End of first night in Scotland

I have been in Scotland for less than twelve hours and already everything about this trip has been a delight. To be perfectly honest, I had my reservations about this trip. The idea of being in my own at a wedding where I know only the groom, and may or may not know one other person was really not my idea of ideal. But all that was far less important to me than being here.

If 2012 was the year of amazing travels for me (which it was) then 2013 is looking to be the year of reunions. Last month, my sisters and I got together for the first time in ten years. Today, I met a good friend whom I had not seen in twelve years. He was my first friend from University. So when he told me that he was getting married in Scotland, it naturally followed that I would be here for it. The fact that I did not know anyone else, that my husband did not want to come along, and that it is really an inopportune time to be away from work notwithstanding. The fact that I had an excuse to travel to Scotland was just a bonus. 

I am now in bed at the end of my first night here, in the home of the bride (whom I only met today)'s sister and her husband, who only found out that I was staying with them two hours before I arrived! But I have almost never been made to feel more welcome by total strangers. I have already been told that I am now part of the family, having bonded over wine and the joint enterprise of creating a surprise for the bride.

Without intending to speak against any of the countries where I have lived, or the country where I now live, I am realising again now much easier it is for me to get along with English speakers. I don't know if it is a language thing actually. I think it's just that I relate more or am more similar to these people and we understand each other better. It's something I had come to realise recently, having had slightly more contact with English speakers than before. Of course it might just be a particular connection with the individual or individuals, but I have felt so much more myself than I have in a long time. 

I have had such a nice time with the people I have just met. I have felt relaxed and belonging, and felt I could be almost completely open with them. There was no fear if judgement nor ridicule. In a way, it reinforces the issues and magnifies the difficulties which I have with where I live now. 

Anyway, must sleep. Tomorrow night I am apparently sharing a cottage with the groomsmen. This should be interesting...