Thank you all for the kind words and keen reception for my recent holiday posts. But, honestly, how many more days can this enthusiasm last? So this is the last Scotland vacation post!
There are many, many reasons to take a guided tour--especially when it's your first time visiting a country. But, there are probably just as many reasons that (for me) this is not always ideal.
- Put me in a museum, and I can stay for days. A tour allows you usually an hour at best.
- I love taking pictures. A bus isn't ready to stop at everything I deem a Kodak moment. (And it doesn't back up, either, for the drive-bys that I miss.)
- I love 'local'. Compromises must be met, and dinners are far too often at hotels that will accommodate a tour group of 30 rather than at pubs or local eateries.
- I read rather extensively before going on a trip, and there are things that I just simply want to see and do. Some of those things don't make the tour itinerary.
So, this time, I'd like to share with you what I didn't see but desperately wish I had.
We spent truly a lovely two weeks steeped in the rich history of this wonderful country. If I had been making the trip itinerary, I would have ended the trip with a visit to this.
The Great Tapestry of Scotland was the brainchild of author Alexander McCall Smith, historian Alistair Moffat, and artist Andrew Crummy. The 165 panels celebrate the 420 million year history and achievements of this beautiful land from the Ice Age to the 21st century. More than 1,000 volunteer stitchers (over 40 named Margaret!), working for 55,000+ hours (the equivalent to sewing 24 hours a day for 6 years), using 300 miles of wool created this 143 metres long masterpiece, which is now touring the country. While we were there it was visiting Kirkcaldy, just outside of Edinburgh.
What a great 'summation' of our two weeks of Scottish history this could have been.
Ah, yes. Definitely a similarity!!
Yep. Visited his statue in Edinburgh.
Charles Rennie Macintosh...I showed you Hill House and the exhibit at Kelvingrove and the the Glasgow School of Art in an earlier post...
Saw his statue, too....
and rubbed his big toe, for luck...
On a very very sad note....
Panel 36, depicting the Rosslyn Chapel, stitched in Roslin by 'The Apprentice Stitchers' was stolen from Kirkcaldy while we were in Scotland. More intrigue added to the already mystery-laden story of the Chapel.
In looking through the 165 panels depicted in the best souvenir I brought home (but didn't actually see)....I've found many many reasons for a return trip someday.
Until then, I'll have to be content with...
a little stitching of my own...
Hoping I can do it justice!!!
It was stolen?!!! Was anything else taken? How sad and I hope they recover the panel.
I have had the best time seeing Scotland thru your eyes and am sorry my tour is over.
I have no doubt that your stitching will be amazing.
Posted by: Tracey | 10/01/2015 at 08:15 PM
Oh Steffi, you are such a talented knitter and stitcher. That turned out beautifully! I agree with all your points about tours. How many times I wanted the bus to back up!! Ginger
Posted by: Ginger Briles | 10/01/2015 at 08:43 PM
and the crazy thing was it was stolen mid morning!
Posted by: steph@woolythyme | 10/01/2015 at 08:51 PM
Oooo... LOVE all the tapestry!! That's something I've not done in a long, long time... Have LOVED every bit of your trip shared, Steph! Hope you do get back to the Highlands one day! :o) ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | 10/02/2015 at 05:50 AM
I will be looking forward to the progress of your stitching project...please do share! I've said it, and I'll say it again, thank you for taking us along, you've been a delightful tour guide, dear Steph. :) My turn next year!
xo Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | 10/02/2015 at 07:21 AM
and i can't wait to relive the trip through YOUR eyes!!!! :)
Posted by: steph@woolythyme | 10/02/2015 at 08:11 AM
I really enjoyed all your posts on Scotland! Thank you for taking us with you!
Posted by: Alina | 10/02/2015 at 08:42 AM
Oh gosh Steph- Scotland is definitely on my wish list of travels. I agree with you on museums and Kodak moments for sure. Love your pictures- thank you for enticing me even more :) Good luck with that most beautiful cross stich!
Posted by: Camilla | 10/02/2015 at 09:41 AM
That is so cool! A shame you didn't get to see the real deal, but still pretty awesome. And your own stitching will be great too!
Posted by: Tahnee | 10/02/2015 at 02:05 PM
I am sure that your stitching will be beautiful! I do not understand why people steal such things as that panel though, they just don't seem to care at all do they. Glad that you had a good time, shame about the bits you missed, you will just have to make a return visit! xx
Posted by: Amy at love made my home | 10/02/2015 at 02:28 PM
I can't fathom anyone stealing such a thing - people are crazy. I love the embroidery that you are starting and can't wait to see it take shape - I love thistles.
Posted by: Caroline | 10/02/2015 at 04:30 PM
I agree with you on taking tours. Although I've not ever taken a guided tour except for a day trip type of thing, I don't think I could do a longer one. I"m like you I want to stop and take my time and do things my way.
Posted by: Jennifer Miller | 10/02/2015 at 11:09 PM
I am sure you will do a marvelous job on that! It's very cool!!
Posted by: Nicole | 10/03/2015 at 09:33 AM
I love that you are doing some needle work! That is a great idea for a keepsake from a trip (besides yarn...)
Posted by: karen | 10/05/2015 at 07:20 AM