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Waving Flag . . . #wavingflag #scotland #scottishflag #urqhartcastle #ruins #inverness #flag #nature #highlands #castle #travels #castleruins (at Urquhart Castle) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg1t5WeOm8U/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#wavingflag #scotland #scottishflag #urqhartcastle #ruins #inverness #flag #nature #highlands #castle #travels #castleruins

"I reclaim this castle for House Chisholm! Ferous Ferio! I bring with me this Spaniard in a kilt." Also... I try haggis. Today MJ and I set off on a tour of the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness. MJ is searching is for a monster, which might be me when the Scotch gets in me, while I am on a further journey into my family's lineage and to determine certain myths regarding underclothing and kilts. So the other night's fall and broken toe is catching up to me. I want someone to take the Tiger Balm I brought and rub it all over my very sore body. This lovely Spainard in a kilt from house Sergio, will work. Cheers. The tour starts a little bumpy with a late patron and an angry father. Then the lady arranging the tours tells me I can't sit in the seat next to Sergio. So I get up and move next to the lady behind me. That all sorted we start in our 12 hour journey into the highlands, taking in the most exquisite views. We visit one of the famous Scottish cows who has apparently recently had a bang trim and looks like a regular cow. Gurl get some extensions so we can get the full effect. I respect her decisions to wear her own hair though. We have a quick lunch and taste a few whiskeys. I get back on the bus only for Sergio to tell me that it is ok to sit next to him. This tour just got so much better because well... my side view just got better but now all of the Scottish Highlands are first hand and through a giant windshield so nothing is blocked. We drive by Duene Castle, known to most people I know as Winterfell. Yes, that Winterfell. I get on the lookout for John Snow as we continue to drive around, with distractions of Sergio at my side. We travel through Glencoe, visit a war memorial and take in the countryside during this trip. As we come closer and closer to the end of Loch Ness we get to the land of my people and the views become more and more spectacular. I confront more of myself and who I am. To even live in these lands requires a resilience. It is raw. It is rugged. It requires a certain kind of grit... a certain quiet determination. My people have that. The Chisholms are the strongest and most humble people I know. As I watch the scenery roll by I can't help but reflect on their life and that resilience. It is the same stubborn resolve that has gotten me through life. For the first time I get it. I am very proud of these people. I have always hoped to be like my grandpa. I have never considered myself to be even close to him. He was a good man. He was a honest man. He is the one person that always allowed me to be a kid. I thin he would be proud of me which is the first time I have ever said that. We take a cruise along Loch Ness. No spottings if Nessie but what we do encounter is Urqhart Castle on its edge. The Chisholm's held this castle in stronghold for many years. I won't go into the complete history but it is pretty badass and emotional to be looking at a structure that is historically proven that your family lived there. This is your reason for being and who you are. Without them you are nothing. You do not exist. I stare at the castle between copious snaps of photos and give it the respect it deserves. To most it is a beautiful ruin, to me it is my life. We see a couple from Indiana, Connie and Ted that we meet on the cruise as we head to the bus Connie spots our tour guide and asks, "how did you manage that?" I laugh and tell her, "he keeps asking if we are enjoying the beautiful scenery and I am always answering, 'yes I am' and I haven't even been looking at the mountains." Connie and Ted insist on hugs. We oblige. We get back on the bus. Each time this happens I have an exchange with Sergio as he and I are ally the last ones on. He is from Madrid. He is planning on going there for a week soon and plans to eat. He misses his home land's food. I tell him I understand because it is one of my favorite countries that I have ever visited. We have more small talk throughout the day. He mentions he can't wait to finish so he can Have a drink. I nearly invite him out. He is delightful and a beautiful and kind smile, much like my family. We get on the bus for the long trek back. I have so much love in my heart right now and a really nice view both of nature and otherwise. We stop off for a quick bite to eat. Beer and a scotch flight for me. Also I try haggis!!! Vegetarian haggis but nonetheless. It is pretty good. I especially like the mash and turnip mash. We finish up and head to our hotel. Today is a good day. Feros Ferio!