Worldcon in Scotland

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A lot has happened in the past year. I can't believe it's almost Worldcon again. But before the conference kicks off in Seattle in a couple weeks, I'd like to reminisce about our time in Scotland last year. 

We've always wanted to visit this beautiful country. So with our twenty year anniversary coinciding with my first novel's debut at Worldcon in Glasgow, we figured it was a sign, and we made a trip out of it. 

We started in Edinburgh, as everyone should. The city is alive with magic, history, and creativity all layered together in a delicious dessert. I think they call it Millionaire Shortbread...which is the best thing I've ever had. Why it doesn't exist in the States, I have no clue. It's amazing. 

Anyways, our first day took us to the Sir Walter Scott Memorial, the Writer's Museum, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and a lovely dinner at the Witchery. After the sun went down, we had the honor of touring the ancient city's spooky underground where witches and vagabonds once called home. 

The following day, we took a short hike up to Calton Hill for a beautiful view of the city an surrounding countryside. 

This place is very special. 

In addition to the breathtaking sights around every corner, the place is electric with the upcoming Fringe Festival. Posters for all the creative and incredible looking one-man or one-woman shows are plastered all over the place. The nervous energy and excitement from audience members seems to thrum through these ancient streets. 

And speaking of entertainment, my wife and I were very lucky to attend the Tattoo Military Festival held at Edinburgh Castle. Hearing hundreds of bagpipes play here was Incredible!

Aside from the Tattoo festival, Edinburgh Castle has another great secret in its wonderful whisky bar. We tried several samples, all with such rich smokey flavors we just don't see in the States. 

After Edinburgh, he headed North to visit the much anticipated Scottish Highlands. We made a quick stop in St. Andrews. Many of the people we were with were very interested in the beach town's role in the origin of golf. I, however, was more interested in finding another Millionaire Shortbread. Man, I was hooked. 

Later that day, we had the great joy of visiting a working sheep farm with sheep dogs and everything. It was there I was able to get my one of my favorite pictures. 

On our last day in the highlands, we were given the pleasure of some true Scottish weather. I know some would call the drizzly rain dreary. But I can't do that. Standing in the rain--even getting soaked--was positively invigorating beneath the waterfalls of Glencoe and above the waters of Loch Lamond. This place, and the rain, seems to recharge my soul. 

Scotland feels like a world in its own time. You never know what you might find, like this World War II Memorial standing on its own in the middle of a huge field. 

It was just there. No signs or roads marked its presence. It wasn't desperate for attention, but it is truly an incredible place for those who can appreciate it. 

Anyways, as I reached the precipice of a nearby hill and soaked in the rich, yet empty world around me, it filled me with a sensation I don't often feel in the urban sprawl of Southern California. 

I don't know if anyone else would have a similar feeling in this situation, but for me, it felt spiritual. And for those who know me, I'm about as spiritual as a virgin margarita.  

On the way down the hill, I encountered one of the meanest looking sheep I've ever seen. It glared at me nonstop while all the other sheep went about their business. I took a picture to show you. I still don't know what I did to make it so angry, but sorry buddy, I swear it wasn't intentional. ​

One of my favorite moments in Scotland was a solitary one. While everyone else in our party was asleep or resting from our travels, I took a little hike up a nearby hillside. 

It was getting late, but the summer sky in Scotland stays brighter much longer than I'm used to back home. Also, Scotland has some pretty cool laws about land usage. The way it was explained to me was that you could walk anywhere within reason. So many places are marked "private" and off limits in the States, so the concept of going wherever I wanted was a little foreign to me. But I love it. 
If this isn't correct, I apologize. It seems too good to be true. 

After a week exploring this breathtaking country, it was time to head into Glasgow for Worldcon where I was able to participate in the Book Launch of Her Gilded Voice hosted by my publisher, Elsewhen Press. 

There was so much more we saw and so much more praise I can say about Scotland. Leaving this beautiful land was much more emotional than I could have anticipated. 

I'll end this post with the Gaelic toast our kind hosts shared with us while taking a shot of whisky. 

"Slanj-a-va!"

Thanks for reading, dear auditor. 

---K.C. Aegis