXXuN4TOScKBglplIss4o6vEKMLaThagWOkpBAcgb1_X12W_mZbpyd6E/s320/ChrisPaterson.jpg" border="0" /></a>Scotland was destroyed on Sunday by France in a 27-6 match played in Edinburgh at Murrayfield.</div><div> </div><div>France has a very good team. It would not be surprising to see England play France in the finals.</div><div> </div><div>Below are some rugby highlights from previous seasons. Check it out and experience the frenzied nature of rugby.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QFNf11z-22E&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QFNf11z-22E&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ahWGCIb6fDU&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ahWGCIb6fDU&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-25385982812591348492008-02-05T03:00:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:40.334-08:00Scotland vs. Ireland: They aren't the same.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9hiLEGkouWBNFLnF-Zk2yqB7sh2U9MccCIPZRfPNTVl2CUChB2fx0UeGfRg6LzWyejVdLXzknYxZGXwl6FmdUX24AAmNBPMRrn4fIIFV4RkTV1PzKpWYks0rB97j3oUrPXyRCiBLORHw/s1600-h/2126139_0e2e77691184727256_m.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163451129248531938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px" height="267" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9hiLEGkouWBNFLnF-Zk2yqB7sh2U9MccCIPZRfPNTVl2CUChB2fx0UeGfRg6LzWyejVdLXzknYxZGXwl6FmdUX24AAmNBPMRrn4fIIFV4RkTV1PzKpWYks0rB97j3oUrPXyRCiBLORHw/s320/2126139_0e2e77691184727256_m.jpg" width="214" border="0" /></a><br />A pet peeve of mine and one that will roll the eyes or get blank stares from Scots is to think Ireland and Scotland are the same. Unfortunately, ignorant Americans lump Ireland and Scotland together because of music or kilts or accents or a combination of the three. Another reason is the "over there" factor. A basic lack of knowledge causes a lot of the confusion. A lack of caring keeps the indescretion from being corrected.<br /><br />I will attempt to illustrate the differences and hopefully educate those who link the two countries.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uPtG2y4JmlOQwPIjrFkwFlGslniyRxI_8zCSAE-VMwPn7scugEq2kycuWl4aotSeQtguy0Onk05SFBLByC9Z-s2m22Oi5i7unjhDr0CiZoSxAppZ0ej6k-no_s9reG9AArnQ93NAJtaD/s1600-h/smallmap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163452160040683010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uPtG2y4JmlOQwPIjrFkwFlGslniyRxI_8zCSAE-VMwPn7scugEq2kycuWl4aotSeQtguy0Onk05SFBLByC9Z-s2m22Oi5i7unjhDr0CiZoSxAppZ0ej6k-no_s9reG9AArnQ93NAJtaD/s320/smallmap.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Ireland</strong><br />Ireland is a country of its own. It is an island by itself. Ireland's currency is the Euro. Scotland's currency is the Pound.<br /><br /><br /><br />Ireland has a booming software industry and is the "silicone valley" of Europe.<br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br />Scotland is known for banking. The Royal Bank of Scotland owns many US banks.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />----------------------------------<br />Irish names begin with Mc.<br /><br /><strong>McCarthy</strong><br /><strong>McLaughlin</strong><br /><br /><br />Scottish names begin with Mac.<br /><br /><strong>MacKenzie</strong><br /><strong>MacGregor </strong><br /><strong>-----------------------------------<br /><br /></strong><strong></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCgjxqD2JpdrS4jtMW7AOfGR9-8cTaBMAV_rmPhVmvtJOHLPRok5HeLUCqigTolspJg8EWXOCuClUyw8EKzwqMtSo3V_ENW5Kq_q6AAm0nJAkryd5ddN-oLFfJt1rdqfxZJYxe2aNqYdF/s1600-h/physical-map-of-northern-ireland.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163451391241537010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCgjxqD2JpdrS4jtMW7AOfGR9-8cTaBMAV_rmPhVmvtJOHLPRok5HeLUCqigTolspJg8EWXOCuClUyw8EKzwqMtSo3V_ENW5Kq_q6AAm0nJAkryd5ddN-oLFfJt1rdqfxZJYxe2aNqYdF/s320/physical-map-of-northern-ireland.gif" border="0" /></a><strong>Northern Ireland</strong><br />When I was in Scotland, when Ireland was discussed the reference was to Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland still belongs to the United Kingdom.<br /><br />Northern Ireland is the onclave of the Protestants of Ireland. This is the area of the "troubles". This small part of Ireland is the only part that links Scotland and Ireland but they are as similar as Puerto Rico is to Texas. They may look familar in lots of ways but it is in the details the differences can be seen.<br /><br />I think the analogy of Puerto Rico to Texas is the best for explaining the differences between Northern Ireland and Scotland. There are cultural differences and political differences.<br /><br />The accents are different. Their history is different.<br /><br />---------------------------------<br /><strong>IRELAND</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9H5JLXzTMzY_v9WPhg6hPuLwAnPdpcJ0Rmm0OebPhJdTCqijrD7tOAfNvaG1ekjP2p5jssgD7Ya7KJAXIVwqFjyblNIISTLFK-bCWsJ43dac0bwAdH2GF5ZwkdK2uoJXys5ph9vuDFwA/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163456059870987810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9H5JLXzTMzY_v9WPhg6hPuLwAnPdpcJ0Rmm0OebPhJdTCqijrD7tOAfNvaG1ekjP2p5jssgD7Ya7KJAXIVwqFjyblNIISTLFK-bCWsJ43dac0bwAdH2GF5ZwkdK2uoJXys5ph9vuDFwA/s320/images.jpg" border="0" /></a>The flag of Ireland is flown only in Ireland. Ireland has a President and a Prime Minister. They do not have a Queen.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />---------------------------------<br /><strong>THE UNITED KINGDOM</strong><br /><strong>consists of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe0gkX0cKBSicMmVkaS6CgKs4gDLH0v6UbswhoOgbr0GifOHErwr4CqXwLjFJ4tTJVUKFuzqsxhgvzayd28Gavpa-ebLCwo1pHL52cFWl5nWarvIZC15BH_xAQhEip4bwEh7x75aaZFFJ/s1600-h/british+flag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163455780698113554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe0gkX0cKBSicMmVkaS6CgKs4gDLH0v6UbswhoOgbr0GifOHErwr4CqXwLjFJ4tTJVUKFuzqsxhgvzayd28Gavpa-ebLCwo1pHL52cFWl5nWarvIZC15BH_xAQhEip4bwEh7x75aaZFFJ/s320/british+flag.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Union flag (Union Jack) is flown in Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland. They constitute the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has a Prime Minister as well as a Queen.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZsmjYkJBiQjj1q2tHLve3L6ySGBuv14UIHUaBCdKvzyOpIxCUtUXnmJwp_vcZL_V7x3oQLt1TeZlGBAUppuuqRAbWxH2jE2kKyNeX7uPSlf1QTcvqPaYSO52fyHACoynPJAgt002E5gc/s1600-h/northern+ireland+flag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163456386288502322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZsmjYkJBiQjj1q2tHLve3L6ySGBuv14UIHUaBCdKvzyOpIxCUtUXnmJwp_vcZL_V7x3oQLt1TeZlGBAUppuuqRAbWxH2jE2kKyNeX7uPSlf1QTcvqPaYSO52fyHACoynPJAgt002E5gc/s320/northern+ireland+flag.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This flag is the governmental flag of Northern Ireland.