Goodbye Scotland Hello Birmngham

Pictures of Inverness

Good Morning from Birmingham. I farewelled Findhorn on Thursday morning caught the bus and was soon in Inverness. The B&B was easy to find following my google map instructions although I was taken a longer route and with back pack (which was slightly heavier owing to pebbles gathered in Findhorn) suitcase and handbag with laptop I decided that a taxi would be the way back in the morning as my bus was leaving at 6.30. The B&B was great - hosts very friendly and the offer of a packed lunch for my long coach trip the next day was gratefully accepted (just as well I said yes). My room was the tiniest room I had ever seen but for one night it was great.

I did the walking tour of Inverness, although J & I had been there 2 weeks prior, there was plenty more to see - it rained again and that was the excuse to call in at the oldest pub in the Highlands. Inverness is a lovely town, very popular with the tourists and this being "homecoming year" for the clans there seemed to be a rush on kilts and all things Scottish!! At times it seemed expensive to eat out in Scotland , more so than London, however I found this great restaurant with a beautiful view of the river. The deal was early dinner two courses plus glass of wine for 10.95 GB pounds Definitely one of the best meals I had in Scotland, I couldn't resist dessert a great way to end my lovely holiday in Scotland.

Friday morning I was at the bus stop at 6 am ready for the bus - thank goodness I had this lovely packed lunch as nowhere was open! The trip to Glasgow was pleasant great scenery as we stopped in Aviemore (no clouds or rain), Pitlochery and Perth.

I had to change bus at Glasgow I wont bore you with all the details, enough to say, smelly water over the floor we started the journey with the toilet locked as it wasn't working. The driver seemed to be in an otherwise was mood and the traffic got heavier and heavier on the motor way. We had pit stops but being held up with traffic, and with strange odours (lol) coming from the toilet, the journey was long and tedious! The bus broke down 13 miles from Birmingham!!! What was fun, however was the group of Glaswegians sitting in the back seats, their humour and colourful language was great fun! I can't write it all down here, but it was a bus trip I wont forget. (I wonder if video taken got to the national Express Head office or the News of the World paper!!)

While we were waiting for a bus to come and rescue us, I got the chance of a lift into Birmingham, I was dehydrated by this time didn't want to drink as there was no toilet. Thanks lads for taking me to my hotel even when it was difficult to find. One young Finnish man with a Scottish accent who was on the bus and his two mates who came to pick him up from the stranded bus! Thank youso much - you have paid forward, I hope you get good Karma back.

The hotel is great and I did finally catch up with my friends from Melbourne, (even if for a much shorter time than we planned) - the reason for going to Birmingham. It was great to see Gordon & Nick - hope you enjoy the cricket and the post game socialising!!

However Birmingham is very close to Coventry which is where I am heading to next, in about 3 hours. Catching up with my school friend - we haven't seen each other for about 27 years so I am sure we will have lots to talk about.

I have blethered on here hope it's coherent!! I drank about a gallon of water once I got to the hotel. I am having a good time.. thanks for all the e-mails! Did I mention that I got to B'ham at about 9.30 only 4 hours late - 15 hours Coach travel !!

Til next time