This morning I returned from a weekend away with Alan and his girlfriend, Zita. We spent a weekend away at a cute cottage in Methven, Perth. Our cottage was an interesting structure that was almost split in two. This worked out perfectly, giving the two lovers and myself privacy. With a pretty garden and a summer house, it was an enjoyable break.

Alan and Zita sitting down for supper
Alan and Zita sitting down for supper

Upon arrival, we unpacked the car and settled down to a quick meal enjoying in each other's company. As it often happens, we found ourselves in a deep discussion about some topic or another. Gradually the light faded and we retired to bed having planned an exciting weekend of plans.

Waking early the next day, we packed a lunch and set out. Having decided to drive to Loch Earn, I was looking forward to the scenery that Scotland often satisfies me with. Being a water lover, I was not disappointed. Driving along the windy road following the loch we saw a beautiful body of water encapsulated by rolling green hills and the sun streaming through to fall lazily upon the shimmering water. Despite how much I dislike the weather in Scotland, it does give us some breath taking sights. We ate our lunch on the banks of the loch entertained by a group of friendly ducks - one of whom bit me when I wasn't paying attention!

Loch Earn
Lunch on the banks of Loch Earn

That evening we headed down to a local pub for supper. We stayed late chatting and eventually were only one of two tables remaining. The couple at the other table was curious about Alan's word board and got chatting to us. I found them rather interesting as their first reaction - as is a lot of people's - was to speak louder to Alan and use over exaggerated gestures. They meant well, but I couldn't help but stifle a giggle at their gestures.

Our last day in Methven greeted us with your typical Scottish day - wet and cold. Choosing to not let it stop us exploring the surrounding areas, we ventured out in search of a river that Alan remembered as a child. Driving through Crieff we paused only long enough to ask for directions as we were on a mission! After much searching, many beautifully winding roads with breathtaking views, we eventually stumbled upon a a bend of the River Tay that had rapids in the village of Grandtully. Sitting on the terrace of the Tay Inn enjoying a steaming hot chocolate it wasn't long before the weather pushed us inside but we were still able to watch the water rushing down the river, dodging all the rocks.

Returning back to the cottage we enjoyed our last night there, relaxing in the lounge before retiring for the night. Overall it was a very enjoyable break and reminded me once again why I like living in Scotland.

Last week my boyfriend and I spent the week with his family in two quaint little country towns. Still new enough to the beauty of Scotland and northern England I drove to the various areas with eyes wide and a bubble of joy bubbling within me. Although most of our journey was along the main motorways, we veered into the beautiful rural areas where I wasn't disappointed with the scenery. For those of you unfortunate souls who have not experienced the often fairytale like appearance of the country, you have not lived. It is really no surprise that Scotland and northern England are used for well respected films such as Harry Potter and television series like Dr. Who. With rolling hills whose natural creases show both their age and the changes to the landscape over the years. The deep green trees create a texture and the illusion of a hairy hill. The scattered farm animals lazily graze with the occasional one reaching over the fence for the longer, less tasted grass as they too want to try something new. Passing over the glens I spied the grassy desert that stretched further than the Roman straight roads covered. Scenery like this may bore others who crave the busy rush of the city life, but I love driving along the roads and seeing the slopes and falls of nature's base.

Our little trip was not without its challenges as we fought with the Sat Nav (TomTom Fail!) and ended up in areas that weren't that suitable for a car, especially one as low as mine! On these little detours we cursed and swore at 'Julie' - the name that Andy gave my Sat Nav - but she showed us some pretty views.

During our break we spent two weekends at Allendale town and five nights at Bankfoot, both beautifully quaint villages. In Allendale town we resided at Andy's grandfather's house whose bank sloped down into the embankment of the village's little stream. Taking Chloë - read Playing 'mummy' for a week - for a walk around the stream we burned off some energy. Strolling along the sandy path we brushed aside the overgrown vegetation and proclaimed our victory as we scampered down the little rocky path to the water's edge. As it was a beautifully sunny day we let Chloë paddle in the water in her top and underwear but very promptly she stripped naked and proclaimed that she could 'now swim like the little fishies'! We couldn't help but laugh.

Our time at Bankfoot was spent mostly outdoors when the weather was permitting. Chloë and I enjoyed collecting the freshly laid duck eggs from Andy's mom's ducks. Being a city girl the little country routines are still enjoyable to me. On the first morning that we collected the eggs, Chloë happily thanked the ducks for the eggs before finishing off with 'I go eat your egg now '. She hadn't quite realised what the egg was...

It was a lovely time away that allowed me to get to know Andy's family better and see some of the beauty that Scotland and northern England have to offer.