Inverness
Saturday, June 10
Have we found the Loch Ness monster? Read on.
Our hotel and the Inverness airport sit in the middle of nowhere, Scottish Highlands. But clever Mary discovered a new station at the airport where we could hop a quick train into Inverness.
Funky ambience. Historic location. Delicious food. What's not to like?
Turns out the museum is free and very informative. It tells the story of Scottish history from early geology all the way through the present day.
From the museum, we strolled along the River Ness. The sun was bright, a cool breeze kept us comfortable, and we tried to identify interesting birds and flowers while crossing footbridges and admiring the views.
The cemetery was like a calm park on a hill - families having picnics and enjoying the river views.
We closed the day with dinner at the Mustard Seed right along the river. Couldn't get in for lunch, so Mary quickly made an early dinner reservation. She's so clever.
We thought it was funny to see the restaurant staff rushing around the restaurant trying to turn the early tables over quickly. Very un-Scottish of them.
Inverness, Scotland
Our arrival in Scotland was after 1 a.m. to bodies still on Greek time, so I slept in while Mary got busy online, planning our day.
The desk clerk told us to turn left and walk across the runway (whaat?) - 10 minutes to the station.
At the unmanned station, we chatted up a nice local couple from Nairn - the only other people on the platform - who were dubious about our prospects for an interesting day in Inverness. But we were still hopeful, given the fabulous weather (in Scotland?! I know!) and bright sunshine.
They told us that Inverness Castle was under construction, so in a few years it'll be ready for tourists. The lady is part of a large group of women across the Highlands stitching a huge tapestry for the castle.
But first, breakfast.
I was stumbling around aimlessly in a coffee-deprived state when Mary pulled me into the Rendezvous Vintage Cinema Cafe. What a coup!
Scones with cream! Fluffy scrambled eggs and toast!
Sufficiently fueled, we were ready to plan our entertainment in Inverness. In lieu of Rick Steves, Google supplied us with walking tour suggestions.
Despite the castle being closed, we started on that hill for some views, then ducked into the nearby Inverness Museum.
Pictish grave marker
Why are my arms so long?
Pictish symbols
Why do we keep seeing Emperor Hadrian everywhere we go?
Learn to fold and wear a kilt. But first learn Gaelic.
(Just kidding, there was English, too).
This statue is made of whalebone. Supposedly it was some sort of goddess figure,
but Mary and I are going with Nessie.
Returning to town, we browsed shops full of Scottish clothing and memorabilia.
We deserved an afternoon break with wine tasting at the Walrus and Corkscrew.
Notice that we're still eating Mediterranean food.
Mary was excited to explore (and text Meghan about) the cemetery at the Old High church.
We're not sure what type of bird built this nest,
but it clearly wanted to make this grave extra creepy.
I had the hake and Mary had sea bass. Both were delicious!
After a bit more shopping as we made our way to the station, we were back on the train, congratulating ourselves on a successful day.
- Christine
You two are amazing! I might have wanted a day just to chill at the hotel but you found fun ways to do that in Inverness and saw beautiful sights while you were at it! Looks like a really relaxing day!
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