Tuesday, September 12, 2006

In the morning Dave is back digging the trench to install the water pipes. He has a thick accent and can’t think of any good jokes to tell into the audio cassette. Then he tells me a true story about his brother and a run-a-way John Deere tractor. I’ve taped it to replay in Calgary! It’s priceless - Thank you David!

I’ve decided to go to Stirling today and take more photos. Heather drives me to the train in Pearth (pronounced Pearrrth) but before we can get out of her lane we must out-smart and out-maneuver a flock of pheasants. Lairds raise pheasants on their estates so they have plenty available for hunting season. Hundreds run wild o’er hill and dale.

At Scotrail I buy a return ticket to Stirling which is only about $12 Canadian, from the clerk Marsali. (Hi Marsali) Scotland is not any different than Canada in the way of customer service. If staff is well trained they are a delight. If they are not well trained it leaves a sour impression and will no doubt be shared with EVERYBODY! Scotrail people have been so helpful! They understand the needs of the traveler.

This train station blends the very old with modern transit screens. But there are no garbage cans to be found. A stranger explains that due to recent acts of terrorism on subways in the U.K., trash bins have been removed.

The train feels new and is comfortable. Only a 40 minute ride Stirling comes into view – a massive castle on the hill and a William Wallace Memorial across town on another hill.

It’s an easy walk up to the castle. Cobblestone roads, brick buildings line the tight streets. The scene is similar in so many little villages. It is authentic - people live in these homes.

The cost to view the castle is about $20. Canadian. It was under renovation and the actual castle was simply empty brick rooms. But one day I can imagine the bedrooms of the King and Queen elegantly decorated with replica furniture, splashy tapestries and fabrics pouring down the windows and across the great expanse of walls! I’m sure it will be quite a display !

                                    
      Toilets are right up there                                            Mar’s Wark 1569                                            Walking the castle way
             with Castles

                                                                        
                                   Walking up to Stirling Castle                                                 View from the castle wall

                                                                  
                                      Inside Stirling Castle                                                                        Cannon view