Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Scenery and stuff


How great must it be to live in a vibrant exciting city but to have countryside like this half an hour's drive from your home?

We went up to Loch Lomond. The photo is taken from the grounds of the hotel where we had lunch. I can't remember having eaten in a more beautiful place. I hadn't realised just how big this Loch is...the largest freshwater lake (loch) in Britain. Nor did I realise before going there with a native that I couldn't pronounce 'Loch' which when said correctly sounds like the speaker has a cough.

To anyone who has never been to the Highlands of Scotland it is impossible to describe the grandeur of the hills and lochs. I remember on my first visit there thinking the scenery could not possibly be any more beautiful, only to come round a bend and see that it just HAD become more beautiful. Course, when it is misty you would never know. I did a hillwalk once when the person who had done the walk before kept saying 'If we could see anything now the views are stunning.' We could see sod all...in fact I didn't even realise we had a fifth hill to climb before this bloody great shape loomed out of the murky fog and rain. That particular person was lucky not to have 'fallen' over a ridge en route. I digress.

We decided to drive further. I was vaguely aware I should put some petrol in but couldn't bring myself to buy from the local garage selling what must have been liquid gold at £1.05 for a litre of unleaded. I expect it would have been £1.05.9 but they hadn't got a space on their board for the 0.9 pence. Why do they charge that 0.9 pence by the way? And will we be overcharged by 0.1 pence a litre when the prices go above a pound if they can't advertise the 0.9 pence? These are the kind of questions that keep me awake at night. ANYWAY - being atight fisted git came back to haunt me and later caused a fair amount of stress of the 'Oh my god, we are going to run out of petrol in the middle of bloody nowhere' variety. I tell you what, I thought the scenery around Loch Lomond was beautiful, but the loveliest sight I saw that day was the ESSO garage we came across in the nick of time.

We came back towards Glasgow alongside the shores of Loch Long which blogger is refusing to let me download but is worth a look at for example here as it is simply stunning.

Our last night in Glasgow was spent having a few more drinks in the city and a great Indian meal before returning to the world's hottest hotel room. By which I mean that we were on the 11th floor, heat rises,and the window would only open three inches. Great views though.

10 comments:

the lorider said...

wow!! what gorgeous pix! makes me want to visit the land of my ancestors... plus I hear they deep fry candy bars mmmmmm. let us know if you get to try that :)

have fun!

George said...

Ah yes, Glasgow; the south. Glad you enjoyed 'Lomand. I was blown off the path on Ben Lomand in the middle of a hail storm then last time I was there. Ahh, memories...

Anonymous said...

I know it is great to have such places virtually on the doorstep, in our case about an hours drive but well worth it as you can see here. We can also recommend a place on the west coast for a romantic weekend, or longer....

Anonymous said...

I know it is great to have such places virtually on the doorstep, in our case about an hours drive but well worth it as you can see here. We can also recommend a place on the west coast for a romantic weekend, or longer....

Anonymous said...

Trust me, come to Embra next time. I know yer man is a weegie, but once you've seen our city you'll realise once and for all why we point at them and laugh.

Lisa Rullsenberg said...

Our experience of Glasgow was probably more typical (it rained: a LOT) but damn it was a fine city! And that the countryside is within such easy distance... bliss!

J.J said...

The Lorider, I never know whether I believe in the Deep Fried Mars Bar Legend, or if it ranks with the Loch Ness Monster and the Haggis Shooting Season.

George, Ben Lomand looked magnificent, but I really wouldn't fancy attempting it in a hail storm...not even a tiny bit!

Bond bloke...wow! SO beautiful.

Alan, definitely Edinburgh next time. P.S. What is a weegie? I still have so much to learn.

Unlucjy weatherwise Lisa, but yes, a great city.

timesnewroman said...

What Indian did you go to. I would have pointed you to theee BEST by far, across the road from where I work. Of course they don't do beer.

J.J said...

Jim, it was the Koh-I-Noor Restaurant in Charing Cross near our hotel. We will have to go to your recommendation next time.

Nat said...

Gah, am homesick!

Gin and tonic in the sun.
Gin and tonic in the sun.
Gin and tonic in the sun.....

Ahhh, that worked!

Hope you had a lovely time. Scotland is beautiful.

N x