A Scottish Adventure of City and Highland

Have you ever come across a place so breathtakingly beautiful that you want to capture it forever in photos, only to realize that no picture can truly do justice to its magnificence? That's how I felt when I arrived in Inverness, the highland capital of Scotland. It was like stepping into a flawless 18th-century oil painting, where every corner is so picturesque that I could close my eyes, snap a random photo, and it would make a perfect postcard. That's Inverness for me.

Normally, I like to read books during my flights. As usual, I was engrossed in reading my Kindle during the flight. But as our plane descended into the small Inverness airport, I was greeted by the majestic skyline of the city. I was not expecting such beauty.

Stepping outside the airport, we tried to get an Uber, but it failed us. However, a Pakistani taxi driver named Ali came to our rescue and saved the night. Our hotel, located in the prime spot of the city, was worth the extra cost. Even though it was July, the night air was chilling. As we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted with much-needed warmth.

The next morning, our tour was scheduled to begin at 8 am. Waking up at 6 am, we hit the road after a steaming cup of morning coffee. Thanks to our prime location, we set off on foot to explore the gems of the city before immersing ourselves in the wonders of nature.

The previous night's rain had bestowed a peaceful and charming ambiance upon the city. Exploring the old town city center in the early morning was a surreal experience. Immaculate streets, stunning architecture, and crisp, fresh air enriched our souls. Although Inverness Castle was temporarily closed, our hearts were captivated by the sight of the majestic River Ness. Its serene flow through the heart of the city, adorned with graceful bridges, charmed us, setting the perfect tone for the adventures that lay ahead.

Soon, we boarded a tour bus that would take us on a full-day trip to the Highlands. Renowned for their natural beauty and outdoor opportunities, the Scottish Highlands promises a plethora of breathtaking experiences. Our main destination was the Isle of Skye, a stunning island on the west coast of Scotland. With its rugged landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque villages, it beckoned us with irresistible allure. As we settled into the front seats of the bus, the enchanting views of the highlands unfolded before our eyes.

Our journey through the Highlands was designed with multiple stops that allowed us to immerse ourselves in nature's embrace. Our Frist stop was at the Urquhart Castle. The view of Urquhart Castle from afar, surrounded by greenery, rolling hills, and the mysterious Loch Ness, took our breath away. Loch (lake) Ness, with its impressive depth and dark appearance, held an air of intrigue and wonder.

A word of caution: Scotland's weather is very unpredictable. If you ever visit Scotland, be prepared for sun, rain, snow, storms, and everything in between. And never forget your umbrella. Speaking of umbrella, raindrops began to fall, infusing the atmosphere with a touch of magic as we made a coffee stop at Eilean Donan Castle. The view from the castle's rear, with serene waters, rolling hills, and lush greenery, was simply stunning. Although we would revisit the castle on our way back, I couldn't resist capturing the moment with a photograph.

Continuing our journey towards the Isle of Skye, we arrived at the picturesque village of Portree. Its colorful harbor, tranquil waters, and charming ships embraced us, leaving us speechless.

The aroma of fish and chips filled the air as raindrops added to the beauty and serenity of the place. Standing on the harbor, I felt like a true beholder of a heavenly moment.

The rest of our journey through the Highlands was pure enchantment, leaving us in a state of awe. We arrived at the Fairy Pools. We stepped down and embarked on a bit of hike to reach the Fairy Pools. The towering hills seemed to touch the clouds, creating a surreal vista that etched itself into our souls.

Surrounded by verdant hills and cascading waterfalls, the Fairy Pools offered a moment of respite. People could dip their bodies into the refreshing waters and revel in the freshness of nature. The hike was well worth it, and the view we encountered will forever remain etched in our memories.

During our journey, we encountered a family from USA traveling with kids. One of their children fell ill from the long, bumpy ride in the back seat. The father requested if anyone would be willing to exchange seats so their daughter could be more comfortable. Without hesitation, we relinquished our prime seats, witnessing the joy that radiated from her eyes. We captured the moment in a photograph, a memento of the friendships forged with strangers along the way.

On our way back, we also stopped at a local place for a whisky break. As we don't drink alcohol, we took the opportunity to explore the nearby area.

We also stopped at the Sky Bridge, marveling at its beauty, collecting stones and soaking in the surroundings.

Our last stop for the day was Eilean Donan Castle, where we had a much closer look at its medieval architecture before the rain began to fall.