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI6nx4JR-Aj7jSryRgn90JkQu9q-pfg59hxMdxrHKhYfWLVsN5saQus7y_n_aVCl7pVzPB1rM1VbDdivo_VfQ6K4q8ZwBuC1VeibJTcwGQt_h447CB_srnUu94Pa3Ab1hlOSi1bQBuxhm/s1600-h/2218217188.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163615141164664402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI6nx4JR-Aj7jSryRgn90JkQu9q-pfg59hxMdxrHKhYfWLVsN5saQus7y_n_aVCl7pVzPB1rM1VbDdivo_VfQ6K4q8ZwBuC1VeibJTcwGQt_h447CB_srnUu94Pa3Ab1hlOSi1bQBuxhm/s320/2218217188.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This is the flag of England: St. George's Cross. Notice if you put the Scottish flag and the St. George's Cross together you get the Union flag.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaDdzuGp0jDZjJMhWELblEm3rN7lcebab3JEpOIKUdXlwen5buSiY8n1EhqqS3xuEpUNS1cBORaQj7yLa_ih_1YBdBF5QatNv_iBT2WKcgyRjh-LUlCJnExPIqVR70Algxy47Cgf-v4Ub/s1600-h/scotland+flag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163456704116082242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaDdzuGp0jDZjJMhWELblEm3rN7lcebab3JEpOIKUdXlwen5buSiY8n1EhqqS3xuEpUNS1cBORaQj7yLa_ih_1YBdBF5QatNv_iBT2WKcgyRjh-LUlCJnExPIqVR70Algxy47Cgf-v4Ub/s320/scotland+flag.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is the flag of Scotland. Scotland has its own parliament but it acts much the same way as our state government. The federal decisions are made in Westminister, England. Scotland has representatives in British Parliament, again however, the affairs of Scotland are privy to the Scottish Parliament. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, is Scottish and with it comes much disdain and expectations from his fellow Scots.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVTeckG2vru-Cxlh4BxO-WTmpKamLSNIfWbmdJEZKL5BFfjaYfvT5-TKP3VqME22T8KsiIfuOy6Cg4_4j0vO8uJ-aaASY1EMavMnBRNFnvbCJJhiHsRxZd0Px6KGuYFsO4_B3rd6EbfJR/s1600-h/flag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163616622928381538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 157px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" height="134" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVTeckG2vru-Cxlh4BxO-WTmpKamLSNIfWbmdJEZKL5BFfjaYfvT5-TKP3VqME22T8KsiIfuOy6Cg4_4j0vO8uJ-aaASY1EMavMnBRNFnvbCJJhiHsRxZd0Px6KGuYFsO4_B3rd6EbfJR/s320/flag.jpg" width="157" border="0" /></a><br />This is the flag of Wales. Don't forget, Wales is also a member of the United Kingdom.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />------------------------------<br />Ireland has its own television news network. <a href="http://www.rte.ie/">http://www.rte.ie/</a> Click on the link and check it out. You might want to compare it to the BBC... <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/">http://www.bbc.co.uk/</a>. When the BBC discusses "Ireland" it directly refers to Northern Ireland. You can click on the links inside the BBC site and you will see what I mean.<br /><br />I have heard many Americans confuse Scotland with Ireland and ignorantly toss their confusion as a "what's the difference?" There is a huge difference for those who know better. If you go to Scotland and believe there is no difference, I suggest to you there is no differences between Canadians and Americans.<br /><br />The next time someone lumps the two countries together, you can educate them of their ignorance.Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-87782275574120298892008-02-04T07:10:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:40.676-08:00Super Bowl Not Super in Scotland<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2007/02/06/superbowl_feature.shtml"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163142686172169650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQxOojYHB_fgKE7sGCm-vIffM1zcu0I8rx58hR-bljq4TwuK32ITja7p9IfEYTasSNLNHsafcklcRuHBVTG-Dst5pa3YVYI3cYUFb3rI0p5M5H-HHqvVNZM_Gx94nxO0Rst-XTT6DR7Dr/s320/cheers_superbowl203_203x152.jpg" border="0" /></a> Despite the contrary articles (click on picture for one), I never found many Scots in Scotland who knew anything about the NFL. They may know about the Super Bowl, probably because it is one of the few games available. Ex-pats and students cared greatly about the NFL on Sunday, but I recall sitting with ten US students in the basement of the University watching the games alone, while a hundred students upstairs watched the English Premiere League.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I was recently informed the Scots are excited about the New York Giants because of Lawrence Tynes, the kicker. He's the only Scot in the NFL.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4qlqhNEXnYcASrO8dqMZI_bMheHy645jmDWYDhn7ZzAuMI7QFB2le8brB9O7ZMCmiaXbCsTFL1y5bCF8baTFhL8Es-Rhdy6F1rFEdPaz0X0-xAJgfx_OweaZEbff6zHDVzsAUZ40oiIz/s1600-h/_44392901_tynes_av66.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163144537303074242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4qlqhNEXnYcASrO8dqMZI_bMheHy645jmDWYDhn7ZzAuMI7QFB2le8brB9O7ZMCmiaXbCsTFL1y5bCF8baTFhL8Es-Rhdy6F1rFEdPaz0X0-xAJgfx_OweaZEbff6zHDVzsAUZ40oiIz/s320/_44392901_tynes_av66.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p><strong>Lawrence Tynes</strong></p><br /><p><strong></strong></p><br /><p>The BBC aired the Super Bowl for the first time this year and I know ex-pats were very happy to be watching it on free telly.</p><br /><p>If you click on the <a href="http://www.stv.tv/">STV website</a>, no mention of the Super Bowl is given. The Six Nations Rugby tournament gets more press. From my experiences, it is the case. American football is still an American game despite all the press. Yes, London may have its hot spots but probably the reason is the businessmen and women who travel may boost up the interest.</p><br /><p>In Scotland, the NFL is as common to them as cricket is to us. Really. The NBA is another story. Scots like basketball and follow the NBA. I have seen many basketball jerseys being worn around. I saw a Lebron James jersey on some kid waiting for a train and I thought I'd say something but thought better of it.</p><br /><p>If you wear a NFL shirt or hat or anything like that, you will be immediately identified as American. Baseball caps are rare, however, the only caps you will see are New York Yankee caps. Why? Because they see it as a trendy logo and not as a hated or loved team. It means New York to them. It means <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMHpPlF0clnOqEa5TmzB3Syth2c4sXSWlQFesvdsNEVrfYbVQZnDZOA4MG1MfkGYZr0hRmX92OdXh4EsNq4L4UjoKUih7YQv08TRrn6EtI1Me4jRoMu-5Joaumnb4NA2vnFFFwQxr7oZv/s1600-h/green+party.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163147170118026706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMHpPlF0clnOqEa5TmzB3Syth2c4sXSWlQFesvdsNEVrfYbVQZnDZOA4MG1MfkGYZr0hRmX92OdXh4EsNq4L4UjoKUih7YQv08TRrn6EtI1Me4jRoMu-5Joaumnb4NA2vnFFFwQxr7oZv/s320/green+party.jpg" border="0" /></a>they've traveled or just want to look cool. Look at this guy running for office.