20 things I love about Scotland

Having visited my friends in Scotland recently I have been inspired to write many different posts. I will be writing separate things about my time in Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow, but thought a snappy list would be  a fun start! When moving to the Isle of Wight, I learnt that there was a certain charm in Scotland that I missed and can't quite describe. Here are some things I love about the tartan north of the United Kingdom:

1. A good ol' irn bru

Iron brew is my favourite beverage! It is the GREATEST invention from Scotland! Some might disagree with me there seeing as scottish, Alexander Bell invented the telephone...Anyway, only in Scotland can you go to  most fast food places, restaurants and all pubs and get a lovely glass of this fine fizzy stuff! That is what I miss most of moving back to England. It is also my favourite hangover cure.

2. The friendly accents

I've always loved the Scottish accent! I love some Scottish words like bosie, wee (as in small), bam, bairn, tattie, Maw...

3. Glasgow's shopping

I love shopping! How did I forget this? My recent visit has seen some great purchases  (mostly from Primark and some of the Glasgow markets that were on). Every time I'm in Glasgow, I feel a huge need to go Urban Outfitters. It's buildings are gorgeous with Buchanan Galleries, lots of shops spread across the west end...I could go on! Updating my wardrobe, buying LOTS of tights (which I still misplaced), candles, gifts for friends to thank them for letting me stay at theirs. Also used my card while out in pubs in Glasgow, needless to say it had a scary outcome...

4. Easy transport links

Photo credit to a tourism website

All transport seems easy since living on the Isle of Wight, where bus travel was so expensive and you only get trains in certain parts of the island (not covering where I live). For example, East Cowes where I live doesn't do return tickets on the bus, and singles cost £3.50, which is ridiculous since it doesn't take longer than 30 minutes on the bus to go most places. Going to Glasgow was refreshing where there are heaps of taxis, regular buses, subway system, trains...

5. Advantages of living in Scotland

Luckily I lived in Scotland for 3 years before uni and benefitted

If you live in Scotland you get benefits like free tuition when going to uni, free prescriptions, irn bru everywhere (as mentioned above - I really love iron brew, ok!).

6. Gallery of Modern Art

 ...

One of my favourite places to visit in Glasgow is the GOMA and think everyone should go once if they visit G-town. I even have a coin to prove I went! The art there is beautiful. Granted I've only been once (and it was about a year ago).

7. The drinking culture

A love of drinking...although I state it is a big stereotype placed on Scots that they are big drinkers and whiskey types. I'm yet to meet a Scot who only drinks whiskey. I love to drink and socialise when I can, although I hate going to clubs and the traditions of being a twenty something. However, I did enjoy doing a recent sub-crawl with friends when visiting in Glasgow. Drunken stories to follow...

8. Buildings

There is something beautiful about the buildings; they all have a sense of history to them. Aberdeen's buildings have them known as the "granite city" with a lot being made of granite, and making the city look very dull. Glasgow and Edinburgh are beautiful to me with a sense of history behind everything you see. In Edinburgh, I love going to Jenner's; it is a right of passage if you visit the scottish capital. I've never visited the Edinburgh Castle, which is a shame; it looks so pretty. It's funny because doing my GCSE History, I got an A in an essay about castles (so boring to write but chose to write about castles I thought looked the most interesting). I had written about Edinburgh Castle and two I'd visited during different school trips. It makes sense that I at least visit it, right?

9. Constantly looking to be different

Sorry! I can't think of a picture to sum up this one. There is always something unique, different, outstanding about Scotland. They fought the English, some Scots want independence, the men wear kilts, they invented, conquered, they are proud to be Scottish...Unlike the English, they seem much more patriotic and proud of their routes!

10. Kilts & Tartan

Men look HOT in kilts (don't think this picture necessarily proves the point). Hopefully I marry a Scot one day, or a man that will wear a kilt at least once a year. I also love the tartan print that is associated with Scotland. Love tartan detailing to lining of coats, or on scarves, accessories, decor and clothing.

11. The food

I blame Scotland for getting me fat. So much nice food and adaptations  The cakes all seem to have extra cream; scottish tablet is amazing; the invention of the battered Mars bar (or anything in batter actually). There are so many nice restaurants, takeaways I went to on my visit. Maybe I will combine a list of my favourite food recommendations if you visit the bonnie north!

12. All my friends live there!

At my 21st birthday making chocolate with friends

With friends who live in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, I love visiting and feel like a small piece of heart will stay that. Yes, I know it sounds incredibly cheesy, but feel it somehow makes me feel like I'm returning home.

