May 19th: Islay bound!! Pt.1

I finally pulled myself out from bed in time to spatter my items into 1 suit case to take over to Islay. I had to leave my other belongings with Cara, because I couldn't bare to take anymore along with me and the lock up pricing in Glasgow was a bit too pricey for my UK budget.

As we dashed into the street, I bet It was the most manic feverishness behavior displayed on the Great Westeren road, as we attempted to catch a taxi to the Buchanan bus station! I had about 5 minutes left to get a ride or I would of reached the point of waiting for the next bus.

I did not want to do that, because that would of set a tone in my heart and a psychosis of dilatory. I was in a despondent state of mind after each minute that expired away!

I was telling myself that I couldn't believe I have come all this way to push it to the last minute! If I miss this bus, I would then missed the ferry, which was the last one for the night.

Disappointment was taking over my emotions until the last second I had left to my expiration point.

A taxi driver that was OFF DUTY picked me up and rapidly rushed me to the station after I told him the situation.

I will never forget him and I will always appreciate his support! Thank you Mr. Taxi man, that would of probably not had happened to me in NYC!

At the bus station, I felt a sense of cheerfulness. I gave my belongings to the driver and explained my ordeal on how I just made it there at the skin of my teeth! The driver was full of cheer with my contentment and the importance I emphasized on how I desperately needed to get to Islay.

I would not forget how rosy his cheeks became and how he softly giggled like a young school boy.

The bus ride was nice and smooth. I took a nap for the majority of the trip. I almost missed my stop, but thankfully I woke up 10 minutes before my Kennacraig destination!

The boat ride was just as comforting, as I relaxed with a large plate of mac+cheese and an Islay Ale steak pie with potatoes and veggies.

I got thirsty after all that rich cuisine, therefore I imbibed on an Islay Ale and my first dram of Kilchoman whisky. This whisky was a pleasant experience. It was lightly golden, lightly peated, and exploded with citrus. My hopes wasn't let down!

Next, I began to speak to some of the passengers and the bartender halfway through the trip. Everyone was excited to come for the Feis Ile this year, especially the individuals who came for the first time.

The last hour I took some photos/videos of the lovely hills and ocean as we approached Port Askaig.

As we grew near to the port, I raced down to pick up my suit case and waited excitedly at the exit ramp area! I wanted to be the first one off the boat and to meet the distillery manager who came to pick me up!

There was those countless days/nights of thoughts that was rushing through my heart and mind as the ferry arrived closer and closer to the port.

I felt the tears rushing towards my eye lens. The watering began and I shrugged my shoulders a bit and poked my lips out and told myself to "MAN UP"! It was my time and no more of this mushy gushy stuff for now!

I dried my eyes and then the ferry finally arrived to the ramp.

To be continued..........

Slainte,

Carmen

May 18th: PT.2

After all of that drinking and eating it was time for us to settle back at Cara's flat. I met her 2 lovely friends as Cara prepared to throw down on some home made spaghetti. Yes, we managed to collect another appetite for a home cooked dinner.

All of us stuffed our face along with our friends Iain and Jon who brought over they're vodka. The night got silly. At that point it is no need to explain anymore other than the neat pours, my impromptu cocktails...........and etc.

I'll have that action packed night assembled up nicely with a bow wrapped around it in my memoir I'm currently writing.

After I escaped the "VODKA MADNESS" I desperately ran to my bed!

I then slipped away into a magical "LA LA" land dream state. I began to have vision's of my waking life, which exuded a playful child giving off this certain positive spiritual force. I watched myself looking at this exuberant young girl who then felled into a pool of black waters with persons reaching out to take her away to an unknown destination.

The child seemed terrified, but as I looked deeper into her eyes I saw an evident degree of control and might.

She started slipping away into the dark mucky liquids and not a sound was released. Not a whimper nor any cries for help. I then slipped into my slumbery.

However, I do remember that I was waking up almost every hour after a certain point in the late am. I had to pull myself up and get ready to face my destiny.

It was time for the journey to Islay.

To be continued on the next entry.

Cheers,

Carmen Operetta

May 18th: Getting accumulated in Scotland PT.1

Rise and shine Miss Operetta! Your in Glasgow and it's time to see the town, and get some food and drams. Me and Cara took care of some errands in the city centre.

She showed and explained to me the history, architecture, and art design in this town that looks very megalithic in my opinion.

First, we began our journey at the Pot Still: http://www.thepotstill.co.uk/default.htm , which is situated near theater's and loads of international restaurants.

It has been established since 1835 to a wine/spirits merchant then the McColl family took over in 1867 until 1981!


As of today, John Waterson has ownership and offers hundreds of whiskies to delight your sense's.

I really like this place. I will definitely return to this lovely whisky pub!

Next, we headed over to Ubiquitous Chip: http://www.ubiquitouschip.co.uk/ , which has been established since 1971. The Chip is a Scottish style restaurant that has more to offer than most places I've seen in the UK.

The Chip uses locally sourced food, has 32 wines by the glass, and can suit the dining style needs to almost any patron.

Ubiquitous has a Wee Bar, Corner Bar, Large Bar, brasserie, general dining room, mezzanine, and a roof top to dine and drink.

This place is just gorgeous. I love the brick walls, the greenery caressing the walls, and the cobble stone floors in the courtyard.

For some reason, I enjoy dining and drinking in the Mezzanine.

Me, Cara, and her friends Iain and Jon had a flavorsome lunch in the "mezzy", or how I also like to pronounce it: mezzzzza---kneeeeee-nah.

Last on our adventure for the day was the Ben Nevis bar: http://bit.ly/lcpT8i . This west Highlands inspired bar is designed in natural decor and offers almost 200 whiskies.

This is a nice bar to get a good meal, hear some folk music and for heavens sake, get a darn good dram!

To be continued.........

Carmen Operetta

Photo Credits:

#1pix: Ubiquitous Chip (UK)

#2 pix:The Pot Still (UK)