</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you don't want to be identified immediately as an American, I suggest you leave the baseball caps at home. Unless you are a Yankee fan, of course. However, I strongly recommend you don't wear the cap. If you saw Trainspotting, you may remember the American tourist that walked into the bar wearing his baseball cap and jacket, only to be beaten up. Well, you may not be beaten, but there will be a bit of disdain for your gaudy American fan wear. Just a thought.Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-15803124992611474792008-02-03T09:25:00.001-08:002008-12-10T10:30:41.025-08:00Final Accent<a href="http://accent.gmu.edu/searchsaa.php?function=detail&speakerid=82"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162806738125243810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTq2E8lXYckl57ZyiQF643YkCsW_hev0UZGiSDMaowj0-Zop9QqapTtxf8maiRtR50tNFbvkQiI_FfgIEA7AWpeIumy8YHOrhZEDezdU90mi_57dTZQYpemISyJw-Jw1pt8jWCoxSfCDi/s320/253968040_67a0acffaf_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We'll do more on accents later I'm sure, but three days on a topic is quite enough for now.<br /><br />If you want to learn more about Scottish accents here are a few places to go.<br /><br />Click on the Wallace Monument for one site...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And if you haven't heard the Robin Williams take on Scottish accents, then you must see this:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3cjWAbCTk1w&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3cjWAbCTk1w&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Check out behind the scenes of BBC Radio Scotland and hear some proper Scottish accents.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VGG8JdFG9LU&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VGG8JdFG9LU&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-79775135241123990652008-02-02T06:10:00.000-08:002008-02-02T06:52:17.311-08:00Scottish Comedy: Funny Accents and all that!To continue the discussion on accents and dialects, how about some more Scottish humor to help us better understand Scotland.<br /><br />Billy Connolly is one of Scotland's favorite sons. He's up there with Sir Sean Connery. Check out his tourist information below:<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/z4B2v6O5AMY&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/z4B2v6O5AMY&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />The Reality TV show, "Big Brother" is a huge success throughout Europe. In the UK, it almost caused an international incident when I was there when an Indian movie star was not treated properly and racist remarks were incited.<br />Here's Billy on Reality TV.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iIkeG0VWT1w&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iIkeG0VWT1w&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />And there are two things you need to know about Scottish Football...Celtic and Rangers.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bA6OwycDpfY&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bA6OwycDpfY&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G9lngPw9dbQ&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G9lngPw9dbQ&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Billy's bang on with the football chants.<br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PZ3IswHCZZw&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PZ3IswHCZZw&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-19488521719986866272008-02-01T03:16:00.000-08:002008-02-01T03:49:45.956-08:00Accents, DialectsThe Scottish accent is music to the ears of tourists but at times the dialects can be very difficult. For example, watch this clip.<br /><br /><br /><object height="373" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Khrpy4V0-U4&rel=1&border=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Khrpy4V0-U4&rel=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="373"></embed></object><br />The video will give you an idea what it will be like when you arrive in Glasgow and ask a bus driver for information. Don't be surprised if he gives you some of the same slang.<br /><br />Glasgow is one place where the accent can be very difficult to understand as the speakers will more than likely add their regional dialect to the discussion. The dialects are what takes time to understand. A dialect is associated with a particular class and with it jargon unlike anything you hear in the United States.<br /><br />As you move around Scotland, the accent changes. The rolling gutteral speak of Glasgow will disappear as you travel to Edinburgh. The dialect is less stated and you won't be gobsmacked with words you don't coomprehend. As you head north to Inverness the accent becomes even more neutral. In Skye, you may meet one or two with the stereotyped rolling "r"s.<br /><br />For the most part, Glasgow is the toughest place to carry on a conversation. You may want to get a book that helps with local slang. It won't help much, however, as the speaker will be saying it at hundred miles an hour. You have to live there a while to pick up any part of the conversation. But, don't give up.<br /><br />Here's one tip...don't say I stained my pants....pants means underwear in Scotland. Say, I stained my trousers. Right, then...ya danna wanna be a bampot...that'll be pish.Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-19802509565925028652008-01-31T05:14:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:41.978-08:00Scottish groceries: A few suggestions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEXfr7xNM6iZuhPXyPv1GdkmgUC5GVeY4PPpanEm_NxhQphJaoh8ev7PLlMWoz2II_nyjDcegrByCyFT3UzUHBpEHIfPUFD3Dr3kVPE7nI6McKKsLBHXS5EgoYnKjWGv_y_Qg_wdUuANg/s1600-h/lamb+steaks.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161628967898367362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEXfr7xNM6iZuhPXyPv1GdkmgUC5GVeY4PPpanEm_NxhQphJaoh8ev7PLlMWoz2II_nyjDcegrByCyFT3UzUHBpEHIfPUFD3Dr3kVPE7nI6McKKsLBHXS5EgoYnKjWGv_y_Qg_wdUuANg/s320/lamb+steaks.gif" border="0" /></a> A few last grocery ideas.<br /><br />The lamb steak is awesome in Scotland. Anything with lamb is good in my book from lamb curry to lamb mince (which I put in spagetti sauce). However, the mince gives off an odd smell when cooked. The mince is inexpensive. The lamb steak on the other hand, is expensive. It is odd for a country full of sheep to have such high lamb prices but that's just the way it is.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0W3rt-C9f1pbQD64Xm0-sX3mvFB_pL4KkYwmBLf_rI2KakttIyEiR-0DJu6114ZR8zGzfWcf5mbfA4AiCbT1usYxtG1dtk6e00tAlrAguPJcAWUcD6O7yz0S38BDrVDQFqCE4MuMXUQ8/s1600-h/209_groceries_7345.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161628645775820130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0W3rt-C9f1pbQD64Xm0-sX3mvFB_pL4KkYwmBLf_rI2KakttIyEiR-0DJu6114ZR8zGzfWcf5mbfA4AiCbT1usYxtG1dtk6e00tAlrAguPJcAWUcD6O7yz0S38BDrVDQFqCE4MuMXUQ8/s320/209_groceries_7345.gif" border="0" /></a>I've never had a deep fried Mars bar, because my cholesterol level would kill me afterward. But a deep fried Mars bar is supposedly the coveted cuisine of the tourist looking to experience the unique ways of Scots. I always suggest keeping something in your travel bag to help you fend off hunger. You'd be better off filling up with candy than go into a restaurant or grocery store famished.