Fort William

next stop?

I've got only six more weeks to go in Mallaig..therefore I've started applying for my next place.
That was my first pick (15.09.10) : http://www.workaway.info/7742238644c8-en.html

No response so far..

Then I sent an email to those guys: http://www.workaway.info/000000000025-en.html

No response so far...

Yesterday I applied to become an elf in Lapland..no response so far..

Today I sent an application to this place: http://oreillys.nl/

let's see...I've still got six more weeks to go..

magical Knoydart

When you're working six days a week, up on your feet, the only thing you want to do on your day off is to hide yourself under that fluffy duvet...for the whole day. But at the same time, when it's your ONLY day off, living in an area indescribable ,then you just can't afford to waste it in bed. So I didn't. Dragged myself out of bed eight am..packed the old barely holding together rucksack (which someone had once upon a time left behind..), and went to search for normal hiking shoes and a raincoat (they promised it's going to rain). Returning with those purchased items plus a normal rucksack to Mallaig pier, I found myself smiling to seagulls, to dead fish lying on the pier and even to people. I got my ticket from a little brownish shed on the pier (18 £ for return ) and by 10.15 I was on the boat..or a vessel..or a ferry ..sorry Mr Bruce Watt ( http://www.knoydart-ferry.co.uk/ ).
As I was looking around on the boat I checked out my co passengers..some fancy dressed tourist, some couples, a young women and an elderly very ordinary looking couple who sat next to me. As we started to take off, I couldn't resist of taking a photograph of this old lady (the elderly looking couple).She was wearing the brightest head scarf, which was such a contrast to this grayish morning. And we started talking.
I will never ever judge people by their age or appearance again!! As it turned out, this elderly looking couple finished their round the world trip last year and six weeks ago they were in my home country!!!! Last time I was there was in February! So..we had something to talk about for a long time.
As we were sliding across Loch Nevis, the day grew brighter and brighter and people's faces turned happier and happier..everyone were laughing and chatting away, some silently admiring the rolling landscapes and passing hills.
For a moment the vessel filled with pure excitement when we spotted some dolphins...for a second.. and they were gone again..Everyone seemed to feel like they've just witnessed something very special and private..that we all shared together.
And then appeared Inverie. Little white houses on the mountainous green background. we were attached to the sight of the village.
Just before docking the young woman joined our conversation and we said goodbyes to the old couple. It was time to go. We landed, they continued their journey.
"In Knoydart Peninsula , there's a little village called Inverie (http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/knoydart/inverie/index.html).." said someone one day..and I knew straight away I had to go there..
Somehow I ended up spending my day in Inverie with this young women. Joanna was her name. We joined a little guided walk , all being ran by Knoydart Foundation (http://www.knoydart-foundation.com/home/). The sun was shining, people were merry and the ranger who walked with as was just an easygoing nature enthusiast who made you feel quite home and welcome (he seemed to have some kind of special relationship with rhododendrons though..).
We were walking by the wild river in front of the hills and Joanna had this strange urge to go for a swim..note that it was in September..so we left the group and practised some skinny dipping. What all you are willing to do with strangers for the sake of sense of freedom and life!
The river was truly freezing, mu nipples nearly fell off..but we knew that the trip would have been incomplete without this little monkey business.
After our refreshing dip we lied on the shore of the river..not a word was said..it was the moment to remember. I closed my eyes, felt the sun and warm breeze on my face. I felt the peace, the fellow feeling with this stranger next to me..everything just seemed so right at this moment..
But we had to move back because the ferry was going to pick us up at 3.00 pm but before going back there was something else we had to do. The Old Forge - UK mainland's remotest pub ( http://www.theoldforge.co.uk/ )!!!
I had this perfect plan in my head in the morning - that it's going to be a grey rainy day and I'm going to have a hot cup of tea and whisky in The Old Forge..but the bloody sun was shining so bright that it ruined my plans..so.. I skipped the tea..
I will not waste any words on The Old Forge..because it's the place you have to come to yourself ..it's the experience of emotions you get from that place. A Must Visit.
And our journey back to Mallaig lasted about three hours..dropping someone off and picking someone up in Tarbet. And a little tour to a lovely hidden place where the seals were sunbathing.
We were offered a cup of tea and biscuits on the ferry. It was just a lovely, lovely day out. A day to remember indeed. And many thanks to Joanna and this lovely elderly travelling couple and the local ranger who made this day worth remembering.

fancy being a waitress/waiter for a change?!?

Working as a waitress has many advantages( yes- I am being serious about this flying high and achieving my goals/reaching full potential occupation).
Firstly - don't tell me you've never wondered what's behind those "Staff Only" doors!! So, one has FREE access to following:
"Staff Only" mysterious rooms;
delicious food which one couldn't be bothered to cook oneself in the evening after hard labour;
different cultures and languages from your working time (specially on the high season);
cafetiere coffee, americano, latte, cappuccino con panna, espresso, ristretto - you name it!;
insight to EVERY local's personal life (even if one wishes not to dive into those current affairs);
house specials special ingredients and secrets;
usage of wonder equipments such as Orderman (you may have noticed those little blackish touchscreen gadgets waiters and waitresses are using to scribble down your order on a sunny day in a beach restaurant;
if you are lucky enough to work in a stylish place..then fancy costumes, outfits are guaranteed;
and most of all - free access to handsome vulnerable foreign travellers :D