Hi 'ya from Scotland!! I apologize for the huge break in posts -- Internet Cafe's are a bit hard to find (I guess no one needs them with laptops!!) Ok, I'll attempt to fill you in on what's been going on...

LONDON -- The Great British Beer Festival was amazing, over 400 real ales, and lots of people. Unfortunately, there were no volunteer spaces open for pouring beer, so the four of us did less glamorous tasks. John and Karen had the hardest jobs -- they worked the entrance/exit foyer -- there were numerous tasks, including ensuring people went the correct way upon entry, stamping those who wanted to exit and return, and then at the end of the night, making sure that everyone finished their drinks and had bags for their glasses. Speaking of glasses, that's where Steve and I were stationed. This festival is a little different than we are used to -- the cost was £6 to enter, then you bought either a 1/3, 1/2 or pint glass, then paid for the beers individually. The glasses area got crazy at peak times, but it was fun! The two 12-hour shifts on consecutive days was a bit much, but we met wonderful people, drank delicious beer and had a great time overall.

GLASGOW -- Last Saturday evening we headed to Glasgow for five days. What an amazing city!! Glasgow is a city of contrasts, all types of architecture and culture. We went to some wonderful museums and galleries (not to mention some terrific pubs!)

ISLAY -- We picked up a car in Glasgow and headed to Islay last Thursday. We took a two hour ferry ride into Port Askaig. Quite a change from the hustle and bustle of London and Glasgow. Lots of idyllic little villages -- and I believe the brochures that indicate the cows and sheep outnumber the people!! We managed to visit most of the Islay whisky distilleries, with wonderful tours at Bunnahabain, Bowmore (also the name of the village where we stayed) and Laphroig. We took many, many pictures that we will download to this site upon our return. The landscape is indescribably beautiful.

Today we took the ferry back from Islay to the mainland, and I'm posting from Oban. We will be heading on from here to Skye, after a stop at Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. We are having an amazing time, although the extremely narrow roads are quite an adventure!! John is doing an excellent job driving, Steve is proving to be a good navigator, and Karen and I are keeping the back seat driving to a minimum, so all is well.

Hopefully I'll be able to find somewhere to post again soon!