Hassells in the Highlands

Burns Night. What is it? Almost immediately upon arriving in Scotland, people talked about Burns Night. So often we heard from people, “Oh, good. You’ll be here for Burns Night.” Okaaay.   We knew it was in January. We knew it would be a dinner that involved haggis. And that was about it.  Burns Night in Scotland is a big deal. It is a night to celebrate the the life and poetry of Scotland's Robert Burns - fondly known as "Rabbie." It is celebrated on or about January 25, which was his birthday (1759). I know you are thinking (because I did, too)  - what was so special about Robert Burns that he gets a night that the Scottish people so heartily embrace and celebrate? Well, he is considered the national poet of Scotland and wrote a number of poems and song lyrics.  You will best recognize him for his poem/song that is sung around the world at midnight every New Year's Eve (or Hogmanay, as it is called in Scotland)   -"Auld Lang Sy

Traveling here in the Highlands of Scotland can be interesting. And it can be complicated.  There is basically one main road to drive between here and Inverness, which is 100 plus a few miles south. That would be the A9.  It is mostly 2 lane (1 lane each direction) and the first hour down is mostly a windy road along the coast, with some steep parts and some hairpin curves.  It's a beautiful drive, for sure.  But if there happens to be an accident on the road, or if part of it should be closed due to weather conditions, then you could be stuck for several hours. Our first drive to Thurso in June took us 3 hours, but we have it down to about 2 hours and 15 minutes now. :) There are, technically , other roads you could take. You could plunge down the A897 - to Forsinard - and then head over to Helmsdale and meet up with the A9 again to continue on to Inverness. But most of the A897 is a single lane, windy road. That makes for an interesting trip. (We drove it once earl

                                     Hola!                  Here we are in the Canary Islands. On Fuerteventura, to be exact. "Hola" means "hello" in Spanish, which is the official language spoken here. The Santido Playa Esmeralda Resort It blows my mind that a year ago I had never heard of the Canary Islands, and now I am on one of them!  For those of you who also have never heard of the Canary Islands, they are an autonomous community of Spain, located off the coast of northwestern Africa (below Morocco) The Canary Islands  seem to be THE place that Scots go on holiday, so I have heard from the Scots I know.  They go to Tenerife, in particular.      It doesn't take long to get here and it's pretty cheap - as long as you don't try to come that one week between Christmas and New Years.  Then, the price doubles.  Ask me how I know this. It is the place everyone likes to go to get sunshine and warmth in the middle