Final Destination Part 1

I know these posts are long overdue, but as soon as I stepped off the plane and saw my sweet family, it has been nothing but catch-up for me! I have neglected my blogging, online schoolwork and even facebook (gasp)...so if I haven't answered your texts, don't take it personally. I have a lot of family time to catch up on!

This post is one of three that involves a secret trip that was put together for us by Ian's sister and brother-in-law, Kayleigh and Stuart. For a few weeks they kept telling us (or not telling us) about a trip they were planning for us.They are both really fun, so we knew we were in for a treat, regardless of the destination. 

They picked us up early and we set out on a little road trip. We drove through the highlands, which were absolutely stunning. Two and a half hours full  of mountains (hills), lakes (lochs) and waterfalls...definitely movie scenery. 

Speaking of movie scenery, Kayleigh dropped a clue that our destination was featured in a few major films: Braveheart (of course) and HARRY POTTER. 

Our first stop was at the foot of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. This mountain made the mountains I’ve climbed look like ant hills. We changed into trainers and began a small hike through the foot of Nevis and the surrounding hills. This particular hike reminded me more of the hiking back home (through trees). 

At one point we came to an open passage (sort of a valley). It was beautiful! I took some video shots of it because pictures weren’t doing it justice. 

You can see almost this exact shot in HP Goblet of Fire:

We eventually made it to this small rope bridge that crossed the river. Now, it would have been totally easier to walk down the river a bit, then cross on the rocks...but where’s the fun in that? We all tackled the rope bridge and made it across without any problems. 

We ended up at the bottom of the gorgeous Steall Falls (the third highest in Scotland). 

So only three hours into the trip and I’m seeing the tallest peak and third tallest waterfall? 

#winning

Home.

I am sitting on my couch (at a way too early hour) watching Good Morning America and eating Frosted Flakes. I am still on Glasgow time, so I've been an early sleeper/early riser.

The trip home was supposed to be the easiest yet (flight-wise), but it turned out to be the most stressful.

The flight from Glasgow to Philadelphia was so long, and not for obvious reasons. I sat next to a woman from Missouri, who, ironically, also dates a Glaswegian. And boy was she a talker. She was just thrilled to meet someone "like her." She literally talked from take off to touch down, which I wouldn't have minded if I didn't plan on sleeping/watching episodes of RHOC.

When I touched down in Philadelphia, I discovered that I would have to re-check my checked bags. This would normally not be an issue, except I had two (big/heavy) suitcases, a backpack, and a rolling carryon (and only two hands). I tried to rent one of those luggage carts, but it wouldn't take my card...what a conundrum! Then, right there in the Philadelphia airport, I was visited by an angel. His name was Wayne. Wayne was an elderly, African American man who worked for the airport, but was looking to make some money on the side. He offered to get my bags re-checked for just $5. What a deal!

My flight from Philly to Charlotte got delayed by an hour, leaving me only five minutes to get to my flight to Chattanooga. They assumed I wouldn't make it, so they put me on a later flight, leaving me with a three-hour wait. However, they didn't understand just how bad I wanted to be home. When the plane landed in Charlotte, Kelbow made an appearance and made it to the gate just in time. Never underestimate the power of a girl who misses her mama!

So, that leaves me here....on the couch watching GMA. I am so happy to be home, yet so sad to not have Ian here. I know these six months will fly by, especially since I will be surrounded by such sweet family/friends.

As for the blog, I still have a few posts left from a few last minute trips we took. I'm not sure if I will continue the blog after that. After all, there's nothing too adventurers about a Southern Belle in the South, haha.

The Olympic torch and Highland Games

The past few days have been action-packed!

Yesterday, the Olympic torch passed through Glasgow. The torch has already been through many towns and cities in England/Wales, so it was time for it come to Scotland. The journey will end on July 27, when it reaches the Olympic Stadium in London.

I was really happy that we got to see the torch. I was even happier that Ian got a good picture of it.

Ian's niece, Katy, got an even better picture with the torch. I'm a bit jealous!

Today we went to the Bearsden and Milngavie Highland Games. It was very Scottish! There were so many activities, including Jelly Balloon Hurling, Pipe Band competitions, Highland Dancing, Haggis Hurling (funny, because I hurl when I eat Haggis), wrestling, Tossing the Caber, Weight Throwing...

We parked at a charity car park...surprisingly it was for RMH! ADPi loves RMH!

For all of my American friends, the Highland Games are like the ones featured in the Patrick Dempsey movie, Made of Honor. So good! 

Snowboarding in June

Ian and I just got back from our snowboarding lessons! While it is still absolutely freezing here, it is not cold enough for snow. Luckily, Glasgow has indoor snow slope called SnoFactor.

There is a massive building called Xscape, which has lots of shops, a movie theater, rock climbing, and ski slopes.

I was so, so nervous!! I don't know if ya'll know this...but I am not the most athletic person in the world. I know...shocking! 

The indoor slope is 200 meters with "Pomas" that drag you to the top.

We started out just doing easy exercises, then learned to go down the slope. I picked it up quicker than I thought I would! Our instructor was very patient! She kept wanting us to go slow but I couldn't control myself, so I ended up either fully stopped or flying! At one point, we all thought I was going to take out a skier! 

I absolutely loved it, so we booked a lesson for next week. We are also already talking about a ski trip this winter....haha, you could say we are a bit excited. 

Flirty Dancing...not Dirty Dancing

For the past week, Ian has been talking about our Thursday night out to Tunnel to see DJ Vance, a guy that used to DJ at Silver Nightclub (which apparently used to be Ian's go-to place). Everyone kept asking me if I was "ready for my first club." This confused me a little. First club? We have had plenty nights out to places with smoke machines, loud music, and dancing...therefore I have already been to a club. 

Wrong! 

Apparently I had never been to a dance club, which is completely different.

We started the night at Tingle, which is a shooter bar. They had tons of interesting shooters like Peanut Butter and Jelly, Michael Jackson (which was black and white, ha!), and a few that I am too shy to name (you can read them on the menu below). 

My fav was the Peach Storm...typical Georgia Peach! 

After, we went to the Tunnel for some supercooltechnodance times. Honestly, I had a blast.

Packed full of sweaty people!

Handsome boys!

People kept saying things like, "Wow, I bet you are getting some great blogging material tonight!" Sure there were plenty of super funky outfits to talk about, but the most interesting and surprising thing about the night was the dancing. 

In America, dancing in a bar or a club consists of a girl grinding on a boy. Below is an informational video on how to dance in a club in America:

In Glasgow, people dance in groups. I have never seen a girl dancing with a guy alone, much less touching a guy. Girls go out in groups and pretty much stick together the whole night. They really enjoy the music and the company of one another.

I've often commented on the way girls dress when they go out. Some don't leave a lot to the imagination...however I have been wrong to judge a book by its cover. While they may dress a little racy, girls here act very, very, classy when they go out. They stay together and really have a blast. Call me a prude if you want. I much prefer the club culture over here!