16 August, 2016
There's nothing quite like getting lost in nature and disconnecting in order to reconnect. This trip to Scotland had one aim: to fill the soul tank.
My original plan was to cover the 300-mile trip along the winding roads between Edinburgh and Skye on the back of my Italian friend's motorbike. Alas, the unpredictable UK weather put a dampener on our plans and we were forced to drive instead - though this by no means detracted from country's stunning scenery.
After four days exploring Glasgow's edgy nooks and crannies, followed by drinking my way around Edinburgh's pubs, I was ready to zen out and driving to Skye seemed the perfect way to do so.
I became acutely aware of space, time and simplicity on my journey. Scotland seems to exist beyond temporal bounds - there is no rush, everything is still. While navigating a backroad to watch the sunset on the beach, I came across an old lady who had carefully positioned her trailer in the best spot on the cliffside. She was in the middle of nowhere and completely alone, her trailer her only companion. And yet, she was completely content. This graceful simplicity seems to permeate Skye and is a part of its magic. While a hearty lust for life can be felt across much of Scotland, in Skye, this lust takes on a quieter, more blissful form.
I drove for a total of 16 hours and did two loops around the Isle, first heading north and then crossing west to east. The scenery changed often and unexpectedly: patches of long pasture would suddenly be juxtaposed by cliffs, waterfalls and natural swimming pools, where I'd often stop to meditate.
You can see the Isle of Skye in a day or a month. Its size makes it easy to explore, yet the beauty and diversity found within those small confines make it near impossible to leave.
