My ancestry report says I'm mostly of British/Irish and Scandinavian descent. Maybe that's why I love Scotland so much. Or, and hear me out, maybe it's because it's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

I was not expecting such diversity in the landscapes. From dark, quiet, moody forests to powerful munros and valleys that seemed to go on forever. From flowing rivers and vast lochs carving their way through ancient, beautiful lands. From white sand beaches and deep blue oceans to amazing cliffs and sea stacks and ancient castles. From the Highlands and Cairngorms national park to the amazing Glencoe. The Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing on Isle of Skye...it was magnificent. The landscapes were rugged, old, beautiful. It felt as if I was walking with so many before me. The history and the signs of lore were everywhere. So many castles with their own history. Withstanding war, weather and time.

The people I met. So welcoming , kind, funny and helpful. Also, so much pride about country. I had a few different people I came to chat with say similar things about Scotland.

"I know we're biased…. but for such a small country Scotland certainly punches above its weight" -Doug

For my first time being there I really felt at home. Who knows, maybe it is my ancestry. Maybe I walked where others of my line did before me. If so, I hope they also had a grin ear to ear, a comfort from within, a feeling of awe and wildness and pride.

One thing I know for sure, I'll be back soon because I barely scratched the surface of this amazing place. I can't wait to explore much more of what Scotland has to offer.

gu mòr taingei

And as always,

Breathe, wander, create, repeat.

-Matty