Trent Ruble's Blog: The Other Way It Is - Posts Tagged "scotland"

My wife, Tami, and I are back in Indiana after a three week visit to the British Isles. We've returned with some lessons learned, some new appreciations, and some plain old observations. First of all, we had a wonderful time and were treated very well by almost everyone we encountered. We like the British and, it seems, they like us.



Both of us had been to Britain in the past so nothing was a total shock, except for my experience in driving. I found that learning to drive on the opposite side of the road, from the opposite side of the car, on super narrow streets, in one of the largest cities in the world, and during the Olympics, can be quite stressful. It didn't help that I'd been up all night prior to renting the car. I eventually became accustomed to driving on the left but was never able to get from one place to another without missing at least one turn.

British Motorways (similar to US Interstate highways) are well marked but, along secondary roads, street signs are difficult to find. Instead of being on a sign post they will usually be found on the corners of buildings...usually, but not always. Streets change names seemingly in the middle of a block, lane markings are worn off, and directional signs are not placed far enough ahead to allow for lane changes, etc... In this area the United States has the advantage with its relative ease of travel.

However, when it comes to public transportation, the UK's thoroughly developed system is far superior to that found in the US. We would see what appeared to be city buses everywhere, even far from the cities, traveling routes on country roads. Here in Fort Wayne, the nearest bus stop is eight miles from my home even though I live just 150 yards outside the city. In London there is also the option of using the subway, or "Underground," as it is known. It is super easy to use with color coded maps placed everywhere and route names like "Jubilee" and "Picadilly" that are easy to remember. Most of the other "tube" passengers were friendly, although the cars were sometimes very overcrowded.

We discovered numerous words and phrases common in Britain that we don't use here, such as whilst (while), biscuit (cookie), sat-nav (GPS) and trainers (sneakers). Of course the opposite is also true; American words such as French Fries (chips), gasoline (petrol) and laundromat (launderette) are not used in Britain. Even so, most everyone understood us and vice versa.

Tami and I won't likely stay in a bed and breakfast again. I thought it would be a good way to really experience British culture and, in that regard, it was a successful endeavor. But, most B&Bs were not clean which ruined the experience. One in Glasgow was so dirty we checked in then checked right back out. I've found the same problem with lodging in other countries, including the United States, so it isn't unique to Britain.

There were a couple of times we had some really good food, such as the expensive chowder I ate in Ireland or the shrimp (or "prawn," as it is known locally) chimichanga I enjoyed in England. But, overall, we are not fond of British food. I especially didn't like the "award winning" faggots I had in Wales, which I found tasted like liver. I never dreamed I would eat such a thing and certainly never will again. The mushy peas were the best part of the meal and I don't like peas.

We were, however, captivated by the very old buildings found throughout Britain, some of which are in ruins. It seemed that each town had at least one old cathedral, abbey or castle. Sometimes these buildings were over a thousand years old and were so grand they would be far too expensive to be built today. Here in America even the old buildings we do have will often be torn down rather than be refurbished. I don't know how it is elsewhere, but in modern America, governments, churches and companies must answer to financial boards that will almost always find it less expensive to tear down old buildings and erect new ones rather than preserve the old.

We found that the British style is generally more sophisticated, but not always. A polished British accent goes well with sharply dressed professionals, but there's an underclass there, as well. In general, though, we liked the respectfulness in the British manner. This could be seen, for example, when the local media interviewed British Olympic athletes. They were always gracious when interviewed and gave credit to their teams instead of themselves. This is refreshing after watching American athletes over the years become more and more prideful. Many times their boastings have ruined what would have otherwise been great performances.

We attended three worship services while in the UK, including one at Westminster Abbey. None were like our home church in Fort Wayne, but all of them seemed to be doing the right thing in their own way. Christianity is on the decline in Europe so it was good to see some solid believers. We pray that they will be a great influence to their people.

Prices were definitely higher in Britain. Tami and I ate at a Hard Rock Cafe' in Edinburgh and paid over $50 for a sandwich, fries and Pepsi for both of us. It cost about $92 to fill our rental car with diesel fuel, which seemed to last forever.

By the end of our trip we learned to appreciate the comfort of our own home and our own culture while admiring the ways of a land from which much of our culture is derived. But, I think I've had my fill of travel... for at least a few months.

I don't know how this year compares with 2009 statistically, but the summer of that year was the most comfortable I can remember. This year something must be wrong because, even though it's been cool, I've been hot all season! I know I'm a whiner but, in addition to being uncomfortable in summer, I hate winter, too! (see The Dread of Winter) This leaves about two pleasant months for an Indiana resident like me; May and October.

When I retire in just less than eight years, I would love to live where it's warm in the winter, such as Florida near our relatives, and a different, much cooler place in the summer. But, in order to go far enough north to be cool, we would be in the wilderness! That is, if we go north of here. Last summer my wife and I visited the British Isles (see Separated by a Common Language) where I found the Scottish weather to be just right. If the temperature reaches 70F in Scotland, it's a hot day! I think spending the four months between May and October in Scotland or northern England should solve the problem. Besides, I just love the history, architecture and landscape of that area. The people are very friendly, too.

Urguhart Castle on Loch Ness

The problem is, my wife and the rest of my family are not on board with this seemingly perfect solution. My wife's primary and, I must admit, very valid complaint with the idea is how little we would see the rest of the family. Frankly, I'm quite lucky in that my parents and all of my children and grandchildren live in or around our Fort Wayne home, although my two sons are currently away at college. But, even that is also in Indiana and only a two hour drive. So, I shouldn't complain as most people my age aren't so lucky.

Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich

I'm not sure how we'll work this out. But, we still have nearly eight years for my family to find a way to come visit us in Florida and Scotland.