Before I begin my little rant, let me first say that Scotland is a beautiful country, and is easily one of the prettiest places I have ever been. The Highlands are incredible, the weather was awesome, and the people were very friendly. However, they are maniacal drivers!!!
Let it also be known that this was my first attempt at driving on the right side of the car, using a gear shift to my left, and driving on the left side of the road. Overall, Id have to say I picked that part up pretty quickly.
Dont worry, I can fly this
We encountered lots of single lane roads. Quite quaint really, and if you think about it, a real nod to what you think would be the speed of life in Scotland. However, I hit so many single lane roads with a speed limit of 50, with blind hills and blind corners. Fraying the nerves, to say the least!
WTF does this sign mean?!? Oh shit!!! This is definitely meant for foreign drivers.
Finally, whats up with rotaries/roundabouts? In theory, I think these are a great idea, but not when they are 3 and 4 lanes deep! Who has the right of way (Ok, this one is my fault)? To be honest, I never figured it out, and I finally decided that the best policy was to just 'punch it' at a congested rotary and pray for the best. (Luckily, no problems! I think that is the Scottish policy too!)
Ok - rant off. Again, let me reiterate that I absolutely LOVED Scotland. We were greeted by friendly people everywhere we went. The landscape and scenery were absolutely incredible. They even have a monster for God's sake! I would go back in a heartbeat. After all, who couldnt love a country that has:
I AM William Wallace! Wallace Monument in Stirling:
And, the view the morning we left this amazing country - the Isle Of Skye bridge:
Next up was Salute in London. I dont have many pictures of this. I do have a few videos, but to be honest, they werent really worth eating up bandwidth. This was a great show - a massive vendor hall, games being played all around, harassment by Imperial Stormtroopers, and I got to meet in person several people that I know through blogging and forums. I put a serious dent into my yearly 'little man' spending during this convention.
My loot
One of the other highlights of my trip was getting to meet 'The Angry Lurker' who in fact, didnt really seem angry, or too lurker-y, at all! Im sure most of you who see my blog already know who Angry is, but if you dont, check out his blog here. Fran (if that is his REAL name) was a great guy and it was really cool to meet the guy whose blog Ive followed for several years now. Maybe he gets grumpy while gaming, or losing, or???? I dont know - I just didnt see the whole 'Angry' thing. I also got to meet the rest of the Rejects.
I'm glad you had a good one and survived, as I said meeting you and your good lady was a highlight as us pretty people need to stick together, nice one Jay and thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe Lurker gets everywhere!
ReplyDeleteIf you think Scotland is bad, try driving in Sicily, Belgium and Italy - by far the worst countries I've experienced for nutters behind the wheel.
Having said that, I once worked for a company that took over an American company and three of their executives came over for a visit. I was charged with driving them from Coventry to the NEC conference centre in Birmingham. They were running late so I helped them make up some time by driving very fast down the A roads and motorway. I thought they were quite rude as they didn't join in any conversation I tried to start. Pulled in at the NEC with a minute to spare and they just jumped out and ran in. How rude! It was only later that my boss told me that they were from a relatively small town in the mid-West and had never driven at , been driven at or indeed experienced the speed I had achieved. They were not rude - just terrified and couldn't wait to get out of the car!
Glad you enjoyed the trip BTW
Great Photos! The Lurker Lives! I've enjoyed "visiting" the UK and Scotland through your posts and photos, Jay!
ReplyDeleteLurker, Love your site and many, many posts. I need to subscribe to your blog.
I had much the same experience in Wales last year (although with my own car). I had no problems with tailgating (speedwise we were en par), but what really freaked me out (and much more so my better half since she was sitting on the right side) was that they would still cut corners even when they saw you comming!
ReplyDeleteThat being said... I would always do it again. British country lanes so great to drive if you have a proper car!
Cheers,
Burkhard
P.S.: That sign is a general warning sign. Usually something to do with the road condition or the fact that it is an accident hot spot (they should set it up at any bend in the road in Wales then).
Your notes on the correct technique for roundabouts are spot-on. The only style point that you missed in order to fit in like a native is this ...
ReplyDeleteWhen approaching a roundabout look BRIEFLY to your right to judge the speed of the car approaching. If you can get your nose out onto the roundabout ahead of him then you have de facto right of way.
Accellerate.
On no account should you look right again or slow down as you cross the 'Give Way' dotted lines guarding the roundabout. These are a trick to fool inexperienced drivers and overseas visitors.
The driver bearing down hard on your unprotected flank will be forced to brake and may flash his lights, or sound his horn and gesticulate. This is simply an acknowlegement of your superior driving skills and nerve from one afficionado to another. Returning the acknowlegement with a gracious wave is not a good idea however :O)
Kind regards, Chris