Random Thoughts on Ireland and Scotland

My husband and I recently enjoyed a bus (whoops, I mean "coach") tour of Ireland and Scotland.  Our coach tour was organized by Trafalgar/Brendan Vacations.  As someone whose worst nightmares include driving on the wrong side of the road on the wrong side of the car, I highly recommend letting a professional handle the transportation.  Here are some random thoughts about our experience, in no particular order.  

  • Try Guinness beer in Ireland!  Even if you have had it in the U.S., it is very different there.  Folks in Ireland and very proud of their Guinness.  They take their time with the pour, letting the Guinness rest in the glass for a bit before finishing with that lovely, creamy foam.  Even my husband, who drinks light beer (blech), enjoyed it!!!
  • Ireland and Scotland are unbelievably green and beautiful, with rolling hills covered with sheep. Coastlines are gorgeous as well. 
  • Toilets and showers are mysterious.  I had to read the directions to flush the toilet.  If there were no posted directions, I could be in the stall for some time...Showers were different everywhere we went.  I spent way too much time trying to figure out the water temperature and bath vs. shower configuration.  Maybe I'm just old, but that was a rough way to start the day!
  • It rains a lot.
  • Visit the Irish National Stud & Gardens.  It's beautiful and the horses are majestic.  My favorite fact from our tour guide:  there is a male horse whose main job is to get the mare "in the mood" for the stud.  Interesting...
  • When in the Scottish Highlands, avoid asking for a cocktail.  As Eric the bartender explained to me, "Cocktail?! You're in the Scottish Highlands!!! We have beer and whiskey."  Eric was nice, but quite firm.   
  • There are countless castles and cathedrals, and so much history.  It reminded me that the United States of America is a relatively young country.  
  • There is no "hard border" between Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) and the Republic of Ireland (its own government).  However, if Brexit succeeds, the border that once existed, with a limited number of crossing points staffed by police and customs, may return.  As it was, our coach crossed the border as though we were crossing from one state to another in the U.S.  
  • If you're going to fall, best to fall near the 18th green at St Andrews in Scotland.  In a complicated mishap that occurred while I was trying to take photo of my husband, I went down in slow motion on a sidewalk in a busy street.  No less than three cars stopped to check on me while other pedestrians came to my assistance.  I was more embarrassed than anything; the genuine concern of these strangers made me smile.  
  • The Irish and Scottish people are charming!  

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