After a full day of adventure and fun, we headed back to the town. Our driver and tour guide were exceptionally friendly and helpful, sharing the history and must-know facts about Inverness and the Isle of Skye. To our surprise, they told us a bit more of this seemingly beautiful place, which transforms into a dark, cold, and formidable land during the winter. As our tour guide regaled us with tales in her enchanting Scottish accent, we arrived back in Inverness after a long 13-hour trip. It had been a day of 400 kilometers driving and 13 kilometers walking, leaving us tired but fulfilled.

Craving nourishment, we were delighted to find a Bangladeshi restaurant called Mangrove just in front of our hotel. Ordering two Biriyani takeaways, we decided to savor them in the comfort of our hotel room. To our delight, the owner was a Bangladeshi. The owner, thrilled to meet fellow countrymen on foreign soil, added extra two dishes as a token of love and hospitality.

The next morning, we had to catch our train to Edinburgh at 8:30 am. Luckily, our hotel was in a prime location, just a minute away from the rail station. This meant that we could take advantage of the early morning hours to explore the city once again before heading to the train. The weather was extremely pleasant, and we enjoyed a leisurely morning walk before the crowds emerged. The picturesque atmosphere on the bridge over the River Ness was a beautiful memory.

While taking a leisurely walk on one side of the river, enjoying and appreciating the grace of life, we saw a funeral home on the other side. It served as a metaphorical reminder of life's essential truth. We all have to face death, and the best way to prepare for it is probably by utilizing life to its fullest, maximizing our experiences. With this understanding, we continued our walk, carrying the awareness that life is short. The funeral home became a symbol of the balance between life and death, urging us to live intentionally and leave a meaningful legacy.

It was time to bid farewell to Inverness and head to our next destination, Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Settling comfortably on the train, we enjoyed the scenic beauty unfolding outside the windows of ScotRails.

Finally, we arrived in Edinburgh, a bustling city full of life, in stark contrast to the quiet serenity of Inverness. We quickly called an Uber to reach our hotel, which was conveniently located in the heart of the city. Its central location made it easy for us to explore Edinburgh on foot. After swiftly finishing the check-in process, we eagerly stepped outside to begin our adventure in this amazing city. Despite a less-than-promising weather forecast of mild rain and storms, we were prepared with jackets and umbrellas stowed in our backpacks.

To our delight, we were greeted by the Scottish sun, and we wandered around the city with the enthusiasm of happy children. Everywhere we looked, there was a summer vibe, with people enjoying themselves, chilling, and even partying on the streets. We couldn't resist the temptation to pause for a while, immersing ourselves in the music and fun.

Being avid walkers, we found Edinburgh to be a joyous city to explore on foot. The lively crowds and cheerful atmosphere added an extra thrill to our journey. We couldn't help but stop here and there to capture the beauty of the city streets in photographs, stretching out before us and disappearing into the horizon.

One of our first destinations was the iconic Royal Mile street, bustling and vibrant as ever. We took our time to soak in the beauty and spirit of this historic thoroughfare, exploring every corner and immersing ourselves in its charm. Thanks to the sunny weather, both locals and tourists alike were out on the streets, savoring the iconic architecture, relishing the historical charm, and enjoying the magical street performances.

Having marveled at the towering buildings of the Royal Mile, we made our way to another magnificent landmark of the city: Edinburgh Castle. Perched atop the city, this historical and architectural splendor was visible from any part of Edinburgh. Its grandeur truly captured our imagination, and we were enthralled by its presence.

Continuing our leisurely walk, we headed to Princes Street Gardens, a delightful park where we could relax and unwind. The weather started to get a bit windy, and we sensed the imminent arrival of rain. As we sat on a park bench, a chilling breeze swept through, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere. To our surprise, we spotted the famous Ross Fountain of Edinburgh, adding an extra touch of beauty to the scene.

True to Edinburgh's unpredictable nature, the sky turned cloudy, and raindrops began to fall. The rain, accompanied by strong winds, forced us to seek shelter indoors. It was a great chance to try some traditional Scottish cuisine, so we decided to indulge in Haggis, which is considered the national dish of Scotland. We found a highly recommended restaurant known for serving delicious Haggis and decided to give it a try. We also ordered a classic British dish, Fish and Chips, which is always a popular choice anywhere in UK. We were delighted by the presentation and taste of both dishes. It's customary to leave a tip in Scotland, and many restaurants include a discretionary 12.5% service charge on the bill. Nonetheless, the quality of the food and the service left us satisfied, and we left the restaurant with happy, contented stomachs, concluding a super eventful day.