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-dp_roNFyB2vrTCQ9dWM3HHpJZbghG5p-vmhvFGbbG3OcILIJMOE3op3lHqWiRTfJ8TPaZRZemxsWT7ACiASNHQU31OUSkd9_BCejr7Gq_HG9Y23Euv_QCzD0vREhBXgeG3HeF0Vnj14/s1600-h/209_chilled_7362.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161628542696605010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-dp_roNFyB2vrTCQ9dWM3HHpJZbghG5p-vmhvFGbbG3OcILIJMOE3op3lHqWiRTfJ8TPaZRZemxsWT7ACiASNHQU31OUSkd9_BCejr7Gq_HG9Y23Euv_QCzD0vREhBXgeG3HeF0Vnj14/s320/209_chilled_7362.gif" border="0" /></a> </div><div>You can get Haggis, Neeps and Tatties in the frozen foods but it is not worth it. As you experience haggis in your travels you will experience the different quality. You will know what a good haggis tastes like if you have been properly served in a fine restaurant or B&B. For your first taste of haggis, don't go to the frozen food aisle or buy a can. Bring a can back or open one up after you've had the better haggis. Your first experience should be pleasant. A fresh haggis can taste wonderful. Even my wife agrees, there is a difference in haggis and a quality dinner is very good.</div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyr5_oovNfcKLYKx1jVGtYHCuD02zkQ2jVNm0BxKqc94jY1OZtznv185uf7bSjzqvwAQklz7-jnoL2P-7LVCj0Z6SYNAHVGy1nRapWFtyxAjKIacZ5Tz8G9SBP8ke6Y88I8ywe44ib77e-/s1600-h/209_groceries_7361.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161628796099675506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyr5_oovNfcKLYKx1jVGtYHCuD02zkQ2jVNm0BxKqc94jY1OZtznv185uf7bSjzqvwAQklz7-jnoL2P-7LVCj0Z6SYNAHVGy1nRapWFtyxAjKIacZ5Tz8G9SBP8ke6Y88I8ywe44ib77e-/s320/209_groceries_7361.gif" border="0" /></a><br />You may look at the rows of soup and not know what brand to buy. I actually preferred the cheaper soup, <strong>Granny's.</strong> It is inexpensive but tastes very good. It has a bit more sodium but the soup was a staple in my daily life. The soup went well with a sandwich. I highly recommend it for a cheap lunch.<br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-80911076119233996152008-01-30T05:41:00.001-08:002008-12-10T10:30:42.655-08:00Scottish groceries: Slang<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh919ZHQyeSDe-ePMhbqqBcoKOK1YHWU5Q8sjHbMOxac4VoHaQSMesZ_WSB8HU_E8kVbWohZvFXdJnl1tR26-fXoQNGBEBwrTvWxw_3LzyqUiZAx2Lxy4kJ2gNWCskv_PropECYAqR254x/s1600-h/209_groceries_7316.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161266970874791186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh919ZHQyeSDe-ePMhbqqBcoKOK1YHWU5Q8sjHbMOxac4VoHaQSMesZ_WSB8HU_E8kVbWohZvFXdJnl1tR26-fXoQNGBEBwrTvWxw_3LzyqUiZAx2Lxy4kJ2gNWCskv_PropECYAqR254x/s320/209_groceries_7316.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizE7En1lkWkWGFUeawAHLTU_rlFoL7Z9L4DJFsOwDmsu-kT_ooOunWu96m2R1-W1w_2h77JDqtd-WtuLBfMIgU4m29wQnVu6VZcO_vHEUn9DqCGQ-R_wZsiZfkC1ncl4oFt_cyADlok-8L/s1600-h/Trip+to+Oban+march+31+059.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Chips or crisps?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKryMfNqEnFhdyFRsht_pkx7LASB6MNyTvAEJGSThfEYqsUVPcQOWVnnjeWiLO1qVX4Jtbm50ln4WdiSqPHOouqkZZU-ve-U3BeCG5XPRU9lR70J4LCgQl0PfegF0RFB84mTXrP1al0KpL/s1600-h/209_groceries_7334.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161267056774137122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKryMfNqEnFhdyFRsht_pkx7LASB6MNyTvAEJGSThfEYqsUVPcQOWVnnjeWiLO1qVX4Jtbm50ln4WdiSqPHOouqkZZU-ve-U3BeCG5XPRU9lR70J4LCgQl0PfegF0RFB84mTXrP1al0KpL/s320/209_groceries_7334.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In Scotland, chips are french fries. Crisps are potatoe chips. Both are a staple of Scottish life. Crisps can be very pricey compared to the United States. The bags are smaller and have less content but the varieties of crisps is quite expansive. You can find "baked" crisps but they are very rare. Scots like the traditional crisps. Chips are served with everything. I have witnessed dozens of combinations of dinners with chips as part of the meal. I even witnessed a young girl eating lasagne with chips.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveUk_mDJytUY8xuihM8CCMniYP7rxa7FSMEg7tOOZ7pBl2_gyOrryvtSKPnTnMW3wjXlRalxCTYPweTCtEnJ3FC5MtJIDRofavZTVDtGKggluoenpiJk4UqgHkX86TpkE6UHUXbS_8Cxb/s1600-h/Trip+to+Oban+march+31+060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161266640162309362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="191" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveUk_mDJytUY8xuihM8CCMniYP7rxa7FSMEg7tOOZ7pBl2_gyOrryvtSKPnTnMW3wjXlRalxCTYPweTCtEnJ3FC5MtJIDRofavZTVDtGKggluoenpiJk4UqgHkX86TpkE6UHUXbS_8Cxb/s320/Trip+to+Oban+march+31+060.jpg" width="229" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The government understood the health risks of chips and began to take them out of the school. The parents did not support the idea, instead, showed up at the school gates with fast food, crisps and chips for their kids. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Another slang term is "take-away". Instead of "drive-thru", they have take-aways.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBavVrUPgEEHYc0yxN3T1PCJ12qqSJ_QG915CmTkoi8I_Ugpbe940XRbp7hTWHz_RxaSk-v2rZHpxZJgzaToRHji5U_EKR05IVynpULt8t3aoYGhm3Doyh91vtCVjmr6hl2Em-lWaMhrkx/s1600-h/McDonald's1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161267748263871794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px" height="192" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBavVrUPgEEHYc0yxN3T1PCJ12qqSJ_QG915CmTkoi8I_Ugpbe940XRbp7hTWHz_RxaSk-v2rZHpxZJgzaToRHji5U_EKR05IVynpULt8t3aoYGhm3Doyh91vtCVjmr6hl2Em-lWaMhrkx/s320/McDonald's1.jpg" width="248" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Also, you don't stand in line, you stand in a queue, pronounced "cue". It is very important in the UK to stand in queue properly. Cutting in line or being rude is a big mistake. Be patient and stand in queue politely. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>A hint: Americans are noisy and obnoxious...if you fit the stereotype. When in queue do not talk about your life, the fascinating things you see, or ramble on about anything. Be quiet, stand in line, and listen to the people around you. You went on vacation to soak in the culture. You will learn a lot about the culture by standing in queue properly. Watch, listen and take it all in.</div></div></div>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-77570770224900518422008-01-29T06:38:00.001-08:002008-12-10T10:30:43.362-08:00Save Money Traveling: GroceriesNot to fulfill the Scottish stereotype, but to help you keep your vacation within budget I recommend a few tips. Here's a couple of ideas that may save you money, or allow you to put more money into other things such as purchasing souvenirs or something else.