Aberdeen

I want to take time to talk about  how not having a specific return date liberates a holiday or trip or visit or research program, or whatever it is I’m currently doing.  Usually I’m trying to cram as much into a day as I can and then moving on to the next jammed filled day. People I talk to here often seem to be a wee bit taken aback when I say that not only have I no idea when I’ll be returning to the States (making sure I don’t overstay my 180 day permission to remain out of 365, granted by Her Majesty’s Immigration and Border Agencies, as I do not want to do anything to jeopardize any future visits. { Many people misunderstand that they do not have a “right” to visit another country})  but that I also often don’t actually know where I’ll be 10 days from today. Or use a car.  10 days before I arrived here I did not know I’d be in Aberdeen and certainly had no concept of my next destination. And I don’t know where exactly I’ll be 10 days from today.

On a trip like this there is no rush to be sure I get everything in wherever I am as, if the place is likable, I expect to return.  Like Mount Stuart on Bute.  Didn’t get there this time with 2 attempts, but I now have an excuse to go Bute again.  I almost wrote ‘reason’ but if you’ve ever been there, you know what I mean.  Or the days when I’ve walked too far and the feet are barking and no longer able to support me more than a couple of steps or the fibromyalgia feels like my pectorals are being torn out like Richard Harris (born like my ancestor in Limerick, Ireland)  in “A Man Called Horse” and at night when, as a side-sleeper, I wonder which hip will see replacement first and yet, instead of stressing that I’m losing time, I simply read a book and rest. And then get on when I’m better.  Liberating.

To get from Wemyss Bay to Aberdeen means a train to Glasgow Central then the shuttle to Queen Street Station and then the train to Aberdeen and a quick busride to my AirBnB location.  A 5 hour trip and about 200 miles. Saying it that way might sound like a slog but it was pretty easy and it only cost about £47/$60 and zero stress with great views along the way.

Over the years I often have thought of this saying, which I believe comes from a temple in Kyoto, but thought of much more frequently on this trip:

 

There is really nothing you must be.

And there is nothing you must do

There is nothing you must have.

And there is nothing you must know.

There is nothing you must become.

However, it helps to understand that fire burns,

and when it rains, the earth gets wet.

Aberdeen looks solid.  Everything is made of granite and appears invincible but the folks here tell me 
that since the collapse of oil, appearances can be deceiving. (Quick aside: The Telly is playing the show "The Great Scottish Railway journey".  It's on Youtube and gives a real great perspective of Scotland.  Also I'm having a Word Press issue with wrapping lines so bear with) Yet the people I've spoken with have all been very nice and friendly which is very helpful when one is lost. My B&B is quite near the center of Aberdeen near HM Theatre and gardens thus exceedingly walkable. Only ten minutes to get to the Specsavers on Union St where I picked up my new glasses in the center of Aberdeen.  Along the way there are gardens and many statues.
 

William Wallace

 

Robert Burns

 

Edward VII



And Albert, Price Consort

And as I said, granite in churches,
 

(I'm more interested in how this ladder was erected than how it is climbed for, if you can do the first the second is easy)


Like St. Mary's RC.  Polish, I think 
    The Library
 

And HM Theatre

Or the street where I'm staying.

In a nice AirBnb flat.
  

Now it's time for a pint at the Rusty Nail where I'll get a Caledonia Best for a mere £2.50/pt.  

PS if any reader is conversant in WP, please let me know.