Sire Elrick

Politics. Rants. Rhetoric. Watch for mudslinging.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Travel Blog - July 2nd - Inverness

Apparently I'm too aloof of news for my own good - first there was a bombing scare in London with two car bombs that didn't go off when I got to Dubline, then while in Glasgow, there was some big to-do at the airport. I arrived by rail, so I wasn't at any real risk, but I did notice a nice handful of police and yellow jacketss around. This morning I made it out by 8:30, thanked the lovely girl at the front desk and made my way to central station, on the time mentioned on the schedule, and found I was in the wrong station. I made it to two Boots after all. (yeah hairdryers!) On the way I saw my first street violinist, playing Scottish traditional. Getting coffee and then spilling some on my coat all the way there, made it to Queen's station, not that far from central, even within view of George's square. I was tempted to buy a paper, but I found I was going to just make the 10:10 to Inverness. I was able to stay awake most of the ride, tit was a stupendous ride. Had a nice how-de-do with a lady and her kid. Everytime they told each other to look out the window, I snapped a picture. I made it until the last hour to half hour, then I was nodding until we pulled in to the station. I had the most lovely prawns and mayo sandwich, rather similar to good egg salad. Coupled with apple danish and orange-mango-cinnamon tea at the "Pumpkin Bar." I was trying to figure out who was singing on the radio, but got a good 30 pages read on Hobbit. I couldn't help myself at the Victoria Shop across from the station - I bought some celtic music and tapestry of funny gaelic/english translations, as well as ordered a family coat of arms. I decided I'd try my luck finding the hostel and enjoyed the view of the walk - big blue sky, amazing clouds, and far off mountains. At the hostel I had a nice chat with the guys at the front desk, and the first one had been at Glasgow airport and detained. He talked about the delays and officials handing out ponchos in the downpour for those stuck in the rain, and the good attitude of all those there of at least being ok. An accent snuck it's way into our conversation as the second guy came and I asked where I could get money. I deposted my items in the room, no one was there yet. I wanted to make the bike tour, but it was already 5:10 so I walked down the river side and explored the outside of the shops. I was hungry by the end of one branch, so walking back I looked for a fish & chips place, found an Indian one that served pizza. Got a prawn pizza with chips in korma sauce, a mild yellow sauce akin to honey mustard. Had a nice conversation with the guy there. I think I confused him with my accent, I just said I was from North America. He was very pleasent, but I think the boy who came in while I was there annoyed him. I carried the pizza and chips all the way back to East Gate, and I sat down and ate a couple of pieces near the shopping center down one of the side streets. Other people started doing the same with all the benches around. They played old Green day over loud speakers, and I watchd a girl sweeping garbage outside of a Costa. A seagull eyed my food, expecting dinner. I carried what I didn't eat with me into the Morrison's, (much like a Kroeger's, or Sainsbury Center) and found Jaffa cookies - I had gotten money outside, but I needed change, so I got the cookies and water for just under a £. I came back and ate the rest of my food ouside, watching a father play hide and seek with his little girl. I'm still trying to distinguish accents of the four places to no luck. Maybe a little. I watched the last half hour of "the last 100 days of Tony Blair" and crickled my empty water bottle when Bush spoke. The guy next to me looked over occasionally, but did not return my gaze. A guy behind me, kind of cute, looked up when I left. It's past 9pm and it's still incredibly light out. Part of me wants to walk, or drink, but not really wanting to enquire to other suite mates. Various ages, all alone, and I think one is possibly French. I end up closing the front down with internet use at 11pm, and go to bed last of all 6 suit mates.

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