<br /><br />Self-catering saves you money but it may limit your mobility. If you pick a central location and stay in one place, you can fill up your shelves and refrigerator with stuff. At the same time, you can experience living in Scotland like a local. The grocery store experience puts you in the same circles of the locals.<br /><br />Instead of buying expensive soda buy this unique product. Fruit Squash.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzj-c_yZQWmh7VeFjzWmurISV-WjFE0rskZktgdso743la2QXn1sft39dnWlGUZC5BFT9xTXYPfiy2pO4dxC45aiVUNOHqfJO-MF972qqhLRTD-CvFpjjCdvdnp7JZwYGqca6_Ww6G1rkw/s1600-h/209_groceries_7337.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160908384055248082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzj-c_yZQWmh7VeFjzWmurISV-WjFE0rskZktgdso743la2QXn1sft39dnWlGUZC5BFT9xTXYPfiy2pO4dxC45aiVUNOHqfJO-MF972qqhLRTD-CvFpjjCdvdnp7JZwYGqca6_Ww6G1rkw/s320/209_groceries_7337.gif" border="0" /></a><br />It is concentrated fruit juice. Mix it with bottled water and you can make it last and spend pennies a day. You can carry it with you as you travel. If you plan to go hiking it is something to think about.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpMVfogMP_u0H4mItQeC38ZQcTfL49u_mlxGTf8xyeXCs_sZCbJrfVlHGoJ2lrtkpxOdVD2sqPihCeveHuv0va0T_8vVxN9Nyh8ZRBQLmNjPCkKJgG2Uq0yvyX5VP68i8QbiQ-loi4Z79/s1600-h/209_chilled_7347.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160908190781719730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpMVfogMP_u0H4mItQeC38ZQcTfL49u_mlxGTf8xyeXCs_sZCbJrfVlHGoJ2lrtkpxOdVD2sqPihCeveHuv0va0T_8vVxN9Nyh8ZRBQLmNjPCkKJgG2Uq0yvyX5VP68i8QbiQ-loi4Z79/s320/209_chilled_7347.gif" border="0" /></a> Breakfast is a must, as it fuels you up for a vigorous day of travel. You can buy breakfast foods at the grocery store, experience a good Scottish breakfast and save money as well. Most restaurants are not open for breakfast. I have found the breakfast restaurant is an American thing. The B&B provides a great breakfast, as well as hotels provide something to nibble on in the morning but you may have to wait until lunch to get any food on the road. So if you self-cater, you will need to load up on breakfast goods. You can get a pack (see picture) of good Scottish breakfast staples. I do not like black pudding and you may as well. It is basically pig or lamb blood. Yuck. But some love it.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBog0ZMBeIfEPY3ekU9HFEYNqJpbW76YFlLA7ABDtGMBgye46JUbmYyUtM7oyyOy-AqhhE-UsY2diEzWQPJakpkcK6UT7M_gMLTT8ri_R5qq_0A8FApaSa35BK7xmei4Wmwa0Q0YXhDpX/s1600-h/209_groceries_7338.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160908504314332386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBog0ZMBeIfEPY3ekU9HFEYNqJpbW76YFlLA7ABDtGMBgye46JUbmYyUtM7oyyOy-AqhhE-UsY2diEzWQPJakpkcK6UT7M_gMLTT8ri_R5qq_0A8FApaSa35BK7xmei4Wmwa0Q0YXhDpX/s320/209_groceries_7338.gif" border="0" /></a>You can get breakfast cereal easily and it is the same stuff as in the States. Sometimes they put it in different packaging, but you will figure it out.<br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdlkEEQbmgxZ8LXeHOstzjsswnkpYgrYNaozktRijZo91eJiUtzE3darrV63q9VHim0ZsZF3KSyy3eLOTEDRo9eOBpJ8Xp3DTpR8Z9kTfBwQcPuEIAxWK9ZdhFc5sllNTV5p_JkPXs8am/s1600-h/209_chilled_7297.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160908109177341090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdlkEEQbmgxZ8LXeHOstzjsswnkpYgrYNaozktRijZo91eJiUtzE3darrV63q9VHim0ZsZF3KSyy3eLOTEDRo9eOBpJ8Xp3DTpR8Z9kTfBwQcPuEIAxWK9ZdhFc5sllNTV5p_JkPXs8am/s320/209_chilled_7297.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>If you don't want to spend much for dinner, I recommend the margherta pizzas. You can get a two for one pizza deal in any of the grocery stores pretty easily. They are pretty good for frozen pizzas. I would have one every Friday night.</div><div></div><div></div><div>The strongest suggestion to you is to enjoy one really good meal. The lunch menu is usually good until 5pm...so if you eat early you will also save money. But if you take care of getting a good breakfast in the morning, you can have a few extra pounds for a good dinner out. Maybe an extra pint or two.</div></div>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-35802514714951306622008-01-28T03:32:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:45.066-08:00Scottish groceries: For the self-caterer.<div>When you look into vacations in Scotland, be aware of the self-catering option. Basically what it means is you buy your own food. As I have said many times, the grocery stores are very good in Scotland and they range in price and quality. The low end being Somerfeld, the middle Tesco and the high end Sainsbury's. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0p0mnJeVuWe-8OfN2jstiBtPK8dWZplf6rqEJoRV0AuIMeguNQE-n5ieRLkq5f3qi8aDjhuDuLnclHbhhbfCXKdDfnAjjdWwS3y-psPVdod1Pa1QnWqOZXw7RBwvm9uGdPMxsRxpY03f/s1600-h/209_chilled_7294.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160493563228898450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0p0mnJeVuWe-8OfN2jstiBtPK8dWZplf6rqEJoRV0AuIMeguNQE-n5ieRLkq5f3qi8aDjhuDuLnclHbhhbfCXKdDfnAjjdWwS3y-psPVdod1Pa1QnWqOZXw7RBwvm9uGdPMxsRxpY03f/s320/209_chilled_7294.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>Scottish orange juice comes from South Africa.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /> </div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs8FjQibeeTOnVDy33T6SypYZCy4N5N1DEEXpkGdNf9r0mWub0puTibuytQ878GKXrpRWsrGVLYsuBp4K26Gwyx4xsSKmOA73Gak5YOBFs8AOZo6J3-U5CTB5YUy2ZkK2rDCzZ4EikTTC/s1600-h/209_chilled_7295.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160490346298393666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs8FjQibeeTOnVDy33T6SypYZCy4N5N1DEEXpkGdNf9r0mWub0puTibuytQ878GKXrpRWsrGVLYsuBp4K26Gwyx4xsSKmOA73Gak5YOBFs8AOZo6J3-U5CTB5YUy2ZkK2rDCzZ4EikTTC/s320/209_chilled_7295.gif" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Yogurt is available in stores for a good price. Look for deals, similar to the ones in the States...5 for a pound, etc.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjj80V-EY_C_hhc_0AJN-UrVZdHfo2SX9V6x591yDPZ-5w066zZ2-HTVTvR4RVBjHauSx_LWO8yaBeomHrtS3hVHQJIByBTpu2eS0aAiskTOmLfFrRJ7qLyKhuX0IhyFZDztHs6TniDAt/s1600-h/209_chilled_7274.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160490135844996130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjj80V-EY_C_hhc_0AJN-UrVZdHfo2SX9V6x591yDPZ-5w066zZ2-HTVTvR4RVBjHauSx_LWO8yaBeomHrtS3hVHQJIByBTpu2eS0aAiskTOmLfFrRJ7qLyKhuX0IhyFZDztHs6TniDAt/s320/209_chilled_7274.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div></div><div>Salmon is a good deal. This salmon was on sale for 4 dollars a pound.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2LuRISwh7Nxqx4gFT3yoUeuMSbMq73zWhuBcvc-Tj04hvSxzQkrP_HdPY6yqQnVHvXDBWljWNz13cVs92QG1zkTrPkEYpZzl8dqJPsxI2PhZC_YcOBSjRrjKWeMxBHnEdl09Fk1U_Aqq/s1600-h/209_bws_7349.