Hi everyone!
I am currently writing this from inside my hotel room on the Isle of Arran outside of Androssan! The journey here was fascinating, and I am looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead.
First, I woke up early to hit the subway and head to the train station. From Glasgow to Androssan, it is about an hour long train ride; thus, to be in time for my noon ferry ride to Arran, I needed to be at the train station before 10am. Once on the train, I was surprised to see that at some point, it looked like there was solely ocean outside of my window—like I was on a train skittering across open water.
When I arrived in Androssan, I checked for the ferry depot (it was nearby), then went for breakfast at a nearby bistro. They served me a “Cechinni Stack,” which was delicious, but perhaps too big for me, as I unfortunately could only finish about half of it.
I had never been on a ferry of this size before, and I was somewhat nervous about whether or not I would get seasickness. After a quick scare that I had missed check-in (I did not), I was able to board the ferry and we were off!
On the way to Arran, I decided to step outside and brave the buffeting wind and spray of ocean air. I anticipated to be knocked around by the waves, but I did not expect to see small shapes jumping in and out of the waves surrounding the ship. Dolphins were following our vessel across the way! I had never seen wild dolphins this close before, and I was delighted to see that there seemed to be a whole pod, pairing up and frolicking in the inky waves.
Once we landed, I made my way to my hotel, Dunvegan House, and checked in. It is absolutely gorgeous, and relatively quiet, as I am travelling during the off season. I did not have anything planned after check-in, so I walked around to the bookshops, art galleries, bakeries, and chocolate stores that decorate the main road of Brodrick (the town I am staying in). I admit, I bought a lot of chocolate.
Tomorrow, I am scheduled to get my first Scottish Coast seaweed wrap at the Auchrannie Spa! This is also an item on my bucket list, and an act of self care before finals next week. While I am nervous about trying something this new, I am also hopeful that it will relax me and open my mind to new adventures in the future.
Talk soon!
P.K.
