Epilogue

Now that we have been home for a few months, it is time to reflect on our time in Scotland.

Overall, we would give it a big "two thumbs up!"  This wasn't always a certainty, as it was doing something so far out of our comfort zone.  We did have the advantage of having been in the UK before and having had Alison, who has showed us so much over the years.  We also had the advantage of having driven there as well, so at least felt some confidence dealing with that issue.  Still, would we be homesick?  Would we be accepted?  Would the school experience work well for Rick?  Would Bob be able to keep himself occupied?  So many questions.

Fortunately, virtually everything worked out well.  We seemed to fit in well, Rick's school was great, and Bob and Dougal seemed to always have some sort of adventure.  Whew!

So, on to highlights:

Certainly the first would be the closeness of having Alison and Brian nearby to help us fathom some of the "indiocynrasies" of various things in the UK, and their help obtaining a car; we quite liked our wee Yaris.  Love you guys.

The school in Currie.  Doing an exchange is a leap of faith, and in this instance, Rick lept into such a great situation it couldn't have been better if we had planned it.  Thanks to everyone at the school who helped make Rick's experience so much fun and such an adventure.

Edinburgh.  What can be said about living in a city that has been described as the "Athens of the North" and is a UNESCO World Heritage site?  Oddly enough, after a while living there, we did find ourselves not noticing wonderful old buildings, as exposure breeds familiarity.  Oh, another castle?  Ho hum.  Being such a compact city, we were able to access almost everything we wanted without the use of the car.

Meeting up with the other Canadian teachers on exchange.  The meeting in York was so enjoyable and we couldn't have asked for better companions for the weekend.  Also, the Scottish former exchange teachers who planned the odd event to which we were invited.  We couldn't make it to all of them, but certainly enjoyed the ones we did.

Visiting Ronald and Margaret twice, despite Dougal's rather embarrassing behaviour.  

The closeness to Ireland, which gave us a few chances to enjoy our getaways over there and to see Robert and Eileen again.  That is always a treat!

Seeing the south of England.  We fell a bit in love with the countryside, although it may have been through the amber haze of cider.  Still, a "golden" opporunity taken.

Hogmanay with Heather.  It was fun to have family with whom to share a party with 75,000 total strangers.  It was a wild, festive, loud, musical and drunken time (not us, but the majority of the crowd).  We wouldn't attend that again, but are happy to have been there.

Skye.  If you have read any of this blog, you know how we feel about Skye and Lynn, Richard and Laura.  I may have left a piece of me there, so may have to return.

Mia Restaurant.  Beyond a doubt the best place we found and just around the corner.


So, were there any lowlights?  Well, now that you ask:

Edinburgh.  It is a lovely city, but it really seems to have trouble getting its act together.  The city council never really seemed to know Rick was there (they administer the schools), they spent almost one billion pounds on half a tram system (which bogs down in traffic) and seem to have trouble installing bus seating that isn't too high or even at a used bus stop.  If you think your city council is ineffective, rest assured that Edinburgh's is probably worse.

The flat.  You may notice that we haven't really spoken about our flat in any of the postings.  We were trying to be polite.  Let's just say that we weren't really expecting to live like college students again.  We made the best of it, but it really needed to be experienced to be believed.  But let's not dwell on it any more.


So, would we do it again?  Yes.  No question.  We hope that if there is a futher opportunity that we will be able to do just that.  There is no way we can convey just what a positive experience it was.  We hope this blog has given you some insight into it though.  Thanks for following.

Cheers and slàinte,

Rick, Bob and Dougal.

Goodbye, Mr. M.

I don't think you can teach a group of kids for a year and not feel a bond with them, particularly when they were as good a class as Rick had in Currie.  Going in, he wasn't sure about the slightly higher grade, but he thoroughly enjoyed working with the kids and helping them to discover just what they are able to achieve when they learn how to learn.

The downside to this bonding is that he and the class eventually have to part.  Normally, when a school year finishes, it is sad to see them go, but you know you will see almost all of them the next year at school.  Not this time around, however, as our leaving Scotland meant that Rick would be saying an almost permanent goodbye to his students, which was tough to do.  Fortunately, many of them have kept in touch with Rick during their next school year, and Rick is able to follow along with the school's events through its newsletter.

Rick also formed a good bond with the parents, and we were invited for drinks at some parents' house the evening of the second last day of school.  Rick wasn't sure he should go, but was encouraged by his head teacher.  We were greeted at their house with a nice bottle of beer and some tasty appetizers.  After a wee while, everyone, including their dog, headed off to the next destination, which we suspected was someone else's house, but turned out to be the local youth club hall where his students than their parents were lying in wait to surprise him with an amazing going away party that was totally planned by the parents and kids.  Nobody breathed a word to Rick, even though all the kids knew about it, which is rather impressive.  It would be an understatement to say that he was shocked and greatly surprised, not to mention greatly honoured.  It was a raucous, noisy time, with his kids flocking around him and having fun teasing him.  We were told by many of the parents that nothing like this has ever been done by the parents for any teacher, even ones who are retiring.  Nothing could have made Rick feel more appreciated.