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160489873851991042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2LuRISwh7Nxqx4gFT3yoUeuMSbMq73zWhuBcvc-Tj04hvSxzQkrP_HdPY6yqQnVHvXDBWljWNz13cVs92QG1zkTrPkEYpZzl8dqJPsxI2PhZC_YcOBSjRrjKWeMxBHnEdl09Fk1U_Aqq/s320/209_bws_7349.gif" border="0" /></a>Beer is much cheaper in the store, just like in the States. You can get a 12 pack for the same price you would pay in the States. Tennents is the most popular and common beer in pubs.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVQ5Zu48l-GAxaFMhAgI0y8JvQbriANhzyl4KcUf3nIRMdZvfXijQEJcCWjdw0w2gt4Vie08yUkryshIvVtgbS5mWLU0zUW1eEzQjVeGjyzkd14T3KuZmGTo-9lJGOYJeK1yEJodX7w2X/s1600-h/209_bws_7352.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160490006995977234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVQ5Zu48l-GAxaFMhAgI0y8JvQbriANhzyl4KcUf3nIRMdZvfXijQEJcCWjdw0w2gt4Vie08yUkryshIvVtgbS5mWLU0zUW1eEzQjVeGjyzkd14T3KuZmGTo-9lJGOYJeK1yEJodX7w2X/s320/209_bws_7352.gif" border="0" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEWnSp3C4OR-m19Lr1iXsT0ELqkAoZV7mZGL3tzYDMBhPAp6wIGOdnAtO3jwTOvCS_y-jcSN-6BNkLZdTm4ObySN9Bznh_PuPtaW9rYI2YjD-_CXxNjOTsT6pmXCHtHnR1G3pw2rHEIxS/s1600-h/209_bws_7315.gif"></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>If you want an American beer, there is Budweiser but there is also Miller. The Miller tastes a little different than the American version and you can get good deals on buying the full pint cans.</div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sh-nCupPG3IOGI7FefojSVMrT65wj9Bn5FcXCQr9-Ok8t_kdrSskIqhFSLKNXcqgCnGAkrrj7ogvRd0aakRdgLJijp_CuEF4UPlMFcrhUHrxd9TY_fOS-T4NvR7QY53-OduysGG8Yvwv/s1600-h/209_groceries_7321.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160492240378971234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sh-nCupPG3IOGI7FefojSVMrT65wj9Bn5FcXCQr9-Ok8t_kdrSskIqhFSLKNXcqgCnGAkrrj7ogvRd0aakRdgLJijp_CuEF4UPlMFcrhUHrxd9TY_fOS-T4NvR7QY53-OduysGG8Yvwv/s320/209_groceries_7321.gif" border="0" /></a><br />You can get Pespi and Coke products the same as you can in the States. They usually come in smaller cans.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ewjz0Fez8jDekAY2vw2hFUeORsTemv81hQNk9_heLXcQkpYEuIekZxFuHW0NLnnHcc7HbYie4pky3k5yJ6irm5IqNQCQkt1fyQuniVoRRcmKc8aS4qmTZCHzJY2skSu6gUPdpyydY1cm/s1600-h/209_groceries_7311.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160492141594723410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ewjz0Fez8jDekAY2vw2hFUeORsTemv81hQNk9_heLXcQkpYEuIekZxFuHW0NLnnHcc7HbYie4pky3k5yJ6irm5IqNQCQkt1fyQuniVoRRcmKc8aS4qmTZCHzJY2skSu6gUPdpyydY1cm/s320/209_groceries_7311.gif" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGV0vR-mMweiDNvcHSnwjWyxPjfL4P-bW9AfZcG5w8wyGfyTzfh-bzvMDyjrTsAOAWo4cUONBQ0ullLeDXGeOJsIRkeVcHCiWRbzSu4zXgpFZHjtKMW2nSlehc2FqiD7rzRk9NkT-tZ4_/s1600-h/209_groceries_7336.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160492356343088242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGV0vR-mMweiDNvcHSnwjWyxPjfL4P-bW9AfZcG5w8wyGfyTzfh-bzvMDyjrTsAOAWo4cUONBQ0ullLeDXGeOJsIRkeVcHCiWRbzSu4zXgpFZHjtKMW2nSlehc2FqiD7rzRk9NkT-tZ4_/s320/209_groceries_7336.gif" border="0" /></a><br />For coffee, instant seems to be more popular. Most self-catering accomodations will have hot water kettles. I recommend you go with good old Nescafe or else you may get some really strong Scottish coffee you may not enjoy.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWV_y0A9v5aih5g28qoFv-jg8h24c74kkpUJPkCEWbSVIlpK7A0a3tEp0Co2N4ojcWEjpKgqYPZvVKcvnApc0heTXBKkciAcWF3yrxngrsN49hKHIKKS0qUV81uLsaEGPbqMSTrJoRXcp/s1600-h/209_groceries_7353.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160492459422303362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWV_y0A9v5aih5g28qoFv-jg8h24c74kkpUJPkCEWbSVIlpK7A0a3tEp0Co2N4ojcWEjpKgqYPZvVKcvnApc0heTXBKkciAcWF3yrxngrsN49hKHIKKS0qUV81uLsaEGPbqMSTrJoRXcp/s320/209_groceries_7353.gif" border="0" /></a>If you really wanta to try something new and uniquely Scottish, you must try Irn-Bru. It is an orange-type soda natives love. Rumor has it, it is good for hangovers. But you will find more Irn-Bru then Coke or Pepsi. My suggestion is you give it a try. It may grow on you.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-43487823727597484522008-01-27T07:18:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:45.514-08:00BLACK CURRANT: Scottish food<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9BMULqo2YBUfoobboLsv00T491d_1WmwpI5BTC95ZpKH111OFtMWKDAFGDDRZBrQB4GTut3EWTl-QkfXlKD4dkmaF8qZkLLgTovM7_1npBCpxRJvMrJzBTbrFNW1uvKRYJ0ftVRvHZ9R/s1600-h/blackcurrants.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160176409958859730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9BMULqo2YBUfoobboLsv00T491d_1WmwpI5BTC95ZpKH111OFtMWKDAFGDDRZBrQB4GTut3EWTl-QkfXlKD4dkmaF8qZkLLgTovM7_1npBCpxRJvMrJzBTbrFNW1uvKRYJ0ftVRvHZ9R/s320/blackcurrants.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>One thing I found frustrating while in Scotland was the jam I could buy. I could not find regular grape jelly. Welch's does not sell anything overseas and so, concord grape jelly is out.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The only thing close was black currant jam. And if you ever had it, you may like it but I find it too tart and did not mix well with peanut butter.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I would make a sandwich and go for a hike. Unfortunately, I would take out my sandwich, start to eat it and my face would pucker up with dislike for the fruity jam. It ruined my PB&J.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You could find other jams such as strawberry and raspberry, but I'm a grape jelly guy.</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrismGwkJkrz-LMxQcDMcPcxsHHfFHUZVrO10QV_ji919sKYVmYiDKHPFdchIIG0vDbn9TrgrA1kgnQO_OPwHuy2wln1s5AmyW8ypt7xHgPiUaD9M8XaKnsezOflnt9dpl7yPMu2hD4D3/s1600-h/209_groceries_7343.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160177792938329058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrismGwkJkrz-LMxQcDMcPcxsHHfFHUZVrO10QV_ji919sKYVmYiDKHPFdchIIG0vDbn9TrgrA1kgnQO_OPwHuy2wln1s5AmyW8ypt7xHgPiUaD9M8XaKnsezOflnt9dpl7yPMu2hD4D3/s320/209_groceries_7343.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>If you stay in Scotland for a vacation it is not a big deal. You can handle the black currant for a week or two. In fact, don't miss a Scottish breakfast if you can help it. The breakfasts are fantastic and will get into more of that tomorrow.</div><div> </div><div>But if you had to eat black currant as your own grape-like jam, you'd get sick of it as well. It's an American thing I guess. </div><div> </div><div>If you have a peanut butter and jam sandwich this week, think about the wonderful taste you take for granted.</div>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-13069094115116172502008-01-26T08:25:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:46.300-08:00Hidden Gem: Loch Ericht<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXPv_tTlAoUPYv_7IP_Ued95dD6EU2eAgNhl9UEM6Stxoug4UHEv0yqpav3-Ybt8nlgKursTr9-GCyUJY-iacXsH0402GTFHKUrXRpF51DnS8A9PQ5AQ2LJaoMG72I1c2gG9axuenZ6In/s1600-h/locherichtfrombeinnbheoil.