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"We
are dedicated to providing a memorable and enriching experience that lasts
a lifetime" |
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| Rabbie's Update: Tales from the Trail. |
June
2008 | Issue 15 |
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Summer is here! |
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| Rabbie's News | ||||
As we plunge into summer, and yes we are actually having some thrilling, hot and sunny summer days, the heat hasn't just waved at us and moved along, it is actually here and staying a while, especially in the Highlands, where the great yellow orb has been particularly kind! The sun of course enhances all of Scotlands beauty and bounty, so what better time than now to join a small group tour, and save resources, money and your energy by not' going it alone', and let us do all the hard work! Our tours are very busy, but we do have spaces for all those intrepid explorers out there. Our 15th year birthday party was a great success. A warm, balmy evening saw our guests arrive at the ruins of Craigmillar Castle resplendant in their fetching gowns and kilts for a night of socialising, feasting, drinking and dancing. It had an air of the medieval, and I'm quite sure that even Mary Queen of Scots herself would have been delighted to indulge in the high spirits! An early start gave everyone plenty time to drink in the atmosphere of this incredible venue. Haste us back! |
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| Congratulations to Brian, Eric and Frank who are all enjoying life on the open road, in this their first season with Rabbie's! As we welcome some new faces, we also said goodbye to Jacquie who has left for pastures new. Good luck lassie! Our Orkney tour had its maiden voyage in May, and has been hailed a great success. Departures this summer have seen an overwhelming amount of interest, and I can totally understand why! Hazel, our sales manager ran the Edinburgh marathon in May and sprinted across the line in 3 hours and 53 mins, our regular flying Scots lass! | ||||
| Quote of the season
so far.. Last week I took the 5 day tour to Mull, Iona and Skye, and enjoyed a hearty trip! We were blessed with good weather and great company. During the tour my lovely Spanish lass, Mamen, felt a little unwell due to a cold, and lost her voice. On enquiring if her throat was sore, as her voice was scarcley audible, she smiled at me and said " no, no, I have only lost my voice because Scotland leaves me breathless!" I love it! That is what it is all about! |
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Sunset over the Cuillin on Skye |
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Old Scottish
Proverb: Never marry for money - you can borrow it cheaper! |
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| Our Natural World - The Sun! | ||||
  With summer here, there is the tendancy sometimes to over indulge in
suns rays...well this applies mostly if you're from the UK!
It is common to see white bodies scalded red, as folks try and improve
their blue skin tones. It's kind of understandable if you live here - especially in Scotland, as sometimes the sun is very shy and hides a lot! For those of us that have enjoyed the sun too long, here are a few tips to help: My granny always said that if you rub an onion into your palms and feet, the smell will help to ward off symptoms of too much sun which can leave you feeling giddy and sick! Yuck! It'll chase away all your friends too! And then to ease the pain of skin burn, she aye (always) said if you make a big brew of tea, let it stew a while until its cold, then soak a towel in the tea, and place it on the sore bits it will ease the pain. Tea bags release tannin which will help to soothe the skin! And then you can put the used tea bags on your eyes and give them a gentle soothing too! |
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Short Story! |
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| What do you think that we all hope to find in our life time? I believe its love! To have someone else (outside your family, because they are supposed to love you!) look upon you, and for each to know in that moment, as a spark to a flame, there ignites a fire of passion, promise and pre marital chinnanigans! To know whole heartedly that this person shares your dreams, your highs and lows, your fears and hopes, and that in the joining of hands, the joy of knowing you need look for love no more! It is here! It has arrived like a giant Christmas present, and its all yours! Now I am an old fashioned lass, whose soul has been hewn from the rocks of romance, and believe my prince will come galloping by on his black charger, and sweep me off my feet into the heather.....oh, ok a steady trot will do! But seriously nothing can surely be more valuable than love. Without it we are mute, so I was delighted to attend my cousins wedding in the Highlands in May, 3 weeks ago in Glenfinnan. Glenfinnan is where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard calling for the Highland clans to rally in support of the Jacobite cause and the rising of 1745. What a setting! It is hard to imagine a more glorious place to marry. The clans arrived finally for Charlie, and here too this day, they arrived over hill and strath and descended upon the little church. The bride arrived 20 mins late, as was her duty, and was led down the aisle by the local piper. My thoughts once again strayed to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites following the piper as they started the long march south that would ultimately bring them to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh before heading over the border into England. The ceremony was gentle and refreshing just like a Highland breeze, and as the bride and groom led the way from the church, taking their first steps as' man and wife', the little doors of the church opened, the sun in all its glory shone brightly, and the heavenly view of Loch Sheil fell before us. Bha e draoidheil. (It was magic). I spoke with father Roddy after the service as we both admired the view, and he said " aye lass, its some sight" . "Aye" I agreed with a contented sigh. "I have heard, he said, that Jimmy Saville (a well known UK celebrity) visited the church, and was asked what he thought of it". "Oh aye" said I. "Aye, apparently he said whilst he admired God's church, he much preferred his cathedral!" father Roddy continued. I laughed in agreement. I guess he too had stood like us in wonder at such a breathtaking sight. It was a day for continous smiles, for remember "love makes the heart lighter, and a light heart lives longest!" "Love is never a sin, only the lack of it!" (Rob Roy 1994) Go on spread the love! Oh and if you know anyone with long flowing locks of hair, and a black steed, I can be found at ........ |
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| In my last newsletter I featured a picture of the kilt worn by Liam Neeson in the movie Rob Roy, but of course any kilt always looks better when worn by a hunky man! Now luckily enough for me it happens I was fortunate enough to have some lads on my tour bus that fitted the bill, and in an unashamed and glorious moment, 3 of my Rob Roy 'wannabees' dropped their breeks and posed with great gusto on the Quiriang, Skye! Lads - my thanks to you all for being such good sports, and for your kind permission to use these exclusive photos! | ||||||
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Smaoin an latha -
Gaelic thought for the day! Cha d'dhuin dorus nach d'fhosgail dorus (No door ever closed but another opened) |
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 June 14th - 23rd: The Fig Tree. The sensible one! Someone born here is very strong and independant and intelligent with a zest for life, loving everything and everyone. With a great sense of humour, they do not like to be drawn into arguments! They can be lazy and a little flighty like a butterfly! June 24th: Birch Tree. The inspirational one! Someone born here is calm and contented so are naturally attractive with their unpretentious and modest manner. With a bright imagination, they tend not to indulge in excesses! June 25th - July 4th: Apple Tree. The Loving One Someone born here always likes to be in love, and are therefore charming, flirtatious and adventurous but sensitive. They crave to be loved, and make faithful generous partners who live for the day! |
 Ah with hair flowing.........where to thy mount?! |
And a wee joke to end.... My father in law is called the exorcist, because
everytime |
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that's is for another quarter! Wishing you all a happy, healthy and heavenly summer! Hope to see you on tour soon! (Chi mi sibh a dh'aithghearr!) ...........from Suu and all at Rabbie's! |
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