I have said more than once that I thought Scotland was a place to visit when I was old. Sure I saw Kirstin’s photos from her trip and thought they were beautiful but there are so many places to see and it seemed like Scotland could wait.
Until now.
My roommate on this Galapagos cruise is Lorna from Edinburgh, she is a pharmacist at one of my favourite stores in the UK – Boots, but despite her employee discount that’s not why I why I want to go to Edinburgh.
Sometimes you meet people with such an incredible spirit you want to be a nicer person. Lorna is one of these people. As soon as I met her I knew we’d be friends.
She is well traveled and on the first day of meeting her she changed how I saw travel. While waiting at the airport she showed me two photobooks on her iPad, one of her and landmarks around the world and one of her and animals of the world.
Why don’t I have this?
Well I know why. Because I never take photos of myself. In some ways because I travel so much I forget the simple joy of seeing landmarks and animals.
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Going on a group tour and having to room with a stranger isn’t ideal. Having to room with someone on a boat’s close quarters can be really awkward but it wasn’t even 24 hours before Lorna felt like a good friend.
And I really needed that because this trip was full of couples and it could have easily gone in a lonely direction like it did at the Dead Sea.
But instead over the last seven days I have had a good friend to laugh with, take obligatory photos with and have a really good time taking very silly photos.
I meet a lot of people when I travel and when I say goodbye to some I know I will never see them again but with Lorna I know it is just see you later.
The photo bomb photo needs to be your new profile picture….hilarious!
I know it’s kind of perfect.
I agree with Ryan. It captured the “real” you….yet another picture with a drink in your hand…lol!
Well that is the real me too 🙂
You simply must go!
I have heard great things, all I think about are rain and castles though..and more rain.
I was surprised by how much I loved Scotland! I was blown away. You’ll love it.
That photobomb killed me, btw. I actually choked.
Did it rain the whole time? All I think about is the rain…
No! Rained waaaaay more in Ireland.
Oh. My. God. That photobomb is HYSTERICAL!
Also, now I need to make a landmark album for my iPhone…
You jumping in front of art?
When I went on safari in Namibia, I was paired with a random roommate and she was awesome! I also intend to meet up with her again in the States one day. Love when random paths cross and it’s a great fit. I also LOVE some of your funny photos!
Maybe it’s because you meet other solo travelers and they are so similar? I don’t know but I really lucked out.
Loved this post, Ayngelina; I’m a believer that people come into your life when you need them … here’s another example!
Me too, you just need to be smart enough to realize it.
I’ve always wondered what might happen if I go into this hostel instead of another, or go to the next town on Tuesday instead of Thursday. You might end up meeting incredibly boring nobodies, or a super special soul mate. So think back on all your worst hangovers and lazy days when you did nothing at all, and think about how they all helped the magic come together.
I always think when I end up somewhere boring it’s just an opportunity to do nothing without any guilt.
The people really can make or break a trip. I try not to dwell on some of the people I meet while traveling that have become fast friends, but saying goodbye can be so hard! All the more reason to hit up Scotland. It really is a lovely place with fantastic people.
But what about the rain? I just think about rain and cold dreary castles…
Travel brings some pretty phenomenal individuals into our lives. Yet another reason to run off for a worldwide adventure. I’m sure you learned some great hot spots to visit in Scotland. I’d love to hear them!
Maybe I should make it a plan for 2014…
That’s so awesome you found a buddy, especially on a trip with so many couples. I’ve recently started trying to interact more with people we meet on trips and it really does add to the travel experience.
Oh man there are so many times I have ended up in couple places – where the couples didn’t want to hang out with other people. I was so lucky here.
Love love LOVE this post! I totally love how you dedicate an entire post to a newfound lifelong friend. That really shows how much of a connection you guys have made. Thanks for sharing with us your experiences, and great pics! I definitely do not take enough pictures of myself while traveling.
She is such an amazing person, if anyone does to Scotland I would definitely recommend meeting her.
My sister and her family live in Edinburgh. I Love it there. Such a beautiful country
People keep saying the nicest things about Scotland, I think I may have the wrong images in my head.
Ahhh…very cool. I love meeting great people when I travel. It’s half the fun.
People definitely make or break a place.
Ayngelina Ballerina I am truly touched by your lovely article. So glad we met in the Galápagos my little friend for life x
I love all of these photos of you. You look so genuinely happy! Scotland is awesome by the way. You should definitely go!
I had a really great time in the Galapagos – maybe because there was no wifi?
Great post, isn’t it wonderful when you meet someone and become fast friends. Sounds like you’re going to Scotland 🙂
Maybe, depends on what the food is like there…
Great pictures to a lovely post.
Thanks Sal, she is really such an easy person to write about.
OMG – you are so funny! Love the photobomb! seriously though…sounds like you guys had an amazing time! It is the people that make all the difference too! Happy travels.
Occasionally I can be funny, this was one of them 🙂
I got lucky enough to end up with my own cabin (which was actually quite spacious and had a balcony) without paying the single supplement fee. But I still met the most amazing group of people – and that made the cruise even more incredible. Reading your posts is making me so wistful!