Speed bonnie plane

I will soon be heading for Scotland and as long as I mentally fast-forward through 24 or so tortuous hours crammed into an economy class seat, I’m excited about making this trip – particularly at this point in my life.

The first stop is Glasgow and straight into the arms of my Dad’s side of the family. The main thing I want to do during this visit to Scotland is spend time with family and in places where my Dad did his growing up, but I will also head across to Edinburgh to run in the Edinburgh (Half) Marathon.

This trip was all booked and paid for before I was made redundant. Thank goodness. I don’t know how comfortable I would have been committing to a big trip with no way of knowing when I will next get paid. As it happens, I can now head off and enjoy it without worrying too much about that.

I’ve never traveled without having a job to come back to, so it will be interesting to see what difference that makes. It already does feel a little different. I don’t have that usual feeling you get on the eve of holidays – you know, when you’re looking for respite from the busyness and demands of work?

Likewise, I don’t suppose I will have to spend the first week or so letting go of thoughts about day-to-day work stuff. Been there, done that already.

So I’m feeling free to enjoy Scotland, which has a very special place in my heart.

Last time I was there, it was during the first year after my father died and it was a very emotional experience. I’m really not sure what it will bring up for me this time.

Here are some other things I’m looking forward to in Scotland:

• Learning more about my Dad’s early years and my Scottish heritage (which is also on my Mum’s side of the family, but another couple of generations back),
• Being enveloped by the warm, heart-lifting sounds of the Scottish accent, and
• The thrill of running through the streets of historic Edinburgh.

Actually, if I’m totally up-front, there is one further thing I will no doubt be doing given my current circumstances: trying Scotland on for size.

Could I see myself living and working there? I will keep you posted.

M