For those of you who have been wondering where I have been, I have returned to my course in Archaeology in the northerly island of Orkney.
Some of you may not know where Orkney is, or why such a small island has a college devoted almost entirely to Archaeology, which is what I am going to speak about while I am here.
Orkney is the second most northerly set of islands in Scotland, with the next being the Shetland isles. It has a single forest and consists mostly of open wilderness, with no deer population and most of the human community residing either in Kirkwall or in Stromness.
Orkney has an enormous amount of Neolithic sites with the well preserved Skara Brae often being called the Scottish Pompeii. Maes Howe was by far my favourite site due to the Viking graffiti within the chambered tomb, with the carving of what appears to be a dragon-like beast carved into one of the side pillars.
Along with this, there are a number of tall sandstone cliffs and seal colonies within the area which are extremely popular with those brave enough to take on the seas which are wild and dangerous especially during the winter.
With the Neolithic sites being in such large numbers, it makes sense that a lot of archaeologists would be drawn towards the site, and I am no different. With little understanding of what my future may entail, I decided to pursue Archaeology and hunt down site after site to satisfy my weaker travelling urges, and I shant lie in saying that Orkney was one of the sites I wanted to truly explore.
So here I am, just starting my course, with months ahead of me to truly invest myself in the culture of Orkney.
This is what I have to say so far: the locals are incredibly friendly (even in the towns), and the food is incredible. With the high streets lacking the existence of Starbucks and Costa, what you get is different in each shop.
Personally, I recommend trying out Sunbean down Victoria Street, and having yourself a taste of their Tumeric Latte: it keeps you warm in the cold and certainly warm in heart. And if that doesn't work out for you The Reel produces music as well as a damn good mocha, and the toasties are to die for!
That's all I have to say for now.
I hope you come visit Orkney after the winter passes. You certainly don't want to be driving over the Churchill Barriers during a storm. Trust me; the spray will knock the bus windows open!