13. It's the place of my achievements

It's where I decided to climb kilimanjaro, did college, had my first job, first paid job in fundraising (my dream), graduated uni, did a bungee jump, rented my first flat alone, first proper boyfriend, where I had my first driving lessons, and many more firsts that I can't think of...

14. Home of great music, writers, comedians...

It's the home of writers like Robert Burns, J.K Rowling, Ian Rankin; my favourite music including: The View, Biffy Clyro, Calvin Harris and Emeli Sande; comedians/actors such as Ashley Jensen, Kevin Bridges, Ewan McGregor, Sean Connery and so on.

15. Feels like home

Flattening a poster and tired during Freshers' Week!

I spent all my adult life in Scotland, and that must count for something because as said in point 12, it feels like I'm coming home. 

16. The sense of humour

Photo credit to Daily Record

It seems like the place where they get that 90% time I'm not being serious. They also have an amazing sense of humour that often has me in stitches!

17. Patriotism

As touched on in point 9, the Scots are hugely patriotic. Made in Scotland, flags and everything symbolic of Scotland will be everywhere you touch, I promise you! It is nice to go somewhere that people are so proud to be who they are. For example, there are few Scots that will say they are British, they say they are Scottish. I always say I'm British; mainly because although I was born in England and lived there until I was 16, I feel from my ancestry and my general feelings about the UK that I can't say I'm not part of the other lovely countries that make Britain.

18. Tolbooth museum

Credit to STV

This is one of my favourite sights when visiting Aberdeen. I recommend this free tourist attraction to anyone as it gives you a small insight into the city's old prison. I loved it. Granted I've only been once and jumped at one stage as I turned round a corner from the stairs, and the first thing I saw was a dummy/prisoner. Scary! I think I might have screamed...

19. Animal places

I love visiting animal sights such as butterfly world (love that place in Leeds) and things like that. Therefore I couldn't forget to include Edinburgh's zoo where you must see the penguin parade when you visit. A penguin actually walked past me! It was by far one of my favourite memories. I got my parents to take me on my 21st birthday, and this is a picture we took when we went. I do warn that you should never go with people like my dad though; he was the man who pushed his own daughter out the way to get decent pictures of animals. Hilarious! I also enjoyed Dundee's Camperdown park.

20. Their traditions

Credit to Haven.com where I got this picture

Scotland is famous for so many things from inventors, writers, actors, comedians, music, art, as mentioned. However, they also have lovely traditions such as ceilidh dancing at special occasions (or just for the sake of it), Burns Day, Hogmanay, bagpipes...They even have their very own myth in the shape of the Loch Ness monster, and people in Aberdeen have their own language known as Doric. Fit like!

Leaving with you with a picture as I left Glasgow a little over two months ago! Even the scenery is beautiful.

Blogtober16 - Alltime Favourite Music

Today marks my birthday, so that's why this post went live at midnight. I hope to keep up my usual birthday traditions - lovely continential breakfast, something fun (visiting the Owl & Monkey Haven on the island) and presents. I can't wait! I will probably post all about it and the importance of birthday and their traditions after blogtober is over.

Today is also the 26th day of blogtober, and asks what are my 10 all-time favourite songs? Unfortunately I think this is too difficult, and feel that it changes upon every year. Instead I thought it would be more fun to include my all-time favourite bands/singers, so here goes (they come in particular order).

This is music that I could listen to time and time again! It is music that I love time and time again, even when time passes.

1. Fall Out Boy

I've loved FOB, since I first listened to them as a teenager. So many favourites from them, and I love them all the more from seeing them live last year.

2. Biffy Clyro

I listen to their albums repeatedly on long travels, during good times and bad. I've listened to their songs countless times. Favourites include Opposites, Pause It And Turn It Up, Glitter & Trauma, Eyelids... I could really go on!

3. Nirvana

Who couldn't include this 90s favourite?  I love their music so much, and it's a damned shame they weren't around longer to create more great songs. There could be much more than Come as you are and Smells like teen spirit. I love 90s music too and often listen to many songs that make me think of growing up such as songs from All Saints, Wheatus and I can't even think of others just now...

4. Foo Fighters

One of my favourites live and have an obvious passion for their art. I love their music so much! Even the old stuff is good to me.

5. Pink

I could listen to her over and over. When I'm cleaning the bathroom or doing anything that requires concentration I listen to her songs. I love songs like Family Portrait, Stupid Girls, U + Ur Hand, Just like a pill, get the party started (that's where my love for her began).

