A Highlands Christmas

My first term at St. Andrews is over and the holidays are here!  I made the choice to stay over on this side of the world for the holidays, which was not an easy choice to make at all, but I am making the most of it by traveling.  My first trip was to the Highlands of Scotland for a Christmas tour/party.  I highly recommend Haggis Adventures for anyone wanting a fun, informative, quick trip around one part of Scotland.  Our tour guide/bus driver was Paddy (Patrick), and he was entertaining and knowledgeable.  The trip was a short three days, but we made it to many major locations in the Highlands, had some great meals at the Royal Highland Hotel in Inverness, and even went out clubbing on Christmas Eve (a first for me for sure).  I still am in awe of the history and events that have happened over here and after this trip am looking forward to learning more.

I missed my family like crazy, although I was lucky enough to be able to see most of them via Skype, and this trip just helped me to take my mind off that and meet new people.

First stop was the Wallace Monument in Stirling

It was too early in the morning to go in, but we had a fun hike up to the Monument anyway

A monument to all the Munros in Scotland, there is one stone from each Munro in there

The Royal Highland Hotel main staircase... they claim the Titanic was designed based on this

A festive bus group

Fisherman's wife monument on the North Sea coast with presents from people in town

Santa even managed to get my stocking to me on the bus

A little Christmas whiskey 

Loch Ness was a little cold and windy

I think the Highlands are my favorite part of Scotland so far

Monument for the Battle of Culloden

Highland Cows! They are amazing creatures for sure...