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159822444524127138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXPv_tTlAoUPYv_7IP_Ued95dD6EU2eAgNhl9UEM6Stxoug4UHEv0yqpav3-Ybt8nlgKursTr9-GCyUJY-iacXsH0402GTFHKUrXRpF51DnS8A9PQ5AQ2LJaoMG72I1c2gG9axuenZ6In/s320/locherichtfrombeinnbheoil.jpg" border="0" /></a> Loch Ericht is a hidden gem, nestled off the train station at Dalwhinnie. It is easy to get to by train and requires no car. If you can walk, you can enjoy the loch. I suggest you pick a nice day, however, so you can sit on the shore and take in the scenery.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The estate at the Dalwhinnie side of the loch offers lodging.<br /><a href="http://www.lochericht.co.uk/camusericht/camusericht.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159823363647128498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeAw_Mz3BBnaNpjzsblHkiDDIQZ3ByB4upjTX9Ka4q9IwsiRPbu7efVPI8Rh2wSlHzgGKZVqOTRSTBU8oFeSHoH1LajhLr-aGn3lFVEFpICom4tclgKLRMNtldVi6yoaSO20AuZQfGleP/s320/camuserichtextr3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Click on the picture</strong> of the Lodge and get a booking form and see the costs of a stay.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.lochericht.co.uk/map-scotland.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159822354329813906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 350px" height="406" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbo2ogqOAuMmxIRj2yPDSXdyBrXxn7dFhY8oFC_Lt6YGzbvD5gHO7tVcOn1EthnmHIR7JXkhEOxx-o8tKgyvjHqw4Ty1nCX7faDx8SW0X-g4JqGwvFRL-QoVA7wrBA6_ClJ-CSi61JiKBK/s320/map-of-estate3.jpg" width="373" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Click the map</strong> to see the location of the loch and get directions as well.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />To get a good view of the loch, play the video below. It is a remote place you will enjoy for a good day of contemplation, relaxation and reflection.<br /><br /><br /><br />There is a very nice pub near the loch with a fine restaurant inside. You can rent bikes at the pub. I suggest you get there at the beginning of the day and make the rental fee worth the price.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLdmMVTrdg1wFV52pUaienm3ykgbrSYLoEXVyVp2sIPbemJZ9NLChy3APjYd1mE2CbSVe2CAP4bkJjRDbDBexcrsW3bnHBJBv5StQpcd8JtZYFEUTXWrFFbdUs1BBEw7tURPpEcihL3k9/s1600-h/Copy+of+trip+to+dalwhinnie+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159824299949999042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLdmMVTrdg1wFV52pUaienm3ykgbrSYLoEXVyVp2sIPbemJZ9NLChy3APjYd1mE2CbSVe2CAP4bkJjRDbDBexcrsW3bnHBJBv5StQpcd8JtZYFEUTXWrFFbdUs1BBEw7tURPpEcihL3k9/s320/Copy+of+trip+to+dalwhinnie+037.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is a picture of the pub and restaurant.<br /><br /><br /><embed src='http://us.i1.yimg.com/cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/player/media/swf/FLVVideoSolo.swf' flashvars='id=6097669&emailUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.yahoo.com%2Futil%2Fmail%3Fei%3DUTF-8%26vid%3D1858892&imUrl=http%25253A%25252F%25252Fvideo.yahoo.com%25252Fvideo%25252Fplay%25253Fei%25253DUTF-8%252526vid%25253D1858892&imTitle=Dalwhinnie&searchUrl=http://video.yahoo.com/search/video?p=&profileUrl=http://video.yahoo.com/video/profile?yid=&creatorValue=c2NvdHRpc2g0ZXZlcjE%3D&vid=1858892' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='425' height='350'></embed>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-49609283207132391852008-01-25T08:56:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:47.001-08:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY RABBIE!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKr_zVrslJg6RA3PjoVf9tzrFiXHvO7uq2AvGi_ghBp55rnhvFyu4y2TjwQMK4MeHPhEEAAnXwNkqvJMPIcufs-UXkfK_mzJR0HidIblDFSHQzhR2BD5VHQNO4PBR3MJdcLHR3c3kMElt/s1600-h/200px-Robert_burns.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159462745308054386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKr_zVrslJg6RA3PjoVf9tzrFiXHvO7uq2AvGi_ghBp55rnhvFyu4y2TjwQMK4MeHPhEEAAnXwNkqvJMPIcufs-UXkfK_mzJR0HidIblDFSHQzhR2BD5VHQNO4PBR3MJdcLHR3c3kMElt/s320/200px-Robert_burns.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Today is Robert Burns birthday. If you are a fan of Scotland, then you should be celebrating today. For Robert Burns was a great man, a great Scot, and worthy of a holiday.</div><br /><br /><div>Burns was a romancer, a farmer and a patriot. He is Scotland's favorite son.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>He was born on January 25, 1759. He came from a poor farming background. Although he recieved a good education despite his family situation. He had a zests for the life of poetry, nature, women, and drink.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/history/burnsnight/poetry/a_that_a_that.shtml">Some of his writings were political in nature...</a> </div><br /><div><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/history/burnsnight/poetry/red_red_rose.shtml">Some were romantic...</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/history/burnsnight/poetry/tam_o_shanter.shtml">And some downright scary....</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sAY8_pNWXJHrNeGbgDCMY8_Ao5-hfDANdtqo_avQhrTGB2PBdKWVNRwwjMBXUZm3Wj2cx3hzer4UiyWce6rRFUmUbFcrcikygLBS6NXJNSlUKdQYMm2RA_LQvcTYLU3ELm2e4lcaWl8Z/s1600-h/180px-Burns_2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159462865567138690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sAY8_pNWXJHrNeGbgDCMY8_Ao5-hfDANdtqo_avQhrTGB2PBdKWVNRwwjMBXUZm3Wj2cx3hzer4UiyWce6rRFUmUbFcrcikygLBS6NXJNSlUKdQYMm2RA_LQvcTYLU3ELm2e4lcaWl8Z/s320/180px-Burns_2.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><div>The death of Robert Burns was very sad. The doctor advised him to go swimming in cold water to cure his rheumatic fever and instead got pneumonia. He died at 37.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Enjoy a good Burns Night and in the spirit of Burns, I write:</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>'Tis but more we wish and none we get,</div><br /><br /><div>A broken vow and promise.</div><br /><br /><div>Of which God sees and tells us,</div><br /><br /><div>We are frail afterall.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>No bonnie reason for such tirade,</div><br /><br /><div>To swear to Him that is betrayed.</div><br /><br /><div>Of men of arms, and golden tributes,</div><br /><br /><div>We break bread as well as arms.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>But in the heather is true blood,</div><br /><br /><div>Cast due to loyalty and of oath.</div><br /><br /><div>We celebrate the patriots who died,</div><br /><br /><div>And scorn those who fled.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>For patriots are born to die,</div><br /><br /><div>And louts to wed.</div><br /><br /><div>We make peace by making war,</div><br /><br /><div>And taking her to bed.