Our readers share tales of their rambles around the world.
Who: Christy Dunkle of Bluemont, Va.
Where, when, why: Scotland, Sept. 14-22 last year. I fell in love with Scotland two years ago and with Glasgow in particular. This year, I went to Glasgow and Skye.
Highlights and high points: Glasgow is such a beautiful city, with an amazing shell. Two years ago, I happened to be in town for its Doors Open celebration. There were amazing tours of buildings, bridges, cemeteries, gardens, etc., and all free! This year, I scheduled my holiday around the event and was not disappointed. The architecture is amazing, there’s lots of music on Buchanan Street, there are great tour guides, and it’s a great way to meet locals. Skye was a great escape from the city. I took a three-day tour with Rabbie’s Trail Burners, a great small tour company with small vans. It’s a nice way to go when traveling alone, as you meet others for a couple of days and then are off on your own again.
Cultural connection or disconnect: I met a city planner (which is my profession also) who works for the city of Glasgow and have been in touch with her as well as the Doors Open organizer.
Biggest laugh or cry: Leaving Scotland — I was in tears!
How unexpected: The details of the buildings in Glasgow. One of the tours I signed up for was called Arti-Archy, led by a woman who is an artist and a historian. She gave us sketch books and pens, and we walked around a four-block area and saw the most amazing architectural details that may otherwise go unnoticed: small cast bronze birds on the tops of light poles, doors and windows, and magical spaces between buildings. Amazing!
Fondest memento or memory: The thought of returning. I have decided that while I live in the East, I will try to get to Europe annually and to Scotland every other year.
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