From The Scotsman newspaper today: “This emerging group of middle-aged thrill-seekers is increasingly driven by the phenomenon of “holiday YOLO” (you only live once)…”

So I spent three days with my wonderful friends Daniel and Killian tromping around these hills and castles. I mean, exactly what I had hoped. I’d heard that the Highlands are great and saw some nice pictures of this town called Ullapool, so we stayed there. So good!

We drove in one direction (har) and found a thing to climb. Then we found some castles and islands. In the other direction, we found this gorge. We also found Sigur Ros landscapes and haunted hotels. We drank a lot of tea and looked at sheep. We even found a weasel.

they are getting married in a few months and this photo better show up somewhere there

weasel right in the center there

Here is a tip: if you listen to new music while driving through someplace particularly stirring, you’ll make great associations. Even if it’s Katy Perry. (for the record, I blame Killian.)

Then I went to a conference called UIST in St. Andrews. Also great! Beautiful old ruined town, great place for a conference, stayed at a cool little B&B, saw a lot of cool technology, talked to great people, got some ideas. I will write more about that in my research focused blog.

bagpipers right in the center there

I quite like this place! Wouldn’t mind living there for a spell. Everyone we met was so friendly, the scones and whiskey are good, and just like I hoped, there are hills and wind and ruined castles everywhere. More realistically, wouldn’t mind biking around it, with or without a motor.

more photos, if you are so inclined

Comments:

Cathy Tasse - Oct 0, 2013

I have to say, you look quite at home there, Dan!
Love the photos! The scenery is spectacular.
Thanks for sharing!

AbleTasman - Oct 0, 2013

Great pictures, great sheep, great weasel, great ruins, Mr. Tasse. But, I hope you had not a drop of whiskey with ice.

Anonymous - Oct 1, 2013

Love the pics, Dan! The weasel is so cute!! Butts Wynd? I agree about listening to music while traveling… you always think about that place later when you hear the music.

Cheryl - Oct 1, 2013

Doh! that last comment was me :)