Glasgow, Scotland

On Day 104, June 19, 2026 The Vista is scheduled to dock at 7:00 am, allowing all day to explore this country within a country. While they are officially under British rule, all self-respecting Scots will tell you first and foremost they are Scots! Our former assistant cruise director, Robbie, is my source for this information. Great pride in their heritage!

What is the one thing everyone has heard about in Scotland? The Loch Ness Monster, of course. So, my first and only choice for an excursion was "Panoramic Scottish Lochs", not that I expected to see Nessie but I did want to see the countryside and some of their lochs. Problem #1 with my selection: a relentless blowing rain - all day long! Problem #2: a relentless cold blowing rain - all day long. Problem #3: my handy dandy hot pink poncho (that Rocky graciously purchased for me in Greece) was neatly tucked inside a drawer in my room. Three strikes and you are out. Determined to see at least one loch, I bundled up as best I could and braved the elements for a brisk ten-minute walk from parking lot to Loch Lomond. Cute little village filled with interesting looking shops (not yet open for business), neat beds filled with pretty flowers, an informative sign detailing all anyone could possibly want to know about the loch, a long pier extending far out into the loch, and the loch itself.

According to the sign, Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake in mainland Britain at 24 miles long, 5 miles wide at its widest point and 643 feet deep. Wonders never cease, all this was expressed in measurements I was able to comprehend. A quick look-see, a few shots of the lake, a very poor selfie looking much like some kind of monster, and I retreated to the warmer confines of the tour bus from which I did not exit until we were back at the ship. From what I could see through the rain, the countryside equals that of France, England and Ireland in serenity and beauty. Too bad about the rain, although our guide was quick to point out that the very rain of which we were complaining was THE reason for the lushness we were (almost) seeing. Our route back to the ship included a 20 minute ferry ride across the River Clyde. Still I remained snuggly warm in the bus...

As we were leaving port that evening, the clouds parted revealing a bright blue sky, lush green landscapes and neatly kept commercial properties. Said views available on the opposite side of the ship from where I was dining.... At least Ron and David enjoyed it!

Next scheduled port: Torshavn (Faroe Islands) Denmark. "Torshavn is named after Tor, the god of weather, strength and growth in the Norse mythology." So says our daily Currents publication. As Tor would have it, we were to dock in this capital city at 7:00 am, June 21st.

Said pier was located at the end of a somewhat narrow channel experiencing high swells early morning June 21st. Result: yet another announcement from our cautious captain that we would not be visiting the Faroe Islands. Oops! Seas the day it is! Again! I would give an eye tooth to know who on this vessel has so offended Tor!!!!! Weather has not been our friend this trip!!!!

Today is Someday! Sing in the Rain!