The following photos feature a lot of adults and no children, due to the right to privacy that applies to children.  You will need to take our word for it that it was pandemonium!!

Surprise, surprise!!  Mr. M. comes face to face with the throng.

We wish we could show you how happy and excited the kids were.  Rick was overcome with emotion.

What better way to calm down that with a bottle of beer.  Rick felt really uncomfortable having a beer in his hand and drinking in front of his students.  Didn't stop him, though.

Brian and Hazel, who both helped Rick feel so welcome at the school.  Brian is the custodian and Hazel is a lollipop lady.  They are a fun and lovely couple.

Sally, who is head teacher extraordinaire!  While she made sure that Rick did what he was supposed to do, she allowed him to upset the teaching apple cart at the school on occassion.  Thank you Sally!!

Lynda, school adminstrator, and Margaret, business manager, from the school.  Rick helped Margaret with a lot of tech issues and became a good friend along the way.  She keeps Rick updated on life at Currie.

Drink in hand, Rick finally tells the parents everything that is wrong with their children.  Not really, but I am sure every teacher has wished they could do that on occasion.

The best idea of the evening - let them eat cake!  Nothing like a sugar rush to ramp up the kids!!

"Unaccustomed as I am to speaking..."  As this was such a successful surprise, poor Rick didn't have anything prepared when called upon for a speech.  He did very well, even when emotions caught up with him.

Decorating the teacher.

An exhausted, happy, honoured and well decorated Mr. M.

Rick took this opportunity to keep educating his students, as he corrected their grammar.  He told them it should say "you ARE great," as he doesn't stop being great just because he is leaving!  There was also an inside joke between him and the kids, as he ran his classrom as a glitter-free zone, so of course they took the opportunity to use as much as they could for the sign.

Rick Buys a Kilt

Over the course of the year in Scotland, Rick had talked quite often about buying another kilt, and we had visited many shops and looked at the pricing.  The exchange rate grew ever nastier as we went along, which factored into not getting a kilt, but leaving Scotland without one finally seemed inappropriate, so Rick bit the bullet and decided to buy one, but not just any kilt - a 21st Century Kilt!  Howie Nicholsby comes from a line of kilt makers, but decided to do things a bit differently.  His kilts aren't necessarily traditional as they can include such things as pockets, tend to be made from non-traditional fabrics and tartans (a leather kilt, anyone?), and sit lower on the waist, more like a trouser fit.

Now, when we were thinking of 21st Century Kilts, we assumed that the shop would be very sleek, modern and minimalist, which couldn't have been further from the truth.  It is quite small, stuffed to the rafters with tubs full of scraps of various materials and, in one corner there is a seamstress working away, who turned out to be an angel of sewing, as she was able to whip up Rick's kilt in less than 2 weeks, as we were leaving for Canada that quickly.  Howie is a very colourful character and wonderful to deal with along with his long-suffering but very knowledgeable co-worker Fraser.  Rick chose more of a tweed with a bit of a chevron design, but the crowning glory was the use of the Canadian Tartan (yes, there is such a thing) along the front edge of the kilt, along with 2 strips of a red silk paisley material, which also edges his waistband and pocket tops.  Needless to say, it is a very unique kilt and Rick looks brilliant in it.  Who cares about the cost!  It was worth it.  Oh, and you get an exclusive, really cool kilt pin with every kilt.  Score!!

http://21stcenturykilts.com/
 

The wee shop on Thistle Street.

The shape of the kilt pin that comes with every kilt.

As you can see, it is far removed from sleek and modern, which made it much more comfortable and fun.

Samples everywhere!!

Working away in the corner, she sews all the kilts, and gets Rick's done in record time!

Ready to wear and ready to go.

What would a Scottish kilt shop be without a few bottles of whisky at the ready?

Rick having his final fitting.  Sorry, I don't have any photos of him showing off his kilt, so you will need to ask to see him in person for a viewing.

More of the Emerald Isle

We really felt the need to pay one more visit to Rick's homeland, of sorts, so off Dougal went again to the kennel and off to Northern Ireland we went.  We have visited NI a few times, but have never been on our own to explore, as Rick's cousin, Robert, always kindly offered to show us around.  As he is a very busy man these days, we rented a car at the airport and stayed in a hotel in Carrickfergus, which is to the east of Belfast.  We requested the smallest car they had as we had prior knowledge of just how narrow Irish roads can be.  This time, we explored a bit of Carrickfergus, including the castle that sits very imposingly on the harbour, spent some time in Belfast proper, and were able to meet up with Robert and Eileen for an enjoyable supper with some of their friends.  We took a day to drive up and around the Antrim Coast, which is renowned for its scenic beauty, and it certainly didn't disappoint.  We did branch off the main route to follow a road offering spectacular scenery, only to be engulfed by fog so thick that all we could see was a few feet of road ahead of the car.  A few times we did spot a sheep, so we knew there was at least some land between us and the sea.  Fortunately, the fog didn't continue once we were off that road, but we will just have to take their word for it about  its beauty.  What we did notice was that, as NI prepared for marching season, July 12th, there were more obvious signs about advocating either a republican or unionist stand.  We can't say that this overt display made us totally comfortable.  Still, it was an interesting experience.

