Oban, Scotland, UK

The name Oban means "Little Bay", this place claims to have some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery, and it did not disappoint. It is also considered to be the seafood capital of Scotland. Located at The Firth of Lorn there are lochs, fantasy castles and Highland glens to explore. 

The tour today was called Scenic Scottish Highlands. Another very knowledgable guide today, regaling us with the history, tales and music of the area. You know there must be fairies and sorcerers living here. So lush and beautiful. I loved that they do such a good job replanting trees as they harvest the older ones (talk about Christmas tree heaven). The sun was a little shy again today, but we only had to deal with occasional sprinkles. 

Heading further North tomorrow, so we shall see what the weather gods have in store for us. 

Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK

The walls of this "Walled City" were built by the Protestant colonists from Scotland and England in the 1600s to keep out the Irish, who had been forced onto less desirable land.

When Ireland was divvied up in the 1920s, the River Foyle was a logical border. But for economic reasons the Protestant North kept all of this predominantly Catholic Nationalist city. Subsequently the two sides have fought over its status. Even its name has been a source of dispute, it is "Derry" to the Catholics and "Londonderry" to the Protestants. This is where the Bloody Sunday took place in 1972 during the "Troubles". Both sides have come to the position that "an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind."

Started the day with a ride through the city to see the Peace Bridge, the fortress walls and where Bloody Sunday occured while getting a short history lesson from our guide. Then we headed out to the countryside and down into The Republic of Ireland to visit Oakfield Park. Crossed the border again back into Northern Ireland to return to the ship.

Ended the day with some Irish music and dancing.

 My first visit to Northern Ireland (will be back again in a couple of weeks). AND WE HAD SOME SUNSHINE TODAY!