My exploration of all things Scottish continues. I read “Eleanor Oliphant is Perfectly Fine” by Gail Honeyman with my book group. The book isn’t my usual fare, it’s definitely a book group material about an isolated woman with major mental issues set in modern day Glasgow. Of the four people in my book group, one didn’t bother reading, one got too angry to finish (she hated the main character that much) and one who really wanted to discuss the book! I am also struggling to read “Rob Roy” but the writing is so dense and rambling, full of obfuscation. I’ve gotten to chapter six and we haven’t met Rob Roy yet. Maybe I’ll watch Liam Neeson instead.
That leads me into the watching part. I’m watching Outlander, which is fascinating but also very disturbing with the level of sex, violence, sexual violence and medical ick. I’m currently on the second season. Two actors in the show have written several books and did a travel show together. I got spoilers from reading a knitting book about the series! So maybe I should wait and read the books after I finish the series.
I’ve been reading travel books and blogs, working on plans for my trip. From their advice I purchased a Historic Scotland Explorer Pass, which is a group ticket that gets me into a lot of locations. I think it will be worth it because we are going to at least three castles, maybe more (Edinburgh, Caerlaverock and Stirling). I am also looking at train and bus passes, but I have not purchased those. I think I need to buy a SIM card or maybe an e-SIM for my phone so I’m not charged by my phone plan $10 a day.
I’m going to work on packing light, which I struggle with. If not checked I will anxiety-pack, trying to bring the whole house with me for reassurance. I do always bring a towel with me, because you never know when you need a towel. I will be taking the train to NYC, taking a train from the airport to Edinburgh, and taking busses and trains and tour van while I’m there. This means the lighter I pack, the easier it will be. Researching this got me a lot of ads for wool shirts, which apparently are wonder-garments that are not itchy, don’t hold odor and can be worn over and over before washing. Interesting.
Do you have any tips for packing light or travel planning?