One thing we were excited about was that the Tall Ships were visiting Belfast and that where we were staying was a great viewpoint to see them leaving in full sail.  As you will see below, our 3 hour wait left a bit to be desired!  The Red Arrows air team did a fantastic display however!

Eventually, we caught a train down to Dublin, our favourite place.  After checking into "our" hotel, we entertained ourselves by just wandering about, which is what we enjoy most.  We did take a train down to Bray, Greystones, and Dalkey, where we would live if we had enough money, which we don't!  Sigh.  As we have shown you Dublin before, we just have a few shots of some things we found interesting, as we always seem to find odd things wherever we are.

All in all, it was a lovely time spent in Ireland, which we will miss visiting as easily as the year allowed us.

The imposing Carrickfergus Castle, built in Norman times.  It is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland.

Inside the castle.

One of the upper rooms.  Notice the thickness of the walls, which may be why it withstood so many seiges in its history.  We assume that the games are not original.

You know it is a bad day when your armour needs a pee!

Speaking of which, the facilities at the castle leave a bit to be desired.

Beautiful downtown Carrickfergus, as viewed from the castle.

This shows you how close we were staying to the castle, as our hotel is in the center of this photo.  It is also near Robert's yacht club where we had our very first taste of Guinness oh so many years ago.  We actually had glasses rather than pints, which we now refer to as starter Guinnesses.

Looking east, the direction you drive to eventually get to Robert and Eileen's house.

The castle by night.

After our journey through the fog, we were pleased to be bathed in sunlight in the town of Ballycastle, with its lovely beach.

Our next stop was Carrick-a-Rede bridge, which is a rope bridge from the mainland to a small island off the coast.  There has been a rope bridge here for 350 years. You have to walk from the car park to the bridge, but it was a great day, so the walk was lovely.  As you can see, the route was quite popular.

And here we stand in traffic.  While you wait your turn to cross the bridge, with a limit of 20 people at a time allowed on it, it gives people who are uncertain about heights a lot of time to talk themselves out of crossing.  Fortunately, Rick kept his resolve.

A first glimpse of the bridge.

Looking down, although they sure don't want you to stop and take photos, as they badger you to keep moving.  On our way back, a woman in front of Rick did stop to take a few selfies, which didn't sit well with Rick, as more time on the bridge was not what he wanted!

And here is the proof that Rick made it.  Once on the island, he realized that he had to come back over the bridge.  Drat.

The water in this area is certainly beautiful.

Back on the mainland, safe and sound, but with a great view of the bridge.

The beautiful Antrim coast.  Sometimes old sayings are true, as Ireland is certainly green!!

The next stop was the remnants of Dunluce Castle.  What a lovely hulk of ruins it is, just what we enjoy. 

At least the bridge to the main part of the castle isn't a rope one.

In popular lore, Dunluce was quickly vacated at one time when a severe storm caused part of the kitchen to plummet into the sea.  The fact that the kitchen still remains would seem to contradict that story.  It probably was just a really nasty place to live during the winter storms!

The central court of the castle.  Archaeological work around the castle has discovered the existence of a town outside the castle walls.

Coastal view from the castle.

The crowds start to gather for the passing of the Tall Ships and the aerial display.

The Red Arrows flew one way...

...and another...

...and sometimes didn't seem to know which way to go!!

All in all, a spectacular display.

After 3 hours of standing, a couple of ships finally left and sailed out of the lough.  Well, sailed isn't exactly the word, as they left under motor power, and also travelled on the other side of the lough, so even with a telephoto lens, this was as good a view as we could get!  A slight disappointment.

You'll be pleased to know that neither of us were kidnapped!!

Carrickfergus' lovely train station.

In Belfast, we had supper at the Morning Star, which is a pub that Robert took us to on one of our previous visits.  We were proud of ourselves that we could find it.  The building is from 1810.

My train seat companion down to Dublin had an interesting tattoo - or maybe he was just commenting on the coffee company's commitment to the environment.

Rick's beer of choice one evening.  You do know a Galway Hooker is an Irish fishing boat, don't you?  What else could it be???

My drink of choice.  A cute hoor is a bit of a rogue who is quite brilliant.  Once again, you knew that, right?

The beach at Greystones, which is south of Dublin.

I'm not sure why this beach-goer looks so grumpy.  Maybe he has sand in his trunks!

Another beach, this time at Bray, which is also south of Dublin.  It is a very rocky beach, but fronts a nice wee town.

Once in Dalkey, we headed down to one of its two harbours, where you might say it has a rocky shore.

Oh, and gulls.  The local fishermen leave bits of fish in the tubs and the crowd goes wild!!

We didn't try to join them for lunch.  Noisy bunch.

Oh my...a bunny in bondage.

Oh yeah, baby, I'm bad.

We liked this device at one of the pubs, where you can call for whichever service you need.  I wonder why more places don't use something like this.