Kelly Saiz

As a student in Scotland for the last three years, I’ve been fortunate enough to make it to the Highlands a few times. In March, my old and very dear friend Elizabeth and I went for a jaunt up north to the Isle of Skye, stopping at various locales on our way there and back. We were blessed by beautiful weather, though Lizzy wanted to experience ‘real Scottish weather’ and, bless you EK, you finally got what you wished for on our last day.

Between marching to and from our ‘bus’ at various ‘photo stops’ and observing the interesting behaviors of our fellow tour-goers and especially our loquacious guide, I had one of the most gratifying trips of my life and I owe it to the excellent humor and wit of Miss Liz. Cheers to you, dear.

Lizzy, who has spent the last year studying in Morocco and Switzerland, has a very interesting website featuring her thoughtful essays, you can find it here.

And now, our trip in photos taken with my cranky camera:

Somewhere in Glen Etive (above and below) – in the neighborhood of where James Bond’s most recent installment Skyfall was filmed.

On the Isle of Skye, above and below.

This was in the middle of a harrowing one-hour long hike.

Here we are at Quiraing (still on the Isle of Skye) – quite possibly the most beautiful landscape I’ve ever seen.

Can’t make this stuff up! More photos of Quiraing above and below.

Above: Liz in Loch Ness.

How beautiful are the colors in Lizzy’s hair?

Scotland is a visually rich place that leaves me feeling contemplative and peaceful – I know that I will be thrilled to return to this country long after graduating. Needless to say, I highly recommend.

More photos of this trip and other spots in Scotland can be found on my Instagram.