Travel Further

        Scotland. How can you begin to describe a land so haunted by its prominent ghosts and traditions, yet also basks in its own unique modern culture and vibe? Really, you just can not. From the narrow Close’s in Edinburgh’s Old Town, where amazing restaurants hide among the bends and stairs awaiting discovery, to the vast open spaces of the Highlands which possess views so stunning they render you, well, speechless. Scotland is a contradiction of sorts. It is wild and untamed, yet home to a passionate intellectual tradition and witty sarcasm. It can be cold and damp with its schizophrenic weather patterns, yet, every door open to a visitor will have a warm hearth and open hearts. I went to Scotland looking for something,  not quite sure of what however. Perhaps solitude, a spiritual awakening, a calming force to settle my very unsettled soul. (Still looking...) Regardless, I was too distracted by its constant beauty, by its welcoming citizens, and by it...

      The other morning I was in my doctor's office filling out the usual paperwork in the waiting room. The televisions all had on a local morning show that I find particularly annoying, and when I turned my head to see what they were talking about my readiness to be annoyed did not go unfulfilled. As this Friday is St. Patrick's Day, they predictably were doing a "segment" about Irish food and drink, as are all morning shows this week. One of the hosts, interviewing Irish chef Clodagh McKenna, (Who seems to be Ireland's version of Giada de Laurentiis with her tastefully curated website, fun recipes, and calm demeanor.) told her about her recent experience in Ireland this past summer leading with, "When I was in Ireland this summer, I told the bartender that I wanted the best Irish whiskey." ("My cat's breath smells like cat food...."- Ralph Wiggam)       My eyeballs hit the ceiling, literally. I rolled them so hard I thought I might n...