Shetland

Sorry, once again, for the delay.  Available computers and speedy internet connections were a bit elusive in Shetland so there was virtually no opportunity to post to the blog.

So...where did we leave off?  I think we were on our way to Aberdeen to catch the ferry to Lerwick.  We were a small group that left Stirling on a bus; Mirian and her husband, Franz (Holland), Martina (US), Gisland (Germany), Barbro (Finland), Malin (Finland), Sarah Jane (US), Mardette (Scotland), Veronica (England), Vivian (Denmark), Jude (US), Doris (US), Barbara (US), Danielle (Canada), Michelle (US), Trudy and Lydia.  We met up with Denise (Canada) and Liz Lovick (Scotland) was our tour coordinator and head sheep herder!

The drive to Aberdeen was beautiful.  It reminds me very much of the central coast of California in mid winter.  Rolling hills studded with oak  trees and many cultivated fields were the standard view.

We only saw Aberdeen from the ferry but it was quite interesting.  We went above deck to take pictures of the skyline.  The ferry itself was more of a cruise ship; marble everywhere and the berths were very nice and comfortable. 

The ferry from the Lerwick Harbour

Lerwick is a very interesting city.  It's very different from Aberdeen or Edinburgh.  It's much smaller and you can really see its Norse influence.  Once we got off of the ferry, we went on a walking tour of the town.

The harbour outside of the Queen's Hotel where we stayed in Lerwick.  The water was as clear and clean as can be.

The entrance to the Queen's Hotel.  These streets are open for autos and pedestrian traffic...

The Peerie cafe which served the best salmon/cream cheese bagels

Liz Lovick, the tour guide and shepherd of tour-ons

Commercial Street; the main "drag" in Lerwick

A "closs".  In Edinburgh they are called a "close" and are essentially a small alley with high buildings on either side.  This is the smallest one I've seen.  It's hardly wide enough to walk through!

The Shetlanders are friendly, but maybe a bit reserved at first.  They seem to have a tough life, living in such a difficult climate and very isolated, industry is somewhat limited so they make a living any way they can.  One of the ways that I particularly liked was that the women knit fair isle garments to be sold to tourists.  They sell very well but I don't think they make a whole lot of money doing this, considering the amount of time it takes to knit fair isle.

That's all I can do tonight, folks.  I've only had a few hours slept over the last day and a half and my head feels funny!  Good night!