Scotland, Teenage Dreams and More Wishes

If there is one dream place I associate with my teenage years that would be Scotland. LOL. Truly. My barkada from high school knows this that I at my younger years dream of visiting this place in Europe.  In fact my very first crude attempt at writing a poem has ‘Scotland’ as its subject. Hahaha. I am still thinking if I am going to share that poem in this post.  😀

Also, I came up with a special signature that I used on all things except official and legal documents. Until now, I sometimes still use the signature when I sign off my name on my journal. For those curious, the signature reads “Scotland” what else hehehe.

My Special Signature 

2001 – Scanned copy of my college yearbook page. 2002 – Page from one of my many journals.

1997 – Also from an old journal.

Below the sign, it reads “The day will come.” and further below “I’ll make them come.” Somewhere on the page you’ll read these lines “Make your life extraordinaire!” and “Dream. Dare. Carpe Diem.” So yes I’ve always believed in exuding positive vibes and affirmations hehe.

Those were also the days when I was enamored with all things Scotland that I really believed if I find myself traveling in Scottish soil and exploring its mysterious lakes, I’ll have a fighting chance of capturing the elusive Loch Ness monster. Pitiful hahaha.

What’s so special about this place that I, along with so many people, wish to set foot on its soil, you may wonder.

Well for one, I was so much into reading romantic novels growing up. Yep, they make mushy heads of young gals leading to dreams of majestic castles, beautiful meadows, bustling city and yes knight in shining armor. I was also attentively watching then for new episodes of The Highlander. I like the idea of surviving, beating all odds and becoming triumphant in the end. I swear I can recite the whole opening spiel of this famous 90s tv show… “Duncan Mcleod from the Clan Macleod, born on the highlands of Scotland….” More importantly, its beautiful countryside beckons me to come and explore its rolling hills and serene lakes that I’ve only read about in magazine and see in travel shows.

Say if today I’ll suddenly win the Lotto or money pours in, trust that among the first thing I’ll do is to go online and check out a reliable hotel booking website so I can look for many beautiful Edinburgh hotels for my Scotland vacation.  Yey! This way I’ll have awesome choices when I do find myself planning a travel to the land of red hairs and Scottish brogue. I would want to select the best hotel in Scotland’s capital and most famous city, Edinburgh. I would probably book one beautiful hotel room in the city to be near major tourists attractions and also one in the countryside.  And by jove, I’ll have a pic of me taken in the airport. See that sign on the pic below that says ‘Edinburgh Airport’? Yep I’ll have that pic even if locals will look at me weirdly hehe. 🙂

What brought up this reminiscing and more dreaming when I should be sleeping instead of writing a new post? It’s past midnight here.   Well, I was surfing online and browsing through top tourist attractions and places in mega cities of the world and I came across this post about top attractions in Scotland that are becoming even more popular.  And I wasn’t surprised that among Scotland’s top attractions includes Edinburgh tourist favorites like the  Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland. So I found myself pouring over that article and remembering fondly my teenage years.

A Few Attractions in Edinburgh and Scotland

Thanks to my friend Margie for the pictures from Scotland! Yey! Thanks Gie!

Heyyy, if I do find myself in Scotland, I’ll be updating this blog as fast as lightning. Haha. I’ll give you detailed accounts of what I’ll be seeing from medieval castles to mysterious lakes to world class hotels to picturesque countryside and bagpipers wearing kilts.  I’ll even try a sip of a Scottish whiskey! And of course, the moment I’ll capture the Loch Ness monster, I’ll update you! Promise. 🙂

Seriously though, there have been lots of changes with me – from dreams, aspirations and motivations. Part of my growing up made me desirous to travel first the islands of the Philippines before I set my sight on venturing and discovering what lies beyond our shores. This is my passion and advocacy, to help promote Philippine Tourism.

But perhaps a small bit of my Scottish dream has never truly left me. Why do I say this? Because topping my list of dream Philippine destinations I wish to visit is the Island of Batanes. As you probably know, many people who have been on the land of Ivatans says Batanes is like Scotland with its rolling hills, wondrous mountains, beautiful countryside. My good friend and barkada since highschool also dream of visiting Scotland. You can check Doi’s post where she pointed out some similarities between Scotland and Batanes! =)

Anyhow, once I find myself in this special place in the country, I’ll tell you if it’s more beautiful than the Scottish highland I’ve dreamt and read about as a lass.  Wish me luck!

To our dreams and wishes, cheers!

Cille =)

UPDATE, fast-tracked to 2014: I finally found myself in Batanes. =)

The experience is one I’ll remember for life. ^_^

p.s. Our teenage dreams and wishes may be buried deep and forgotten as we grow up and grow old. But there are moments when you least expect it when these dreams re-surface. Reminding you and reconnecting you with your younger self. Sometimes you cringe; sometimes you smile with the memories. That’s this story. That’s this post.

Ikaw, what place did you dream visiting as a child? Share it by leaving a comment below. 🙂