People in the UK are Kind

A Welshie Big Adventure in Scotland

An Anniversary gift we received recently.

Over the last three months I have talked a lot about the places we have visited. We have seen some pretty amazing sights to be sure, but what I have enjoyed almost more than seeing the sights, are meeting the people. People in the UK are kind, funny, generous, and intelligent.

It started back in Wales on the farm. Karen and Emyr were our hosts, but they became more than hosts to us, they became friends. Caroline, whom I met at Yr Talbot, approached me offering to take us to a spot of beauty near her office.

A pub drink with Caroline before we left Tregaron.

As we walked through Tregaron with the dogs each day, people we had met at the pub or at church would wave or stop for a chat, or pet them.

Of course my UK Welsh Terrier friends have opened up their homes and hearts to us since the day we arrived.

We couldn't have done this without Claire and Neil.

Special thanks to all the people who sent me messages, told me where we should visit, and even pushing me once or twice to drive the extra mile to see something truly fantastic.

Frank for the Welsh Terrier UK group chatting with Brian.

This warmth and generosity continued as we traveled through England and Scotland.

In England it was a bit more challenging to make connections because Stow was a much larger town and our hosts lived elsewhere. But we met lovely staff at The Hive, where we had breakfast; The Avenue, where we had both breakfast and lunch; and at the Fox Inn, where we had drinks and dinner. People were quick with a smile and eager to know more about us. They were also happy to suggest places we should visit, hike or eat.

Now that I am in Scotland, I have found the same to be true here. While in Kyle of Lochalsh, we met a man near our cottage who told us about places to hike and the history of our cottage. We also had a charming taxi driver who shared his enthusiasm for the Scottish Highlands while giving us a ride after we had a flat tire.

A view of Stirling Castle.

But the biggest surprise happened on our first day in Stirling. Brian and I brought the dogs into town, to learn about Stirling. Gargunnock, where we are staying, has a wonderful pub but no shopping or sight seeing opportunities. As we explored Stirling on foot, I announced it was time for my afternoon coffee.

Two very large Greyhounds stood at the coffee shop's door. So, I left Brian with the dogs outside, and popped in for our coffees. Emerging from the cafe, I saw Brian was chatting with an older lady. One thing to know about Brian and me is that we love to strike up conversations with new people.

"I brought your coffee." I told Brian extending my hand in his direction.

"Oh, I thought you had brought that for me." The woman replied and smiled widely.

That was all it took for us to spend the next twenty minutes chatting with her and her friend. We explained that it had been thirty years since we last visited Scotland. As we chatted about Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, Doris excused herself to run to the store for something she forgot.

Some time later she returned carrying something in her hand.

"This is for you both. Happy Anniversary." She said somewhat out of breath.

She explained that the six pence is considered good luck in Scotland, and she wished us all the luck for many further years together. Brian and I both were surprised by the incredibly thoughtful gesture. I asked if we could snap a selfie together and she chuckled. Eventually we collected the dogs and said farewell.

A group selfie with Doris, the kind woman who gave us the Anniversary gift.

The thoughtfulness we've experienced since we arrived in the UK in April is heartwarming.

The World Cup is taking place right now and Great Britain is football/soccer obsessed. When Scotland and England are playing we make sure to watch the match.

Appreciating the view, after discussing the World Cup with a group of English and Scottish hikers.

Over the weekend, we met a group of football fans at the top of Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. As we snapped photos of each other we discussed the chances of either team making it to the finals.

I will never forget this time we have spent in the UK. The people, the surroundings and the chance to bring my two furry travel companions almost everywhere with us has made this a trip full of memories. While the Welshie Big Adventure isn't yet over, I know that the way we have interacted with people here has made this trip the success it has been.