Our next stop was Lerwick, Scotland in the Shetland Islands. The ship anchored instead of docking so we had to take a tender (covered lifeboat) to the town. They put us on a bus and drove us around the island. The guide explained that she moved to Lerwick from a major city for the peace and quiet—and safety. She said her 11-yr-old daughter had to walk three miles to her home after school and the woman received a phone call from someone every mile telling her that the kid was safe and on her way. And they’re so out of the way they don’t have immigrants washing up on their shores so they don’t have a crime problem. I was surprised she made the comment. Most people stay far away from the subject but she was definite in her opinion. She loved small-town life. The island seemed to have everything they needed to survive. Maybe they didn’t have a lot of choice but that was okay. We stopped at a Shetland pony farm—ranch?—and were lectured by the owner on the care, feeding, and backgrounds of her ponies. They were little, sway-backed, pudgy things. I’ve never been a fan of Shetland ponies. I’ve always found them to be nasty little critters. One of the idiot tourists went bananas and started nuzzling one of the ponies, exclaiming in baby talk, “Oh, you’re so sweet. I love you so much!” I waited for the pony to bite her face off. But the pony had better manners. It just walked away. I think tourists must add needed revenue for the pony owner. She gave a great talk. I enjoyed it but I steered clear of the ponies.
We were let loose on the 400-yr-old town for free time. I loved the stone buildings and little shops; very picturesque. I found a capelet in a clothing shop that I drooled over but I’d left my credit card in the safe on the ship. I briefly thought of catching the tender to get it but that seemed like too much trouble. I can’t remember what Gordon did but I spent time in the hot tub that afternoon. I needed to soak out some kinks. We met Billy and Dawn for dinner and compared notes. Then the ship set sail on the North Sea again and we rolled around some more. My stomach had gotten used to it so I didn’t get sick. But I still snickered at the discrete barf bags tucked in strategic areas.
We docked in Aberdeen the next day. We saw the exteriors of the college of St. Elphinstone (I think that’s the right name) and other historic buildings. It was a gray day, the buildings were all gray, and we didn’t get to go inside anything. The lectures were great but Aberdeen was a dud for me. The best part was the former fishing village of Footdee. Loved the cottages and lanes that led to the beach. Quaint. The guide said that this beach was a surfing mecca. Must have had to wear wet suits. I was cold all the time. I spent more time in the hot tub to thaw myself before dinner and entertainment. Then back on the North Sea we went for our evening’tumble.
The ship anchored at Edinburgh the next day. Billy and Dawn were on our tour and, as usual, Dawn made some new friends who turned out to be from Sioux Falls, SoDak. We compared our Black Hills gold wedding bands. I loved Edinburgh. I wished we could have to spent the day we wasted in Aberdeen in Edinburgh. I would have gotten tickets to the castle tour if there’d been time. We were shown all the prime spots and got our lecture before being turned loose on the Royal Mile. There was a marathon starting so it was kind of a mess but there was lots of excitement. I got a kick out of all the discarded clothes. It was cool so the runners started out with sweatshirts and pants. As it got warmer and deeper into the race the runners shed their outer layers which were picked up to be laundered and delivered to the poor. Good deal all around. Those Scots don’t waste a thing. We toured the John Knox house then God showed me why I left my credit card in the safe previously. I found a cashmere ruana in a Scotch plaid that was stunning. I love it. I also got a wool scarf that was on sale. I had no idea how smart that purchase was. I’d find out. Anyway, I wore my ruana at dinner that night and inspired envy in all and sundry. Got lots of compliments.
Enjoyed dinner and kept it down when we set sail on the North Sea.
And so to bed. (Trying to be literary).
They think St. Elphinstone is buried in the tomb but they’re not sure. The church looked lovely but it was closed.
Can’t remember who this is a statue of in downtown Aberdeen but Gordon’s in the pic so what the hell.