I think Star Trek had the right idea when they created the teleporter.  You can go anywhere you want to instantaneously.  Of course, I had this thought after sitting on planes and in taxis for almost a whole day.  But I am finally here--in Scotland!

Glasgow is beautiful.  I walked around the shopping district this evening to keep myself awake until bedtime in the hopes that I can sleep a full night and wake up in the right time zone.  I will post pictures from the streets of Glasgow tomorrow.  But for today, a few things hit me as I entered the United Kingdom . . . The tabloids are everywhere.  And everyone reads them.  No New York Times or Seattle Post Intelligencer here.  Of every ten people at the airport and even on the streets, six of them had in their hands the Daily Mail. Interesting.

Driving in the UK is interesting as well.  The cars are tiny, and they drive on the wrong side of the street!  It really takes a lot of mental energy to keep your thoughts focused on which side of the road to stay on.  The round-abouts are confusing enough, but with jet-lag on top of it all, it was more than my mind could handle tonight.  Best leave the driving to the professionals.

Everyone I have met in Scotland so far has been extraordinarily nice.  They chat you up about the city, the scenery, and the food. That is if you can understand them.  A few times today I had to really listen to what these friendly folks were saying . . . realizing they were speaking English, but not understanding a thing.  It’s only going to get worse, I fear, the higher I go into the Highlands.  However, I bet with some sleep, things will improve.

And finally, I realized this evening as I arrived at the hotel and was greeted by a friendly doorman wearing a kilt (and who kindly posed for a picture by a crazy American) that I felt comfortable here.  It might be 2008, but I surrounded by pieces of history, some from the very time period in which I write.  I part of my heart has always been here in Scotland, and now I know why.  It feels like home.

Sleep well all.  More tomorrow.

--Gerri