Scotland Study Abroad for Communication, Music and Humanities

Autumn in West Princes Street Gardens this afternoon.

Taken with phone camera and the right light on the leaves, just before 2pm.

Over the Sea to the Fairies - Ailish Sinclair Scottish author Ailish Sinclair details a trip to the Isle of Skye, including photos and information on Dunvegan Castle, the Fairy Glen, and Dun Hallin.

I'm sharing a picture I received last night from Alistair and Angela. They own the rental car company we used for the car on Skye. The short version of the story is that they saved us after the company I'd originally made the rental agreement with (and paid them!) rented all their cars without keeping one for us and then refused to do anything to fix the problem (I'm still trying to get reimbursed from that first company). Anyway, Alistair saved us by renting us a car, ferrying people and luggage to the house, and then coming back for Leza and me so we could go to his garage and fill out the paperwork for the rental. We left a small gift an a thank you note for him when we dropped off the car near Eilean Donan on our way to Glasgow, and he and his wife sent me this picture of what they were looking at as they enjoyed the gift.

I'm sharing this with you because it keeps me mindful of why travel is important in helping you become more human. As you travel, you encounter people who are different from you in many ways but who are kind, friendly and hospitable. That helps you put those who aren't into perspective, and for me, it's probably the best reason for traveling. Everyone has a story, and I'd like to hear them all.

I've enjoyed reading your reflections on the trip. I think most of you probably had similar experiences with people who went out of their way to help you solve a problem, find your way, or just understand something about Scotland better. I hope so, anyway, because, for me, it's the people I meet and connect with that make traveling worthwhile. And the pictures they send of their "backyards."

I've just found out I'll be teaching in the European Council Study Abroad in Ireland next summer. I'd love to have one or two sentences from any of you about why studying abroad is a good idea -- or even cautionary tales -- that I can use in the publicity.

Thanks!

Outrage as forest workers clear ‘clouties’ at fairy spirit site Folklorists are up in arms after forestry workers cleared away years’ worth of mementos at a beauty spot in Perthshire said to be home to supernatural spirits and fairies.