Scotland Day 5: On the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond

Today was a big tour day out in the countryside. So many things to see - but also a wee opportunity to get in some little cat naps on the bus.

We started our journey out of the city to see The Kelpies - an installation of large public art that was created to commemorate the re-opening of two canals. Kelpies, according to Scottish lore, are shapesifting water spirits that come out of the water and onto land. They were often thought to take the shape of horses, but could also take the form of humans. I could not fathom the size these would be as our guide described them.

As we got of the bus, the rain started pouring as we approached the sculptures. After a moment in the gift shop, the sun suddenly appeared and the rest of the day was perfectly lovely. Perhaps a gift from the water spirits.

We then headed off to have a delicious meal on the banks of Loch Lomond at Ross Priory. After a grand repast, we had a short time to walk along the banks of the Loch and then saw Loch Lomond from another stop where our students will stop next year where there is another wee estate.

We headed to Stirling Castle, another tour we'll take with students next year. The history is so rich here and I can't wait for my American students to begin to understand how very young our country is. 

We topped the evening off with Dinner at TheAbbey Pub and a Fringe show from the Canadian venue entitled Famous Puppet Death Scenes. This puppet show was a brilliant mix of strange, sad, funny, haunting scenes that kept me guessing at every moment. You know a puppet show is well-done when you forget to see the puppeteer and start feeling genuine emotions about the puppets. Definitely worth the price of admission. 

http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/16411847.fringe-theatre-review-chase-scenes-famous-puppet-death-scenescanadahub-kings-hall-four-stars/

Lessons Learned: 

1. At the Fringe, take a chance on things you don't know or haven't heard buzz about.

2. A good show can keep you awake, even after a full day of walking. 

3. You don't always have to understand what is happening to have an emotional reaction to art.

4. It's good to be the king.

Peace.