Birthday Weekend

Firday night was the big finale. A big dance party called a Ceilidh (kay-LEE) . After the welcome and music, we got to the dancing. I was feeling a bit mopey and only danced one, but it was nice to see the kids having such a great time. Even some of the Scotland students commented on how brilliant a Ceilidh it was.

All of the guys looked smart in their kilts. I decided against buying one. It was one of those times when my rational overtook my emotional self. Sometimes I wish the rational would just shut up and let me have fun, but I could not justify the expense (a cheep kilt would cost £20 which is about $40). I think it was the right decision, but it would have been fun! That night I rode back to Chris' place and he went to Glasgow to be with his girfriend. Exactly why she needed him so bad I don't know. So the first half of my birthday was spent alone playing X-Box. Eventually, I was able to hook up with Alec (my friend from my first trip here) and he came and got me in his new camper van (a converted ambulance).

You know someone is a good friend when they say, "How are you?" You say "good", and they respond, "not very convincing".

It was at that point when I realized how down I felt. So as we drove to the beach we talked, and laughed and I began to feel better. Of course beach should probably be in quote marks for those from the U.S. It was a rocky kinda sandy sort of thing, but very beautiful.

Then the strangest thing happened. Two cows wandered onto the beach!
We all agreed that none of us had ever seen such a thing before. It was cold, so we didn't stay long. I took some pics of the jellyfish and cows, picked up some rocks for Carl and we headed back to their place.

It was good to be able to hang out with Alec and Aisa on my birthday (again). Their little boy Inake (in-YAH-kee) is very cute and along with everything else I see and hear the last few days made me miss my family. The trip has been fun, but I am ready to go home.

Alec and Aisa were their usual thoughtful selves and after a dinner of fish and chips, surprised me with a birthday cake! That put a smile on my face and helped me end my birthday on a good note.

Tomorrow is set to be an easy day and then home Monday morning. It has been a great trip, but I will be glad to see Rebecca and Carl again.