Wild in Scotland-part 3

Dla Moj Kochany

Day 5

To me, this trip was exceptional because of Orkney. On the top of Great Britain, Orkney is located where the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea meet. From the map, you might hardly pay any attention to the existance of this island. But can you believe such a place with less than 3000 population consists of 70 islands? And more than that, the existance of civilization there has gone back 5000 years ago. With less influence from Celtic culture, Orkney certainly is unique to the rest of Scotland.

 

The Italy Chapel was our first visit. Without the face of serious stonely sculpture, this church was warm and cosy. The monastery of Applecross only left an image of historical remark in my mind however, I liked Italy Chapel almost with my first blink. It was an amazing art by thousands of Italian prisoners during the second world war, for the need of worshippings.

 

Inside Italian Chapel

 

From 9th – 13th Centuries, Orkney was controlled by the earl for the Viking Kings of Norway. The Vikings has left their marks on this island: St Magnus’s Cathedral and the Bishops & Earls Palaces in the village Kirkwall.

 

Outside of St.Magnus Cathedral

 

I went inside church because of tour guide’s suggestion. It was just after the mass, I could see a flow of grandma and grandpa getting out. I got inside for a while and had some chat with one local lady. She told me it was sort of spiritual festival for these africian people and they had show at different countries.

 

Moving on, we decided to have a walk at the Mull head which is a very popular place. I was standing at the cliff looking over the ocean. I could see seals there, time by time watching us as we did same to them. Local residents there are often senior and retired people. They came with their pets, having a walk at Mull head. They often smiled to us, and I just felt here a simple quiet life leading to an idealism world.

 

at Mull Head

 

Cows just happy to see human~

 

My favourate about Orkney is Skara Brae and Ring of Brogar. They are prominent landmarks which to me, are more than beach, cliff and wild lives. In 1850, a huge storm on this island has uncovered ancient farming villages which existed here around 5000 years ago. The excavations showed an amazing site: stone age. Walking around the ancient houses with primal bed, table, and other equipments, an image of ancestors life living was acrossing my mind. But, that is not all…More amazingly, the ring of Brogar has proven the most remarkable heritage of our time. No one exactly knows what was the real purpose for those people to build these circle stones? For sacrifices, worshiping or calculating the time or season… Standing beside stone, we only could guess.

 

 The well preserved ancient atone age house

 

 Sitting on ancestors’ house, calling kochani

 

 The ring of Brogar

 

 I knew certainly there are other places we could not visit within a short stay. I promised myself that I would come back. Remember, I have left Scotland behind!

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