Hello Scotland!
I was in Aberdeen last weekend (or rather, for a long weekend, from Thursday till Sunday), and wanted to show you some pictures. And I really mean just a few, and no pictures of myself or outfits. That’s because things didn’t exactly go to plan. But more of that later.
So, what was I doing in Scotland? Well, remember a while ago when I said Professor M was going to start a new job? Well, here we are: our new U.K. base will be in Scotland, in Aberdeen.
Of course, we’ll still be the couple constantly commuting (pardon the alliteration) between two countries as I have no intention of moving to Scotland, or anywhere else for that matter. But I’ll be a frequent visitor. How frequent, that depends on Brexit, of course, and how difficult it will make life (and travel) for us…
Anyway… It was grey: both the town (the little that I saw) and the weather (it’s December, after all). And this wasn’t my first time in Aberdeen, so I also knew what to expect. But I only had one day to explore. Why just one day? So good of you to ask…
Hello Flu Season!
So, I arrived in Scotland late Wednesday evening, and spent Thursday walking around, getting lost because I got on the wrong bus, taking photos of this and that, and getting to know the neighbourhood of our temporary flat. And then, on Friday, I woke up with a flu… Cue two days spent in bed feeling utterly miserable (even more so because there was no Internet access and I was quickly burning through my monthly international mobile data allowance).
And on Sunday I had to get back to Finland. Or that was the plan, anyway. Due to some winds (or something weather-related), my flight was delayed, and I missed my connection in Amsterdam. So, I had to spend the night in a hotel before taking the first flight out in the morning.
OK, it happens, and normally I wouldn’t be too upset, especially since I had no work scheduled for Monday. But imagine doing this when you have a slight fever and are coughing like your lungs are about to collapse any minute. Long story short, I didn’t sleep much at night, but I did finally get back home on Monday morning.
And then I decided to do what a sensible, normal person would do and go on sick leave and try and get over this flu once and for all.
You see, I’m one of those people who’s ‘never ill’. Or, rather, I would never accept or admit being ill. Oh sure, I get the flu just like everyone else. And for a couple of days I feel like I’m at death’s door and just want to be left alone to die in peace. And then I realise I’m not going to die, after all, and start getting restless. Like, ‘how-much-longer-is-this-stupid-flu-going-to-last? I-have-a-million-things-to-do-I-don’t-have-time-for-this-shit‘ restless. And then I douse myself with all the flu medication I can get my hands on and get back to work or busy with whatever projects I have. And I’m sure you can guess what happens next? Yep, the flu comes back with a vengeance…
So, I decided that this time I’m going to put my health first: take some time off and get well. It’s just a few days, after all, how bad can it be?
Anyway, the plan is to get back to work on Friday, but take it easy over the weekend (and keep reminding myself that I’m still recovering). So, instead of flying out to the U.K. again, as I’d planned, to help Professor M with the move from Canterbury, I’m staying in Finland. Unfortunately, This means that I will also miss the farewell dinner with our lovely neighbours B and D. But my health should be the priority now. If I keep repeating that long enough, maybe it’ll become my new mantra…
Tiina
What have you been up to lately?
Linking up with:
Not Dead Yet Style, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, High Latitude Style, Style Elixir, A Labour of Life, Curly Crafty Mom, Fashion Should Be Fun, Color and Grace, The Wardrobe Stylist, Not Dressed As Lamb, Style Nudge, Living on Cloud Nine, A Well Styled Life, Elegance and Mommyhood. Posh Classy Mom, Nancy’s Fashion Style, Shelbee on the Edge, A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style Splash, The Fashionista Momma, Tina’s Pink Friday, Away from the Blue, Mummabstylish , Living on Cloud Nine, Mutton Years Style and I
Sorry to hear about your ‘flu I hope you make a quick recovery. Traveling from Finland to Aberdeen should be easier than to Cambridge, maybe.
Author
Well, it actually takes more or less the same amount of time going to Canterbury: first a direct flight to London, then the train. Going to Aberdeen means I have to change planes either in Amsterdam, Oslo or Copenhagen. But at least I won’t have to drag a suitcase across London…
Hope you are back on your feet quickly! Your pictures are very pretty. Looks like a lovely town. Got one kid sick today but hope he will only miss a couple days of school.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Author
Thanks, recovering slowly. I hope your child also recovers fast (and the others remain healthy).
Yes, Aberdeen is very pretty, but very grey. It’s all about grey granite (as opposed to the pink/brown granite in Helsinki…)
Oh no, Tiina! I am so sorry for your flu. I am very much like you, refusing to accept illness when it comes to visit because I can’t stand being unproductive. But then our bodies have this wonderful way of letting us know it is time for a rest and we must oblige when we can’t physically lift our heads off the pillow. I am glad you made it home safely although I am sure the travel day was absolute hell. I hope you are back to 100% very soon. And while Aberdeen does look quite grey in your photos, it still has a bit of romantic quaintness to it. Thanks for linking up with me!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Thanks! It took a long time, but I’m finally OK again.
I’m catching up here on blogs that I haven’t been able to read lately. Hope by now you are on the mend from the flu. That’s awful that you were sick in Aberdeen. I heard there is good shopping there. Maybe when you go back, you can check that out? Take care of yourself. Arlene from NJ
Author
Thanks, Arlene. It took me well over a week to get over the flu. And yes, I did manage to get a brief look at Aberdeen shopping opportunities, too.
Hello – just catching up with blogs so a belated welcome to Scotland! Aberdeen I don’t know but the coastline up from there is sublime – Dunnotar castle, that’s pretty fab (Mr Gravel guy says the cobble cliffs it sits on are more interesting than the castle as they are red quartzite carried by a huge river all the way from Norway 485 million years ago…). Glasgow is excellent if you ever make it down this way and if the weather is behaving, and I really hope you are over the flu bug and feeling much better. I will be interested to see what you make of the offerings in the UK stores 🙂
Author
Thanks, Juliet. I’m looking forward to exploring Scotland. I’ve only visited Glasgow briefly (a very long time ago), and I didn’t see much of Aberdeen this time, either, but I will be a (more or less, depending on how difficult Brexit makes it) frequent visitor in the future.