William & the Scottish Whiskey Princess

Greetings from muggy Prague. Summer has certainly arrived with the huge influx of tourists in our neighborhood. But the weather has been summer-lite. Yesterday: absolute torrential window-shaking thunderstorm in the morning, hot-cloudless-afternoon, overcast evening, and humid night. The thunderstorms are truly impressive. No lighting to speak of - just loud, close, and powerful thunder.

So we escaped the tourists and crazy weather with a long weekend in Scotland (where we were the tourists and it rained...but only a little). We had a terrific time enjoying the Scottish hospitality: haggis, whiskey, and plenty of pubs.

On the Royal Mile in Edinburgh before going into Deacon Brodie's Tavern. That's where we met William, the friendliest Scotsman around. He gave Molls a long bear hug and I thought 'hey dude, take it easy with the wife'. Then he gave me one too. And told me never to call a Scotsman an Englishman.

At Stirling Castle outside Edinburgh...

...and Molls at Edinburgh Castle.

This is Stephanie. The Scottish Whiskey Princess. She's young, tall, blond, and knows more about whiskey that you or I shall ever know. That's the definition of a princess in my book. And Molls came up with that title so it's ok if I share it. Really.

(Gents: she works at the Glengoyne Distillery in the Scottish Highlands where the whiskey flows like wine. I recommend a visit if you're in the area).

Hamish, the hairy coo.

Translation: Hamish, the highland cow.

Just walking in Edinburgh. On our way to see the queen's palace.

At Loch Lamond.

And at a viewpoint near the distillery.

That's a quick review of our weekend in Scotland. Lots of violent (but interesting) history, good whiskey, pretty country, and fun people. Oh, and haggis is quite good too.

Until next time.