Schottland 2009

ABERDEEN

2009-01-25T11:52:00.004+01:00

Disney Store Aberdeen
Bon Accord Centre
http://disneystore-shopping.disney.co.uk/StoreLocatorNI.aspx

Macduff Marine Aquarium Aberdeen
http://www.macduff-aquarium.org.uk/visitor.html

Storybook Glen
http://www.storybookglenaberdeen.co.uk/location.html

Museum

Der Countdown läuft...

2009-01-16T23:21:00.003+01:00

Jetzt sind es also noch 3 Wochen und 6 Tage bis zur Abfahrt. Kaum zu glauben, dass es bald schon soweit sein soll.

Wettermäßig zerbreche ich mir im Moment auch gar nicht mehr den Kopf, nachdem wir in der letzten Woche sogar einmal -16 Grad in Deutschland hatten! Dann wird Schottland quasi ein Zuckerschlecken, oder? Warme Winterkleidung haben wir nun auch alle. Nur den 3-m-langen Schal habe ich nicht bekommen ;-)

Mehr Kopfzerbrechen bereitet mir dagegen die Fährüberfahrt am Freitag, den 13. Dieser Gedanken wurde mir allerdings von Schatzi eingepflanzt, der vor ein paar Tagen kurz vor dem Schlafengehen sagte:
"Du weißt, dass wir an einem Freitag, den 13. auf einem Schiff sind?"
Ich fragte: "Auf einer Skala von 1 bis 10... wie sehr versetzt dich dieser Gedanke in Panik?"
Er: "5".
Ich: "Na also... Oder sollte ich die Fähre lieber umbuchen?"
Er: "Ich will nur nicht an einem Freitag den 13. unterwegs sein..."
Ich: "Jetzt ist es zu spät... " :D

Naja... seitdem geht MIR dieser Gedanken nicht mehr aus dem Kopf ;-)
Aber auf der anderen Seite, wann genau passieren die wirklich schlimmen Dinge? An einem Freitag, den 13.? Eigentlich an jedem Tag, nur nicht an einem Freitag, den 13. ;-)

Bücher-Tipps

2008-12-26T11:41:00.001+01:00

The Traveller's Guide to Fairy Sites: The Landscape and Folklore of Fairyland in England, Wales and Scotland... by Bord, Janet

Ich packe meinen Koffer...

2008-12-23T20:16:00.001+01:00

Thomas-Lok Aaron
Malsachen Aaron
Fotoapparat
Schneeanzug (Giusi)
Ohrenschützer (Giusi)
Stirnband (Patrick)
3-m langen Schal
Handschuhe
Schneeschuhe
Funktionsunterwäsche
Funktionssocken
Boots

Inverness-Castle

2008-12-23T19:54:00.000+01:00

Inverness Castle was built on the site of an earlier fortress in 1835 and sits on a low cliff overlooking the river. Today it houses the Sherriff's Court. Take Castle Street which winds its way up around the rear of the castle and past some pretty floral displays to get to the statue of Flora MacDonald.

Please note the castle is not open to the public as a tourist attraction (it is in fact the sheriff court).

It is thought that 11th-century castle which featured in Shakepeare's play Macbeth (even though there is no historical evidence to suggest that it was where Duncan I was murdered) was in fact located to the east of the present castle (in what is now Auldcastle Road). Originally built of wood, it was replaced by a fortress of stone on Castle Hill. Apparently there have been sightings of the ghost of King Duncan walking along the banks of the River Ness in full regalia.

Culloden

2008-12-23T19:35:00.000+01:00

Öffnungszeiten:
10am - 4pm Winter (November - March)

Eintrittspreise:
National Trust for Scotland member - Free
Adult - £10 (includes £2 for 1 electronic battlefield guide)
Child Concession - £7.50 (as above)