6. Sia

A new favourite, but long may it continue. Sia has been a long unspoken songwriter as well as showcasing some beautiful songs. Her songs are known for their controversial music videos and her inability to show her face on page; it's what make her all the intriguing. She is truly talented!

7. Twenty One Pilots

This is a fairly recent one, but as my recent review of the Blurryface album indicates a lot of their songs mean something to me. To read this review, click here.

8. Eminem

Perhaps the only rap music I've ever truly liked. My name is, Lose Yourself, Stan, Love the way you lie, Berzerk and many other favourites have put a smile to my face or got me humming.

9. Bullet For My Valentine

This is my angry music. I listen to it when I'm in a mood and just need time to think things through. I love the fast music. Favourites include: Tears Don't Fall, 10 Years Today, Cries In Vain, All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me) and Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow (What Can I Do).

10. Gwen Stefani/ No Doubt

I love her cheery voice to her solo songs and wish she'd come out with more music. She evolved from it's my life and many other amazing songs from No Doubt to create Sweet Escape, What You Waiting For? and Cool.

Hope you like my list, some are a bit lame but they make me happy. What is your all-time favourite music? I'd love to hear it! I'm always looking for new things to listen to.

Blogtober16 - Favourite Concert

I've seen quite a few concerts/gigs (not as many as I wish I had), but not sure I could eliminate my favourite.

My first gig was Girls Aloud. It was in Manchester and think one of the first of their tours. They were a good first concert because there was glamour, dancing and singing. It was also noted as the last tour before they split. Cheryl then went solo and many of the girls had their own individual successes. I must admit that I went off them due to the performance. While some were good, Sarah Harding screamed. It was like hearing a cat. It's no wonder she didn't go solo! That gig was rumoured to be the time that Cheryl got stage fright hence them getting on stage after 9pm.

From there, my favourites to see have been Wheatus, Foo Fighters, Fall Out Boy, Beyonce, Friendly Fires, Biffy Clyro... It's important to note that from every gig or festival I aim to collect programmes (if not I get a T-shirt) and keep the tickets and/or wristband. I'm a big souvenir hunter or collector, which ever term suits.

Fair enough I saw both Foo Fighters and Beyonce at T in the Park, but they were both incredible. I'd always been a fan of both. However while my love for Foo Fighters intensified, my love for Beyonce faded. She was amazing, and couldn't be faulted for her performance but somehow I've gone off her style of music. I'd still dance to all her songs with Beyonce booty shaking style if her song came on while I was drunk, but I'd no longer describe myself as a fan as such. Foo Fighters loved being there and had amazing stage presence. I think Dave Grohl actually outstayed his arranged slot. He played all my favourites and I just loved it! It was a great end to the weekend.

Also while at T in the Park, I saw Friendly Fires but was probably too drunk/hungover to remember it. However I saw them live a few months later. It was the first time I went to Glasgow too! I love them so much, I even have their song lyrics on my back.See yesterday's post to see the tattoo I got.

It sounds really bad, but I spent more time getting annoyed with the crowd jamming situation than enjoying the gig of Biffy Clyro. It was the time when I believe I went with the most set of friends - my friend, Lisa (and about 4/5 of her friends), Stacey (and a whole heap of her friends), Hannah and Suzanne. Somehow it ended up being me, Hannah and Suzanne as we lost everyone else and we had the most annoying girls around us. I remember Biffy Clyro being great, but would do anything to see them again. This time I would actually hope to remember it properly!

About this time last year, I saw my favourite band as a teenager, Fall Out Boy. I even got the T-shirt. Every song sounded like when it had been recorded. They were just how I imagined. They played all my favourite songs which is almost every one they've released! I didn't sense much excitement from them, but I believe it was the first gig in the UK and they could have been a bit jetlagged. Pete Wentz got very deep on stage.

The same weekend I saw FOB, I saw my nostalgic favourite, Wheatus. They were a big surprise to me. I didn't expect them to be quite so good. I went almost as a joke and couldn't believe how cheap the tickets were. How often do you get gig tickets for well-known bands for under £20? I only went to hear Teenage Dirtbag, but realised I heard more of their songs than I knew. I loved them! Best of all, they seemed happy to be there. They still loved their music and said how lucky they were to still being doing what they enjoy. I would definitely want to see Wheatus again and recommend to anyone!

I'm not one to take pictures at concerts, so don't have anything to accompany this post, so I apologise.

So in conclusion, there is no "one favourite". I've been lucky to see some amazing acts, and aim that next year I will see at least 3 gigs live instead of the pitiful one of this year!

Anyway, what has been your favourite gig? I'd love to hear!