As I departed the USA for both Iceland and Scotland, I confess that Scotland was a bit of an afterthought for me, pumped up that I was for the Iceland portion that came first. (American Girl Abroad: Function vs. Fashion in Iceland). But Scotland wasted no time grabbing my inner romantic’s heart, much like that day when I was fourteen and first saw Brigadoon, a musical that had me smitten by Scotland and its many charms.
Do you know the play? Brigadoon is chockfull of absolutely gorgeous songs like “Come to Me, Bend to Me” and “Almost like Being in Love”. It’s time travel with a twist while love conquers all, set in an idyllic village hidden away in the hills of Scotland. AND manly men dancing with vigor and charm in their kilts!
American Girl Abroad {Part 3} Smitten By Scotland
The world’s oldest tree in Scotland!
The melodies of Brigadoon played in my head the minute I arrived in Scotland, and I was soon walking, quite literally, in the midst of the “Heather on the Hill” and completely taken by the misty magic and pink flowered hillsides of the Scottish Highlands. When I visited a 5000 year old yew tree (the oldest known tree in the world!) in the small village of Fortingall, I was transported even further by words etched into a stone walkway that suggested… “Imagine those that have passed this way before.” (5000 years of before!) Scotland is truly a land that encourages imagination.
As far as the plaid seen in all those kilts (trending in fashion circles NOW!), the Scots call it Tartan, yet another reason to find Scotland charming. Most regions have their own tartan patterns associated with Lowland or Highland districts where weavers historically used specific dye colors and patterns in weaving the cloth. The community would become identified by that particular pattern named after the notable clan/family of that area. Indeed, there is an appeal to Scottish men carrying themselves so straight and proud in their traditional garb. It’s an attractiveness comparable to a soldier in uniform, and we know how easily that can catch a lady’s eye! Which makes Tartan HOT, no matter how you look at it, fashion trend or otherwise!
Today’s post includes some fashion shots I took throughout the trip, and as you can see, there is a functional, casual elegance going on in the Scotland of today.
But forgive me ladies, if it seems my heart was somewhat stolen in directions other than fashion. And honestly, isn’t this why travel is so good for us? Travel can transport us and open our hearts and minds to other worlds and totally different ways of life that literally leave us spellbound. Yes, I thought I was taking a vacation, but I came back totally smitten by Scotland and further convinced of the UK’s many charms.
Pictures from around Scotland!
So yes, I officially declare that today is Romantic Escape day for us Mamas. Go play some gorgeous romantic music (Andrea Boccelli? Drake? Tom Waits? Nat King Cole? Don’t even get me started, lol!). Or lose yourself in a seductive romance novel. Or, in keeping with our theme, consider watching Brigadoon. Whatever you choose, let go of the world as you know it, even if you only have 15 minutes to immerse yourself. Trust me, meditation, visualization, fantasy–whatever you want to call it–this is an escape plan that works.
So, what ‘s your favorite way to find an escape, real or otherwise?
As Robert Heinlein said in Glory Road, “Where do you catch the boat for Brigadoon?” Well, I’m gonna imagine sailing on the sweet ship “Britannia” that Queen Elizabeth used to cruise around on…a gorgeous yacht now permanently docked in Edinburgh harbor. I figure, why let her go to waste as a beached tourist attraction, when I could be smitten in Scotland and sailing in splendor to Brigadoon?!
Fashionably yours,
Deborah
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