INVERNESS

2008-12-23T16:30:00.001+01:00

Leakey's Second Hand Bookshop
Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EY
4 reviews
jammycapers (1235 points) 19-11-2008 •••••5
Leakey's Second Hand BookshopGreyfriars Hall Church StreetINVERNESS Inverness-shire IV1 1EY tel: 01463 239947 mapOpen: 10.00 -5.30 Monday - Saturday. A general stock of perhaps 100,000 books and, according to some, the largest secondhand bookshop in Scotland - although it's owner, Charles Leaky, is the first to admit that: "size isn't everything". - TBG. This ex-church has transformed nicely into a place of earthly promise. A huge stock of books and prints, with the comforting scent of coffee brewing in the choir stalls above, offer immediate sensual gratification rather than a vague promise of unspecified delights in the afterlife. The fire and brimstone of past preachers is replaced by something you don't expect to see in the middle of 100,000 books - a roaring log fire (possibly a useful place to dispose of superfluous stock, I wish I had one.) I very much like to browse in warmth with the promise of coffee or a bowl of heartening soup on hand when I flag, therefore all my needs for comfort and well-being are met here. - Carol Argyris. What can I add about this excellent shop that hasn't already been said? A short walk from the main Inverness shopping area, it would certainly give the largest of the Glasgow and Wigtown shops a run for their money in size. It is well laid out and despite the huge amount of books and prints, retains a spacious atmosphere. The mezzanine level, reached by a large circular metal staircase, is mainly a café/coffee shop which, unlike Books and Beans in Aberdeen, complements rather than interferes with the rest of the shop. - Jeremy Briggs

Johnny Foxes
Bank Street, Inverness
8 reviews
abuch (252 points) 12-12-2008 •••••4
still the best pub in inverness. would be so so much busier if it was little bit cheaper. good place for a chat ... more...

Costa Coffee
14 Inglis Street, Inverness IV1 1HN
3 reviews
cheekykc (1126 points) 14-11-2008 •••••5
Great coffee and nice cakes! I really enjoy having a nice coffee and a chinwag upstairs in Costa as the

Highland Mystery World

2008-12-23T16:28:00.000+01:00

HIGHLAND MYSTERY WORLDNEAR GLENCOE,FORT WILLIAM,The Scottish Highlands,PA39 4HLTel: 01855 811660 Fax: 01855 821463Only 2 hours from Glasgow or Edinburgh

A special welcome awaits all our visitors.Can you solve the riddle of the serpents cavern…Explore the magical grotto of the Clootie WellMeet the fachan
In our unique shop you will find herbal mixtures, books of legends, and magical memories to take home with you.

Enjoy the outdoor picnic area. The perfect end to a great adventure-food, family and friends.
LEGENDARY EXPERIENCES JUST FOR YOU

Explore the Highlands through new eyes as you journey back in time to the world of Bogles, kelpies and fachans. Enter the mysterious stone circle to meet visitors from a long time ago who will tell you amazing tales of Scotland’s legendary past. Experience the riddles of the serpents’ cavern where the Blue Man of the Minch and other legends come alive just for you. Re-awaken your awareness of ancient herbal lore within the mossy realm of the clootie Well.
JUST SEE WHAT OTHERS SAY!

"A truly original concept, imaginative, unexpected, delightful.” The Scotsman“What a great welcome, fabulous atmosphere and amazing journey into past myths and legends.” Elizabeth Warner, aged 68“I really like the Fachan – he was funniest and I liked my Viking helmet and sword, specially in the playground outside.” James Young aged 7“Fantastic effect – brill with kids. It was a great sensation and we all came out feeling totally spellbound.” The Johnson Family

DISCOVER ANCIENT HIGHLAND LIFE AND LEGENDS
Be amazed as they come to life through live actors and special effectsMeet the characters and explore the environment Listen and laugh at magical stories of long lost times Enjoy tasty meals and refreshments Shop for souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else
MAKE IT A DAY OR AN OVERNIGHT STAY

Great fun for all ages – rain or shine Explore lochside trail with breathtaking views Children’s adventure playground and picnic area Boat trips to historic islands Enjoy on-site hotel with indoor swimming pool and leisure centre

BALLINDALLOCH CASTLE – Ballindalloch is one of the most beautiful and romantic castles in Scotland. It lies in the heart of whisky country with the distilleries of Glenfiddich, Glenfarclas, and Glenlivet nearby. The setting is magnificent; surrounded by majestic hills, the tumbling waters of the River Spey and Avon flow through the grounds. First and foremost Ballindalloch is a much loved family home and one of the very few privately owned castles to be lived in continuously by its original family, the Macpherson Grants, since 1546. It exemplifies the transition from the stark Tower House, necessary for survival in 16th Century Scotland, to the elegant and comfortable country house so beloved of Victorians in the Highlands.

