We had a workshop the following day. Afterwards, one of the local guys took me, Muriel and Olivier on a drive around the country. We were fortunate to have the weather clear up for us a bit. The previous day, the cab driver told us that this is the rainy season. I asked him which season was NOT the rainy one. He replied, "the snowy season". And, indeed it did rain each day we were there. Anyway, you can see some pictures of the green Scottish countryside and the Banchory Golf Course - quite lovely. I also was reminded that I don't like driving those windy roads in the back seat!
We also stopped by a nearby castle (one of many) - Drum Castle. One side was the original castle and the other was the "add on" - a relatively new, house like section. If you look from the new side, you don't see a castle at all. After our drive, I needed a walk. I found a path that took me up a hill into a residential neighborhood. It was a nice area. When I looked back towards the hotel, I see a big old Costco in the distance. I guess you can leave the USA, but you can't escape American retailers! I also learned that all the houses in the area are made of stone and masonry with slate or metal roofs. Wood won't stand the climate.
Holiday Inn had your "English Breakfast" with a Scottish twist. There was porridge available (complete with a bottle of scotch to lace it - I asked and was told that it's a Scottish thing, but only on weekends probably). Also tried some haggis - not bad at all if you don't know what's in it!
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