GSE 5510 Scotland

Wow, well I guess it is my turn. Levi here. As the others have already been saying, what an amazing experience. The hospitality we have encountered here is nothing short of humbling. The people we have met are true testaments to the quality of individual that Rotary attracts.

One of the benefits of our being hosted by different families is the fact that we each get slightly different experiences of Scotland. So far, I have been hosted by three wonderful families. First (along with Scott) I was hosted by Jim and Judith Slater, then Jack Dempsey, and now with Graeme and Ann Bain. All have been amazing. Every one of them has tried to show me what they thought I might enjoy. As a direct result of their efforts there hasn't been a single place that we've gone since hitting the ground that I haven't enjoyed tremendously.

It has been a whirlwind so far. We've seen some fantastic historic sites like Loch Leven Castle, Edinburgh Castle, the village of Culross including its 12th century abbey, where the church is still open for services every Sunday. I've laid down on the foundations of the pillars which once held the roof of St. Andrews Cathedral. I've walked around the grass field that became, and still is, the first and oldest golf course in the world. I've been to the site of the oldest Highland games, first started after the victory over the English army at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. I've been to the headquarters and museum of the Black Watch Regiment, a proud regiment that was started almost 300 years ago and has distinguished itself at every battle it has fought in, up to and including current combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The history here is almost overwhelming, and I feel like I could spent a year and still miss more than half of it.

On the other hand, we have seen some of modern Scotland and the industries that employ so many people. We toured Carnegie College (yes that Carnegie) where students are challenged to enrich themselves and the world they enter to seek employment. We toured the historic linoleum plant at Kirkcaldy (pronounced kircoddy by everyone I've come across). It is one of the few places in the world making linoleum. They showed us some of the intricate things they can do with the stuff utilizing high pressure water jet cutting machines to cut very intricate designs to be reassembled with contrasting colors. I had no idea...

We went to a modern laundry that services a major portion of the restaurants and hotels in Scotland. They practice "just in time" service. A logistical nightmare that they execute with aplomb.

We spent part of an evening in a local pub as a team, where we were lucky enough to be able to watch a local traditional music group have a jam session.

One thing I have immediately learned is just how rich and diverse Scotland is, much like Arizona. You could try to pigeonhole Scotland or Arizona with one sentence descriptions, but you would be doing each a disservice. And this is all in the first week!

While we have an itinerary, I don't know what our future travels will hold. But if this first week is any indication, it will continue to be amazing.

Levi