The next day began early in the morning, but the weather was gloomy, with the real challenge being the strong wind. The intensity of the wind made walking quite tough. Despite the daunting conditions, we pressed on, determined to explore the Scottish National Gallery, Scott Monument, and the Old Town.

Due to the adverse weather, there weren't many people on the streets, allowing us to enjoy the city at our own pace. As we crossed The Princes Gardens, we stumbled upon a huge crowd of colorful people in the park, accompanied by cheerful music filling the air. Intrigued, we moved closer to discover that it was the famous Edinburgh Carnival. People from communities around the world had come together to perform and represent their history and heritage. We thoroughly enjoyed the show and, upon leaving the park, we deeply appreciated the diversity and inclusiveness of this vibrant city.

With our hearts full of appreciation, we took a leisurely stroll toward Calton Hill, eager to take in the panoramic view it promised. Calton Hill is Edinburgh's first public park, established to promote the health and well-being of its inhabitants. Unaware of its history, we climbed to the top and learned that Calton Hill was created by a volcanic eruption around 340 million years ago. The realization filled our hearts with awe and left us spellbound.

We were extremely grateful for the opportunity to visit such a remarkable place. Although we wished to spend the entire day there, we had to descend as the wind grew dangerously stronger.

Feeling hungry, we made our way to a nearby mall for a quick lunch. Whenever we visit a new city, we enjoy spending some time in malls, not necessarily to make purchases, but to soak up the vibe and immerse ourselves in the surroundings. Satisfied with our lunch and a casual stroll through the mall, we headed towards the famous Victoria Street to enjoy its lively and colorful atmosphere. This charming street, with its vibrant colors and unique charm, attracts tourists from all corners of the world.

Continuing our walk through the Royal Mile and the Old Town, we eventually stumbled upon the City Chambers. To our delight, we discovered handprints of J.K. Rowling, the renowned author of the Harry Potter series. We also had the pleasure of witnessing a street magician performing his tricks, a magician who boasted over 7 million views on YouTube.

After our extensive exploration of the city, we desired a moment of serenity by the beach. Just a few kilometers from the city center, we found ourselves at the beautiful Porto Bello Beach. Arriving there, we were greeted by a blissful atmosphere, allowing us to sit by the shore and enjoy the magnificent view. The best part was that the beach was pristine and uncrowded, providing the perfect blissful getaway. We spent hours on the beach, finding respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life.

As hunger struck, we returned to the city and decided to try some spicy food at an Indian restaurant. Scotland is known for its diverse cuisine, and to our surprise, we discovered a rare Indian dish on the menu: Banjara Gosht. This special dish is associated with one of the traveling tribes of India, known for its spiciness and incredible flavor. With the first bite, our taste buds were treated to an explosion of flavors.

Satisfied and content, we called it a day and retired to our beds after having walked an impressive 23,000 steps. A well-deserved sleep awaited us, knowing that the following day would bring a daunting hike.

The next morning, we started relatively late, around 9 am. Our plan was to embark on a challenging hike to reach Arthur's Seat. This hill, located around 823 feet above sea level, is a part of Holyrood Park. It is an extinct volcano, a testament to the volcanic activity that shaped the land. With our hearts brimming with excitement, we set off on this arduous hike.

At every turn, we were greeted with mesmerizing views that captivated our eyes and filled us with awe. The journey itself was just as fascinating as reaching the top.

The daunting hike proved to be well worth it, as we were rewarded with a splendid panoramic view of the city. Conquering Arthur's Seat will forever remain a vibrant memory in our exploration of Scotland.

As we descended from the hill, we embarked on a scenic walk across the city, passing through parks and residential areas of Edinburgh. The walk allowed us to appreciate the beauty of the city from a different perspective, taking in the tranquil surroundings and architectural wonders.

Along the way, we grabbed a quick lunch, checked out from our hotel, got a Souvenir and called an Uber to reach Edinburgh Airport.

The bustling Edinburgh airport served as the meeting point where Scotland Meets the world. With a mix of emotions, we said goodbye to this charming country, as British Airways carried us to London. The experiences we had in the Highlands of Inverness and the city of Edinburgh offered us a captivating blend of the best of both worlds. Scotland will forever hold a unique place in our memories. Until we meet again, Adios, Scotland!