February 2nd, 2002

to Fort William, Scotland

Highlandin' around to Fort William
Glen Shiel, Eilean Donan Castle, and our tourguides parents...?

From Kyleakin to Fort William, I jumped back on the next energetic circuit of MacBackpackers tours. This tour was interesting with its new tour guide 'assistant' Joanna and jumpin in his seat Graham. They made the rest of my trip really enjoyable. They took us around to Eilean Donan Castle, Glen Shiel, and then we went to Graham's house to visit his parents and experience the 'highland hospitality' of Scotland. Afterwards a girl from South Africa, Nicola, decided to make us a memorably delicious curry for dinner. Tonight was the Rugby game in Edinburgh versus England took place and from being exposed to a Scottish perspective of history I can understand the underlying meaning and aggression from this turf' fighting game. The English won and celebrated the 'proper' way with tea and crumpets, but if Scotland were to win, Graham would guarantee the country going absolutely crazy. Apparently soccer is already banned between the two countries because the last time the Scots won and crowded the field to grab parts of it. The tour helped me understand the distinctive differences and hatred between English and Scottish.

But again, Since the Rugby game was today, the planned whisky distillery was closed so instead Graham purchased a bottle of Whisky for our group to have with the dinner. Whisky is a part of Scottish culture and they drink it quite often.

Click on the "Fort William" link or scroll down the page to view pictures of Kyleakin to Fort William.

Eilean Donan Castle, a castle originally erected to protect the area from Viking invasion.

Eilean Donan Castle
as seen on Highlander

Eilean Donan Castle was rebuilt
from 1912-1932 after being blown to
pieces during the period of the
King of Spain's occupation.

Eilean Donan Castle has a banquet facility and people get married here.

Weather in Scotland creates distinctive great mood settings with
its natural environment. This was actually my first time to
witness a complete rainbow & was fortunate to get a picture.

This Loch is coincidentally identical
to the shape of Scotland on a map.
Very interesting.

Overlooking Glen Shiel and Loch Duich

Sheep herd everywhere, especially on the roads. You can turn a corner and become surprised at times.

During the trip we had a treat to visit our tour guides home and met his parents. An introduction to the known highland hospitality.

Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland taken from our guide's home near Ft. William