A place to stay…

A loch…

And Hamish the highland coo…

‘The Trossachs’, Scotland

3, 2, 1…. HAPPY HOGMANAY!
Fireworks from Calton Hill

Celebrating in style…

It’s war! Snowfight, Arthurs Seat

Nicky’s first snow-woman, Arthurs Seat.

Roaring, flying motorbikes, mosquito bites and numb bums. Waterfalls. Swimming against the tide, rope-swing burn, a natural massage. Shaking hands (or trunks!) with a baby elephant, half a pineapple, dragon fruit, watermelon… sticky faces.. fingers… leaky boats, fruit skins at my sunburned feet. Joy.

A tropical crater lake- Jumping, splashing, laughing. Ten again with wrinkly fingers; prune-like toes. Catching tiny fish in cupped hands. The silencing Himalaya; creaking floorboards of ancient monasteries, gummy grins of Buddhist nuns; freedom, falling from reality. Breathing nothing and feeling untouchable. Creaky, leaning buses. Momo’s and noodles in shabby dhabas… Dalai Lama calendars flapping on the walls.

Golden wat’s, stupa’s, monasteries, ancient temples swallowed by trees, Buddha everywhere and in everything. Rituals, chanting and offerings.

Chimney stacks and cobble stones. Tea in friendly mugs. Bagpipes, kilts and tourists. Turquoise meadows, navy skies, leaves falling, dancing… lying, dying, crunched and kicked by excited black boots. Old pubs and pipe music. Mottled scarves and silly woolen hats. Snow falling like silver glitter.

Friends, family near and far. Words of love across the oceans; a photo, a letter, a reminder of home. Shared pain, joy and sorrow… seedy hotel rooms, tiny bus seats and that ‘bed’ in that ’sleeper bus’. Hugs when necessary. Also when unnecessary. A warm welcome and an offer of friendship… Drunken sausages, cookies, cozy films and Christmas pudding.