在為期一周的實體會議結束後, 跳上了當地旅行團加入了團客行程, 啟程去蘇格蘭高地來看這遠得不行的蘇格蘭至北之地(開車要開一天才能到達的英國北角). 旅程中我們的司機兼導遊Neil, 他英國腔是容易聽而他講話本身又很好笑. 整趟3天的旅程下來讓同團的大家都很開心給他小費(P.S.英國小費文化並不像美國, 如果真的很滿意再給也是可以的)
After the week-long physical conference ended, I joined a local tour group and embarked on a journey to the Scottish Highlands to see the farthest point of Scotland's north (which takes a day's drive to reach from the rest of the UK). Our driver and tour guide, Neil, spoke with an easy-to-understand British accent and was naturally funny. Throughout the entire 3-day trip, everyone in the group was very happy with him and gave him a tip (Note: Tipping culture in the UK is not like that in the US; it's also acceptable to give a tip if you are very satisfied with the service).
 |
| Our 3-day Highland guide-Neil |
 |
            |
 |
| 這是站在上面的我看到的高原 |
蘇格蘭高地的旅行途中, 認識了來自許多國家的旅客, 感覺這種3天的hanging out的, 很適合一個人想來試試看在當地認識朋友, 也認識自己國家(因為需要不停地介紹自己XD). 可以穿插在自助旅行中來認識其他人, 可以一起吃住又欣賞美景. BTW, 這個團是不包吃住單純帶你坐車跑點, 所以也不會有被推銷的負擔. 可以跟著同團剛認識的新朋友, 在每個下車休息的點一起喝咖啡閒聊, 或是在森林健行......只要你願意花時間, 絕對會很高興認識不同背景的新朋友
During the trip to the Scottish Highlands, I met travelers from many countries, and I felt that this kind of 3-day hanging out is suitable for someone who wants to try to make friends locally and learn about their own country (because you need to introduce yourself constantly haha). It's a great way to make new friends while also enjoying the beautiful scenery and sharing meals and accommodations. BTW, this tour only provides transportation without meals and accommodations, so there's no pressure to be sold anything. You can follow new friends you just met on the tour and have a cup of coffee and chat at each rest stop or go hiking in the forest... as long as you are willing to spend time, you will definitely be happy to meet new friends from different backgrounds.
 |
| I'm standing on the top of the rock, 其他人有同團的千里達, 新加坡朋友(P.S.高地風超大, 感覺身在30公尺處快起飛了XD) |
蘇格蘭高地的景色壯闊到無以名狀, 行前英國辦公室的同事們在閒聊時也是強烈推薦我們如果有來英國, 一定要選擇在高地健行幾天欣賞湖山與寂靜, 這樣你才會了解英國的地氣與英國人的個性(結果沒時間走個幾天啊!每天下車時間加起來可能還不到半天的爬山阿 T.T).
當然也還是有遺珠之憾, 像是我們沒有看到尼斯湖水怪現身, 還有爬到白雪靄靄的山頂(到山腰就已經被超大的冷海風吹到打退堂鼓)....有幸在外國跟著友人爬爬小山, 還有看到這邊的登山冬季標準/救難/縱走裝備組, 跟上一些高地生存的基本概念,如果下次還有機會來冬季練習冬攀應該很有趣.
 |
| Climber equipments |
我們在收團的時候也說好未來要是有機會再一起碰面, 要記得相認跟在好好出去玩. 運氣很好的是我們採點的過程都沒有碰到甚麼雨, 而頂多是走在泥濘的路上(我也滑了一次, 只好帶著髒掉的登山褲子) 這團的大家都人超好的說! 大推來蘇格蘭高地跟團走個簡單的實體的旅行/健行~
 |
| Rainbow down the road |
 |
| Isle of Skye的早晨 |
The scenery in the Scottish Highlands is indescribably magnificent. My colleagues in the UK office strongly recommended that if we ever came to the UK, we must choose to hike in the Highlands for a few days to appreciate the lakes, mountains, and tranquility. That way, we can understand the geography and personality of the British people (but unfortunately, we didn't have time for a few days of hiking. The total time we spent off the bus may not have even amounted to half a day of mountain climbing due to time constraints).
Of course, there were still regrets, such as not seeing the Loch Ness monster and not making it to the snowy mountain top (we were already beaten back by the super cold sea wind blowing us when we only made it to the mountainside). Fortunately, I had the opportunity to climb small mountains with friends abroad and see the standard/rescue/traverse equipment for winter mountaineering in this area, and learned some basic concepts of Highland survival. If I have the chance to come again in the winter, practicing winter climbing should be fun.
 |
| 此行的吉祥物高地牛 Highland Cattle |
 |
| Manage to Survive!~Darwin |
沒有留言:
張貼留言
謝謝您的留言, 我會在收到通知後盡快回覆您的.
Thanks for your comment. l may reply once I got notification.