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962195771082727570.post-89524217337375541212008-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:002008-12-10T10:30:47.870-08:00BURNS CLUBS: A man is a man for a' that<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66YN0h9ZGEukFTNSJbVX6pbP8ETfPKF7aSjiV18kiK9LObkjC0WJFNa1suEYte0pKpiLJr9DIUjtee1mFGrfiNsxwUcicbV-_7O_QhFJ2kNXYmBdiL5uxO7WfBZY5VVIsBSjryrbNOShl/s1600-h/scotland-flag-pole.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159045669623874370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66YN0h9ZGEukFTNSJbVX6pbP8ETfPKF7aSjiV18kiK9LObkjC0WJFNa1suEYte0pKpiLJr9DIUjtee1mFGrfiNsxwUcicbV-_7O_QhFJ2kNXYmBdiL5uxO7WfBZY5VVIsBSjryrbNOShl/s320/scotland-flag-pole.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.irvineayrshire.org/Burns/index.htm"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159043268737155842" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9sajoIdtgM2mZ9Px4qTEbElwiKCjKJr5Zj-A63FB0yjfXST-845AQft7pUps3xIE9MAz8kPUc111nG6u4DRdn7_a8N320Fcf_iNwHYo6mBI6dvGJU0ntJZ7E5Wj5Zv6T6Tx65PR1w8ul/s320/2006ACs.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><strong>Robert Burns Club in Ayr</strong><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Robert Burns is a National Hero in Scotland. His life is celebrated and honored as much as George Washington's in the United States. Some places in the US, will hail the fact the Washington slept there. The same thing happens in Scotland where towns claim to be a place where Burns lived. Click on the pictures in this entry to go to the various clubs. On their sites you can learn more about Burns and get a true impression of how Scots feel about Burns. It is something very unique.<br /></div><div><a href="http://www.worldburnsclub.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159044097665843986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sWgKa4BqAS1XP9xQxDuDCbf1G5h3WpvY-PKjdNGn8pVtNFF6jp8KpHsQTWPn4PU6M2txjWQ2-BpdxxOy41xtkKq1Ida7CBkaR_Zu2bv2szdKYxyqGQ9USHsNNIqv-nP8pmzl5_so4p3i/s320/WreathLaying2005S.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.worldburnsclub.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159046056170931026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdQhpMm3xZG5VpJX4xq38Wu3sti3migqsiGqg2MlpeQ6wb-7LvERVsFN3HJR7GRb1Z3Gs75qHTEoZV5VqusbkdTw7t6UXKnJkgLrLLCzI2VuBWPL6h0ZumP64JBOrnosvfIC3Mth8TYoW/s320/BURNS15.gif" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>If you would like to join a Burns club, here's a start. The World Federation.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><strong>C</strong><strong>lick on the image of Burns and join.</strong></div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gjr5boTgis4"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159048349683467106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVHKK-eWQ2pL36U03HN67KguWiwbiLsy3oX5u5_NGpoDSJTc5lFU23nuSDwUISaWmrDcousYyJShxxRSdpF3ojqLGTnewtApdAj0C8pGfsAB2z8iih5aRDM5OGQZITsUb6xBXD55uXBRh/s320/edinburgh+march+4+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Click the picture to the left and watch a video to get you in the mood for Burns Night.</strong><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">TO A HAGGIS by Robert Burns</span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>1.Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Great chieftain o' the puddin-race! </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Aboon them a' ye tak your place, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Painch, tripe, or thairm: </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Weel are ye wordy of a grace </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>As lang's my arm. </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>2.The groaning trencher there ye fill, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Your hudies like a distant hill, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Your pin wad help to mend a mill </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>In time o' need, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>While thro' your pores the dews distil </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Like amber bead.</strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>3.His knife see rustic Labour dight, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>An' cut ye up wi' ready slight, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Trenching your gushing entrails bright, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Like onie ditch; </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>And then, O what a glorious sight, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Warm-reeking, rich! </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>4.Then horn for horn, they stretch an' strive: </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Till a' their weel-swall'd kytes belyve </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Are bent like drums; </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>'Bethankit!' hums. </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>5.Is there that owre his French ragout, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Or olio that wad staw a sow, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Or fricassee wad mak her spew </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Wi perfect scunner, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Looks down wi' sneering, scornfu' view </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>On sic a dinner? </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>6.Poor devil! see him owre his trash, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>As fecl;ess as a wither'd rash, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>His spindle shank a guid whip-lash, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>His nieve a nit; </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Tho' bluidy flood or field to dash, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>O how unfit. </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>7.But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>The trembling earth resounds his tread, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Clap in his walie nieve a blade, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>He'll make it whistle; </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>An' legs, an' arms, an' heads will sned </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Like taps o' thrissle. </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>8.Ye pow'rs, wha mak mankind your care, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>And dish them out their bill o' fare, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>That jaups in luggies; </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>But if ye wish her gratfu' prayer, </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Gie her a Haggis! </strong></div></div></div>Kiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602292769758738252noreply@blogger.com0