Shiney and new!

[bettyshred]

Hi everyone,
Starting my new year's resolution early to meet new people and spice up my life. Even though I live in a culturally diverse city (New York) it is such a hard place to meet anyone. Since we only get one go round, I'd like to fill mine with friends from all over. (And hopefully one day that special someone---if Santa will ever listen!)

I'm a teacher, so this summer I plan to actually take off and see some of the places I always wanted to go-Scotland being at the top of the list. Would be nice to chat with some people before hand to get an idea of where I absolutely MUST go. And just to strike up friendships with some nice people.

Thanks
Jennifer

[ScotSites]

First of all, welcome to the forum Jennifer. Hopefully you will find what you are looking for here, but I am sure there will be plenty people willing to help out! So, to start:

Originally Posted by bettyshred

Scotland... an idea of where I absolutely MUST go.

Not an easy one to answer... you could ask loads of people and get a different answer from every single one of them! Is there something specific that attracted you to this country? Did any of your ancestors come from here or do any relatives still live here? Answering these (and more) questions yourself would help us to help you!

[bettyshred]

Thanks for the welcome!

I don't have and relatives there, it is just the beauty of the land itself that has me captivated. I wonder more what locals think are the places to be seen, instead of being surrounded by tourists. I would be coming in July or August, so if there are any fun festivals...even better. I know there is a jazz thing in Edinburgh during the summer, but don't want to be that touristy. So, is there a particular area of the country that is seen best in the summer...or harder to get to in the winter?

I don't mind walking/hiking and can even keep my seat on a horse. I am definitely more interested in spending my time with local people, since that is what makes the traveling fun--particularly if there are good ghost stories and haunted places

[Polwarth]

If you come in late July or August, you will have no option but to be part of the 'touristy' thing! The whole country is being visited by lots and lots of visitors at that time.


Edinburgh has the International Festival, the Film Festival, The Fringe Festival, the Book Festival... well, you get the picture! It also hold the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle with fireworks, too!

Glasgow and other main cities also have events during the summer. There are Highland Games throughout the country. There are events in Borders towns, too.

Try Visitscotland.com which is our tourist board's own website. Have a look on the Travel forum on this site - lots of helpful advice and answers to questions.

Home | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Edinburgh International Festival: Three weeks of the most exciting music, opera, dance, theatre the world has to offer.

[bettyshred]

Ok, I guess I will just take a deep breath and plunge in! I will check out the web site. Thanks for the suggestion