What a lazy start to our day! I woke up a number of times in the early morning — it gets light here very early — but since Dan continued to sleep I’d roll over (in our tiny bed — I’m not used to that, as we have a huge California king bed at home) and fall back asleep. Finally I woke again, looked over, and Dan was reading. Oops … I slept until 9AM! After the little breakfast this place provides (we can pick and choose from oatmeal in a cup, “croissants” that aren’t anything like real croissants, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, orange juice and more … but all prefab stuff), and after our showers, it was time to figure out what to do before our 3:00 whisky tour at the Oban distillery.
Side Note: I’m actually not usually much of a whisky drinker, but when in Rome, or at least Oban …
When we headed out the door our first destination was all about coffee. No surprise there, right? We located a place, ordered our cappuccinos, and sat outside in the lovely sun. It was not too hot, and just a really pleasant spot.
Next up was making our way to McCaig’s Tower & Battery Hill. The walk (and stairs) were just lovely and my back behaved! We spent time up on the hill, taking photos and just relaxing. Oban is sure a beautiful place! I was sorry I neglected to bring my macro lens up the hill with me: flowers are abundant here at the moment. Ah well … maybe I’ll remember in Fort William if we head out on walks there.
Lunch was next on the agenda. We wandered. In our typical fashion we had to investigate a number of places before settling on a spot. I had a smaller lunch: after yesterday the salmon pate seemed to be a good option. Yesterday’s food was just far too much, and my stomach is suggesting I go a bit lighter!
From there we went to the Oban Distillery for a tour and tasting.
What a fun time! The young man who led our tour was great … and hey, even with a deaf ear I could understand him easily, as he spoke so nice and clearly. We took the tour and on the way sampled three whiskies. Only small amounts of each, mind you We now, for the first time in eons, will have a souvenir to bring home: we were given one of the glasses they served a whisky in. Normally we aren’t souvenir buyers. With our small bags and lack of space we just don’t go there. But for little Oban whisky glasses … well, we will just have to find spots for them!
We dropped by Cuan Mor, where we want to have dinner (recommended by my boss Robert Massey at Symphony San Jose), but they don’t take reservations, so we just have to return and wait for a spot to open. That’s fine — it’s not like we are under any time constraints!
And then it was back to our room, where I could write up some of this blog entry, and then rest a bit. I could also look out the window … it is so doggone lovely here!
We might have rested a bit, too. You decide.
Dinner was enjoyed at Cuan Mor … they said it would be a 30 minute wait but in reality it was only 15. A yummy dinner — AND dessert! — were enjoyed. When I get home I’ll sign up for a weight loss program. (HAH … as if I ever do that!)
The sunset at 9:10 was gorgeous! I’m so glad we are where we are, as I can see it from our window, while Dan, great photographer that he is, went outside to shoot it.
Tomorrow we leave lovely Oban and head to Fort William. We are going the long way, via train. The bus would have been 1 1/2 hours, while the trains (we switch in Crianlarich) total almost 4 hours, but I had written to a travel group and was encouraged to take the train. I was told we are in for some great views. I do hope this was the right choice!