Entfernungen

2008-12-23T16:24:00.002+01:00

Home - Amsterdam: 437 Km
Newcastle - Inverness: 456 Km
Newcastle - Glencoe (Glenfinnan): 410 Km (ca. 6 h)
Glencoe - Glenfinnan: 53 Km (50 Min.)
Glenfinnan - Balblair Cottage: 141 Km (ca. 2 h)
Balblair Cottage - Inverness: 16 km (20 Min.)
Balblair Cottage - Aberdeen: 152 Km (2:30 h)
Balblair Cottage - John O'Groats: 210 Km (3:10 h)
Balblair Cottage - Ullapool: 104 Km (1:30 h)
Balblair Cottage - Eilean Donan Castle: 130 Km (ca. 2 h)
Eilean Donan Castle - Portree (Isle of Skye):
Portree (Isle of Skye) - Balblair Cottage: 200 Km (3 h)
Balblair Cottage- Culloden: 10 Km (12 Min.)

Newcastle - Edinburgh (2:38 h)
Edinburgh - Inverness (3:11 h)

Exploring the Highlands

2008-12-23T01:25:00.001+01:00

Culloden
Inverness
Loch Ness
Nessie Exhibition-Centre
Urquhart Castle
Drumnadrochit
Aberdeen
Clava Cairns
Castle Leoch
Glenfinnan-„Harry Potter“-Viadukt
Highland Mystery World
Fort George
Castle Fraser
___________________________
Museum of scottish Lighthouse, Fraserburgh
Prestopan
Eilean Donan Castle
Isle of Skye
John O’Groats
Ullapool
Dunrobin
To be continued... jawohl... :-P

Touring Scotland

2008-12-23T01:21:00.000+01:00

Tag 1 – 12.02.2009:
Fahrt nach Amsterdam
Fähre um 17.30 Uhr ab Amsterdam

Tag 2 – 13.02.2009:
Ankunft um 9.00 Uhr in Newcastle
Fahrt von Newcastle nach Glencoe (Glenfinnan-Viadukt) (385 Km, ca. 5:40 h)
Übernachtung im Bed und Breakfast in Glencoe

Tag 3 – 14.02.2009:
10.00 Uhr: Weiterfahrt nach Inverness (ca. 2 Stunden)
Einchecken im Cottage

Tag 4 - 15.02.2009:
Folgt...

"Ich wurde überrumpelt..." :-P

2008-12-23T01:12:00.000+01:00

DAS sagte mein Freund, als ich gestern Abend auf der Couch saß und nach B&B für unsere Schottlandreise im Februar schaute. Ich sagte, die besten Ideen wären doch die spontansten. ;-)

Und so sitze ich hier und verliere mich immer wieder im worldwideweb, um nach Unterkünften, Points of Interests usw. Ausschau zu halten. Dabei ist es keineswegs das erste Mal, dass es mich nach Schottland verschlägt. Nein, inzwischen das ... nachzähl... 1996, 2000, 2002, 2008 im August... okay... nun das 5. Mal. Peinlicherweise kenne ich das Land besser als mein eigenes. Doch dieses Mal wird alles anders. Diesmal bin ich mit Mann und Kind dort. Zwei Wochen lang. In den Highlands. Im Februar 2009. Ich wollte schon immer im Winter nach Schottland. Es muss traumhaft sein.

Blöderweise haben die meisten Schlösser gerade in diesem Zeitraum geschlossen. Balmoral Castle und Glamis Castle fallen also flach. Auch Dunrobin Castle im hohen Norden hat geschlossen. Zu doof. Aber gut... So ist das nun mal...

Ich werde hier auch ein Programm veröffentlichen, damit Schatzi immer gut informiert ist. :-)

Der Countdown läuft...

2008-08-02T00:10:00.001+02:00

Montag morgen um 5 Uhr geht's also los.... Juhuuuuuuuuuuu... Endlich !!!

6 Jahre ist es inzwischen her, dass ich das letzte Mal in Schottland war. Gott, war das eine lange Zeit!

Diesmal wird alles anders: neuer Partner UND mit Kind inzwischen :-)