Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

First sighting of the Orkneys.  They're flat, very unlike the Faroes.

We arrived in Great Britian, where, since Brexit, now requires a visa.  No problem, we did that months ago.  We even showed a print out of it when we boarded.  But today, the rule apparently were that Customs and Immigration had to conduct face to face interviews with each passenger.  You know those times when there is a rule, and they follow the rule, but only to the extent necessary?  The guy took my passport, opened it toward his face, while saying, thanks and then handing it back.  I’m not sure he noted anything.  But we’re safe for the next several stops in Great Britain.

Farms and farms, including a wind farm.

We did some house shopping...  Not close enough to an airport.

We were here.

Specifically...here!

Well, what could be in this little hotel??

Our first tour was a bit delayed since our ship was a bit delayed.  But after the rigorous passport control, we jumped off the ship about 9:45 for our 9:30 meet time.  Our tour was a Scotch Tasting by Highland Park.  Highland Park holds the distinction of being the northernmost Scotch distillery in the world (and in Scotland, but who’s arguing).  Curiously, they didn’t mention that in the presentation.

Seems like three were missing.  Hmmm...

Beginning at 10AM, we enjoyed a selection of four Scotch products, a 12, 14, 15, and 18 year old.  Bill has the 12 year at home at a meagre $50.  Naturally, Theresa liked the 18 best, coming in at roughly $175.  They made a modest presentation during the tasting, backed up with a video behind them.  It was nice enough.  But there was more intrigue and passion in the box at home than we perceived in the tasting room, which was a bit of a letdown.

The selection.

They forayed into the discussion about using peat (which is burned for the drying process, and gives the whisky a delightful earthy smoky flavor), and how both the availability of peat and it’s CO2 impact means they need to change processes by about 2035 and be carbon neutral by 2040 (or so).  I might need to stock up on some good Islays (heavy peat and smoke) before 2030, long before they adopt a fake way of making it.

The Kirkwall hotel.

The old gate into the church.

We then started a bit of a walking tour of Kirkwall.  The name Kirkwall roughly comes from the church (Kirk in old Danish) and the bay that used to come right up to the front of the church.  The church was built in about the 12^th century and named for St. Magnus, the leader from decades earlier.  After his death, miracles occurred at his burial site and they determined he must be a Saint.  But it took them 3 centuries to finish the church.

The Orkneys used to be part of Denmark (as did the Shetlands to the north).  But, in about 1460, the King of Denmark wished to have his daughter marry the King of Scotland, but being short on funds for the dowry, made the Orkneys the dowry.  Not able to come up with the money to buy them back, they just sort of stayed.  Thus, their flag is of the Nordic/Scandinavian design.

St. Magnus Church

It's amazing what they did 700-900 years ago!

The nave is dwarfed by the huge pillars! Still, grand!

So, in one of the lectures, she told us how the
idea of stuff on the sides of their hats was both 
silly and recent (Hollywood).  But, maybe not?

Denmark and Norway were once one country.
So, the people of Orkney associate with the Norse
history as much as British.

People are DYING to get in here!  (It had to be done!!)

The Bishop's palace (or fortress!). 
Wonder if there is a King, Knight, and Rook nearby?

Good Luck Lauren!!  And whatever his name is!

We (Theresa and Bill) then walked about looking for souvenirs (mostly for a flag).  While we searched, this bridal party (sort of) passed us several times.  We learned that as sort of a bachelorette party, they ride around in a wagon or truck, and make lots of noise and have fun.  We’re not sure all of the details, but it was a bit smelly, and definitely loud.  But we wish them the best!

Back to the boat, we enjoyed lunch (sitting out on the restaurant patio), a bit of a snooze (well, Bill did), and then made our way down to Trivia.  Apparently a LOT of people were off of the ship, and as luck would have it, we scored 13 out of 15 gaining us FIRST place!!

Great day for a sail!!  Though accommodations may vary!

French something.

For dinner, we had reservations at the French restaurant, Chartreuse.  It was super fancy.  It was also good, but two hours is a bit long for dinner for our standards.  The ship set sail over dinner, so we enjoyed the same views (in reverse) as we saw at breakfast...both through dirtyish windows.  (We did our best with the pictures!)

A tower of sweetness!

After dinner, Theresa went to the show, and Bill got busy on the blog.  We expect to have some bumpy weather over the next couple of days.  Should be…fun!